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Delivering a powerful message at Liberia’s flagship youth cybersecurity event, Commissioner Angelic Weeks of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) called for greater investment in digital skills to build a “cyber-aware generation” capable of protecting Liberia’s growing online ecosystem.

Speaking as On behalf of the Commissioner Shadrack Tougbay, International Gateway Team Member as Special Guest of Honour at the 2nd Youth Cybersecurity Awareness Symposium, hosted by the West Africa ICT Action Network (WAICTANet – Liberia Chapter) in partnership with the Ministry of Posts & Telecommunications, Commissioner Weeks underscored that cybersecurity is central to national development. “Cybersecurity is no longer an afterthought; it is central to our nation’s digital transformation and economic resilience. The youth of Liberia must become our first line of defence — guardians of trust, innovation, and integrity in the digital age,” she stated. “The LTA is proud to support this initiative that blends education, awareness, and empowerment.” The Commissioner was represented by Shadrack Tougbay, International Gateway Team Member, who read her address on her behalf.

In recognition of her leadership in advancing national digital-security policy, consumer protection, and youth inclusion, WAICTANet presented Commissioner Weeks with a Special Citation of Honour, naming her “Cybersecurity Awareness Champion 2025.” Presenting the award, Peterking Quaye, Regional Director for Programs & Projects at WAICTANet, said, “Commissioner Weeks’ commitment to empowering young people and securing national infrastructure reflects Liberia’s readiness to lead the Mano River Union region in digital resilience.” The symposium trained over 200 students and young professionals from Monrovia and Paynesville in cyber-hygiene, social-media safety, data protection, and responsible online conduct. Nearly half the participants were young women, emphasizing gender inclusion in Liberia’s emerging cybersecurity workforce.

“This event showed us how to protect our data and report scams — skills we never learned in school,” said Faith Wreh, a student from Paynesville Community School. The initiative aligns with Liberia’s Digital Transformation Agenda and the ARREST Agenda (Accountability, Reform, Security and Transformation), as well as the ECOWAS Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Strategy and the African Union Data Policy Framework, both of which prioritize youth participation and cross-border cooperation. With internet penetration in Liberia now reaching 32.4 percent (as of early 2025) and cyber incidents across West Africa increasing by over 30 percent annually, the symposium coincided with Global Encryption Day 2025, amplifying calls to protect strong encryption as a cornerstone of privacy, trust, and innovation.

As a member of the Global Encryption Coalition, WAICTANet joined more than 70 organisations worldwide in advocating encryption as essential to a safe digital economy. “Liberia cannot build a digital economy without digital trust,” Quaye added. “Our youth must understand that every secure password, every cautious click, and every encrypted message contributes to a safer nation.” Commissioner Weeks pledged the LTA’s continued collaboration with WAICTANet, and educational institutions to expand youth-focused cyber-education programmes nationwide in 2026.

WAICTANet, for its part, announced the roll-out of the Youth Cyber Ambassadors Network (YCAN – Liberia) — a student-led initiative that will establish cyber clubs across all 15 counties and promote peer-to-peer awareness in schools and communities. The West Africa ICT Action Network (WAICTANet) is a regional civil-society platform promoting digital inclusion, data-governance reform, and cybersecurity awareness across the Mano River Union and ECOWAS region. WAICTANet works with governments, youth groups, and private-sector partners to strengthen digital trust and empower communities through responsible innovation.