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In a region where fewer than 20% of ICT professionals are women, the West Africa ICT Action Network (WAICTANet) is taking bold steps to close the digital gender divide with the new groundbreaking initiative — the Women & Girls in Technology (WiGTech-MRU) program.

Spanning Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire, WiGTech-MRU is designed to empower women and girls through digital skills development, innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership opportunities, positioning them at the forefront of West Africa’s digital transformation. “WiGTech-MRU is not just another project — it’s a unique platform. We are creating pathways for women and girls to lead in technology, innovation, and digital policy across the Mano River Union,” said Peterking Quaye, Regional Director of WAICTANet. “Through training, mentorship, and opportunity, we are transforming potential into leadership and lasting impact.”

The initiative aligns with the AU Digital Transformation Strategy (2020-2030), ECOWAS Gender Policy, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (4, 5, 8, and 9), while supporting national digital-inclusion strategies in the MRU countries. The West Africa ICT Action Network (WAICTANet) is a regional multi-stakeholder platform advancing inclusive digital transformation and governance across the Mano River Union (Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire). Through policy advocacy, research, and capacity-building initiatives, WAICTANet promotes access, innovation, and digital rights for all.

WiGTech-MRU logo and website, symbolizing the beginning of a coordinated effort to empower women and girls across borders. “This initiative represents more than empowerment—it’s about inclusion, leadership, and economic resilience,” noted Claudette Abigial Walker, WAICTANet-Women & Media Programs Lead “For the first time, I see a regional platform built to help women like me scale our digital innovations.” Program Focus and Vision -WiGTech-MRU will operate on four strategic pillars:

1. Digital Skills Accelerator – Training in coding, cybersecurity, AI, and data literacy for young women and girls.
2. Women in Innovation & Entrepreneurship Fund (WiIEF) – Seed funding and business incubation for women-led startups.
3. Mentorship & Leadership Network – Connecting established ICT professionals with emerging female innovators.
4. Women in Digital Leadership Forum (WIDLF) – An annual policy and advocacy dialogue promoting gender-responsive digital frameworks.

As misinformation continues to threaten democratic discourse, the West Africa ICT Action Network (WAICTANet) joined journalism students and media professionals for a timely conversation on truth and technology during the Fact-Checking Symposium for Journalism Students, held at the Liberia Learning Center in Paynesville City. The event, organized by Local Voices Liberia, brought together students, editors, and civic-tech leaders under the theme “Stopping Disinformation to Enhance Democracy – What Students Need to Learn.” It aimed to equip the next generation of journalists with practical verification skills, AI awareness, and digital tools to identify and combat misinformation.

Representing WAICTANet, Peterking Quaye, the organization’s Director of Programs and Projects and a Certified AI Governance Expert, served as one of the two main panelists. With over 15 years of experience in digital transformation, AI policy, and civic technology, Quaye urged aspiring journalists to approach their profession with both curiosity and critical digital literacy. “Fact-checking today is not just about detecting lies; it’s about understanding the technology behind how those lies spread,” said Quaye. “Artificial Intelligence has changed the information landscape. Journalists must now learn to verify not just sources, but also the algorithms, images, and AI tools shaping public narratives.” He called on journalism students to embrace digital literacy as a core professional competency, emphasizing that combating disinformation requires both technical skill and ethical grounding.

“Technology can amplify misinformation, but it can also amplify truth — if used wisely,” Quaye noted.
“Our mission at WAICTANet is to empower journalists, innovators, and women to use technology as a tool for transparency, education, and good governance. ”Quaye expressed deep appreciation to Local Voices Liberia for the invitation and partnership in fostering a culture of accountability and responsible information sharing in the digital age. “We are sincerely grateful to Local Voices Liberia for providing this platform,” he said. “Building a generation of fact-checkers and ethical journalists begins with opportunities like this — where students learn that truth and technology must coexist for democracy to thrive.”

The symposium also featured Hannah N. Geterminah, Co-founder and Chief Editor of The Stage Media (TSM) — Liberia’s first fact-checking institution and a signatory to the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN). Together, both panelists guided participants through practical exercises, verification tools, and real-time case studies on detecting misinformation online.

