Gov’t Launches Groundbreaking Skills Program For 15,000 Motorcyclists

By Grace Bryant Mollay
The Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Laraamand Nyonton, on Tuesday, April 15, announced a landmark initiative aimed at transforming the lives of thousands of young motorcyclists across Liberia.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing, Nyonton revealed a strategic collaboration between the government and the Motorcycle Federation to officially launch the “Skills for Work Accelerator Program for Bike Riders” on April 25, 2025.
The program, developed in partnership with the Office of the Vice President, the Liberia Maritime Authority, Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation, National Food Authority, UNDP, and several private sector stakeholders, is designed to transition at least 15,000 commercial motorcyclists into technical and vocational education over the next five years.
“This is not just about giving our young people jobs — it’s about giving them purpose, skills, and a future . Motorcyclists make up one of the largest youth demographics in Liberia, with over 300,000 riders across the 15 counties. Many of them have spent five to ten years in this trade and now need a new path. This program offers that path,” said Deputy Minister Nyonton.
The initiative addresses a crucial skills gap that continues to hinder national development and economic growth. Instead of traditional, long-term training models, the accelerator program offers three to six-month intensive training courses, tailored to meet the unique needs of youth who’ve been out of school for years.
Counties such as Montserrado, Lofa, and Bong will lead in the initial phases, with expansion to Bomi, Grand Bassa, River Cess, Margibi, Maryland, and others in subsequent years.
According to him, the government anticipates raising US$906,000 initially, with a five-year target of over US$3 million to fully fund the program and its expansion.
“This is not a Monrovia project this is a national movement,” Nyonton emphasized
Highlighting ongoing partnerships with technical colleges throughout the country. “We must recognize that poverty and unemployment are not our only enemies. The real challenge is the skills deficit. We’re ready to tackle it head-on.”
The official launch of the Skills for Work Accelerator will be held at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Gymnasium on April 25, 2025, with President Joseph Boakai expected to serve as Chief Launcher. National and international stakeholders, including development partners, will also be in attendance.
The government is urging members of the press and the public to support this transformative effort.
“Together we can change the story of Liberia’s motorcyclists from at-risk to empowered, from roadside to real opportunity,” Nyonton concluded.