Liberia and Cybastion Partner to Launch Women’s Digital and Business Innovation Hubs
The initiative, known as the Liberia Women’s Digital and Economic Empowerment Program, will focus on expanding women’s access to digital skills, entrepreneurship training and business development opportunities.
Liberia’s Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has signed an agreement with Cybastion to develop women’s technology and business innovation hubs with childcare centres across the country.
The agreement was signed by Cybastion CEO Dr. Thierry Wandji Ketchiozo and Liberia’s Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Gbeme Horace Kollie, during the Corporate Council on Africa’s Trade and Investment Roundtable on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The initiative, known as the Liberia Women’s Digital and Economic Empowerment Program, will focus on expanding women’s access to digital skills, entrepreneurship training and business development opportunities.
Cybastion’s philanthropic organisation, Theya Foundation, will work with Cisco to provide digital skills and entrepreneurship training for women and young people through the Cisco Networking Academy.
“Liberian women are a vital force in the country’s economic and social development. By bringing digital skills, entrepreneurship support and modern child care together in one place, this technology innovation hubs will create pathways for women to build stronger businesses and participate more fully in Liberia’s digital economy.”
– Dr. Thierry Wandji Ketchiozo, CEO, Cybastion
A flagship campus will be established in Monrovia, with four additional regional sites planned for Voinjama, Gbarnga, Kakata and Buchanan. The campuses will provide business development support and mentorship to participating women.
The technology innovation hubs are designed to help women strengthen business management skills, access new markets, connect with financial services and participate in wider supply chains.
Cisco Executive Vice President and Chief People, Policy and Purpose Officer Francine Katsoudas also highlighted the partnership’s potential to expand digital skills and entrepreneurship opportunities for Liberian women entrepreneurs.
Each campus will feature a modern childcare centre to enable mothers of young children to participate in training, mentorship and business development programmes. The centres are intended to address childcare as a barrier to women’s participation in education and entrepreneurship initiatives.
