Liberia to Launch Youth Investment Bank as AfDB President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina Begins Farewell Visit

By: TPA News Desk | editor@thepointafricanews.com

Liberia is set to roll out one of its most ambitious youth development initiatives to date — the Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank (YEIB) — as part of a landmark visit by outgoing African Development Bank (AfDB) President Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, who arrived in Monrovia on Monday, July 21, 2025.

Dr. Adesina’s three-day visit, which runs until July 23, marks a major moment in Liberia-AfDB relations and comes just months before he concludes his second and final term as AfDB President in September. Since his election on May 28, 2015, the Nigerian-born development economist and former agriculture minister has championed youth-centered and private-sector-driven growth across the continent.

During his stay, Dr. Adesina will be honored by the Liberian government for his decade of transformative leadership and his role in advancing Liberia’s development priorities — particularly in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and youth empowerment.

On Tuesday, July 22, he will meet President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. during a breakfast engagement at the Executive Mansion. The two leaders are expected to discuss Liberia’s post-COVID recovery efforts, the country’s macroeconomic reforms, and the AfDB’s role in supporting key sectors including energy, roads, youth employment, and digital transformation.

Later that morning, Dr. Adesina will deliver a keynote address at a High-Level Expanded Cabinet Meeting scheduled for 10:00 a.m. at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex. The event will bring together senior and junior cabinet members, presidential advisors, heads of public agencies, and executives of State-Owned Enterprises. His address is expected to focus on Africa’s youth potential, sustainable financing, and inclusive development.

The highlight of the visit will be the official launch of the Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank (YEIB) and the National Innovation Bureau, both of which are central pillars of the Boakai administration’s strategy to create decent jobs and unlock youth-led economic transformation.

YEIB, supported by the AfDB and other development partners, is designed to provide access to affordable capital, technical support, and incubation for Liberian youth entrepreneurs. Liberia is among the first wave of African countries — alongside Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Côte d’Ivoire — where YEIB is being implemented. The AfDB has earmarked approximately $16 million to support Liberia’s YEIB rollout.

According to AfDB and government officials, YEIB will target sectors such as agriculture, digital technology, creative industries, and green jobs — positioning young Liberians as both job creators and drivers of innovation.

The official launch will take place at the Ministerial Complex Hall, where Dr. Adesina will serve as chief launcher. It reflects Liberia’s growing emphasis on youth-focused financial infrastructure and national capacity building.

Later on Tuesday, President Boakai will host a presidential dinner in honor of Dr. Adesina, celebrating the longstanding partnership between Liberia and the African Development Bank. The dinner will also serve as a tribute to Dr. Adesina’s Pan-African legacy and the role the AfDB continues to play in Liberia’s national agenda.

Dr. Adesina is scheduled to depart the country on Wednesday morning, July 23, concluding a highly symbolic visit that underscores Liberia’s growing alignment with the African Development Bank’s vision for inclusive and youth-driven development.