The West Africa ICT Action Network (WAICTANet) welcomes the historic passage of the Liberia Cybercrime Bill into law by the Liberian Senate on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. This landmark legislation represents a defining step in the country’s effort to secure its digital future and safeguard citizens, institutions, and businesses from the growing threats of cybercrime.

The new Liberia Cybercrime Act provides a comprehensive legal framework to prevent, investigate, and prosecute offences such as identity theft, online fraud, cyber harassment, child exploitation, and unauthorized access to computer systems. It also introduces mechanisms for handling digital evidence, international cooperation, and the protection of critical information infrastructure, aligning Liberia with regional and international best practices. This achievement situates Liberia among the progressive African nations implementing the African Union’s Malabo Convention on Cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection and fulfills part of its commitments under the ECOWAS Directive on Fighting Cybercrime and the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime (2025). WAICTANet acknowledges the collaborative role played by the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), and diverse civil society actors in shaping this legislation through stakeholder consultations and policy dialogues.

For over five years, WAICTANet has championed rights-based digital reforms through public education, capacity-building, and advocacy on cybersecurity governance. The passage of this Act reflects the tangible impact of such multi-stakeholder engagement and the importance of civic participation in national digital policymaking. While this is a welcome achievement, WAICTANet emphasizes that cybersecurity must advance in harmony with human rights and democratic principles. The implementation of the Act must therefore be proportionate, transparent, and rights-respecting.

To achieve this, WAICTANet urges the Government of Liberia to ensure that the implementation of the Cybercrime Act is grounded in accountability, transparency, and respect for fundamental freedoms. This includes integrating Human Rights Impact Assessments (HRIAs) into enforcement processes, establishing an independent Cybersecurity and Data Protection Commission, and guaranteeing judicial oversight in investigative and prosecutorial procedures. It also calls for the protection of freedom of expression and privacy in digital spaces, alongside continuous engagement with civil society, academia, and the private sector to monitor implementation and inform ongoing policy review.

“This Act is not just a legal instrument—it is a social contract for a safer, freer, and more trusted digital Liberia,” said Peterking Quaye, Regional Director of WAICTANet. “Our next task is to make sure that its implementation strengthens human rights, enhances accountability, and builds digital trust across every community.” WAICTANet will continue to partner with national institutions, development partners, and regional stakeholders to support capacity-building for law enforcement, digital rights awareness, and cybersecurity education.

As part of its #CyberSafeLiberia campaign, WAICTANet will host a national policy dialogue later this year under the theme “Human Rights and the Cybercrime Act: Building Trust in Liberia’s Digital Future.” WAICTANet calls on all stakeholders — government, private sector, and civil society — to collaborate in ensuring that this law becomes a force for digital empowerment and human dignity, not surveillance or repression. Together, Liberia can demonstrate that it is possible to fight cybercrime while upholding freedom, privacy, and inclusion. The West Africa ICT Action Network (WAICTANet) is a regional multi-stakeholder platform promoting inclusive digital transformation, cybersecurity governance, and data protection across the Mano River Union (Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire).

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.

Monrovia, Liberia — 23 October 2025.
As Liberia accelerates its national digital and financial inclusion agenda, one key figure continues to bridge the gap between policy, innovation, and sustainable development — Hon. Charles Umehai, Deputy Minister for Energy at the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME). His confirmed participation at the 3rd Liberia Digital & Financial Inclusion Roundtable 2025 reflects a powerful shift in national thinking: that energy access is not merely an infrastructure goal, but the cornerstone of digital inclusion, innovation, and economic equity.

Hosted by the West Africa ICT Action Network (WAICTANet) under the theme “Energy Access & Clean Power for Digital Equity,” this year’s Roundtable — held at the ICON 16 Hall, Orange Digital Center Liberia — unites government leaders, private innovators, youth advocates, and international partners to address one of Liberia’s most pressing challenges: ensuring that every citizen has access to reliable, clean power and the digital tools that drive opportunity. Liberia’s electricity access stands at approximately 32.5%, with rural electrification below 10%, limiting connectivity, mobile money operations, and digital learning. As Deputy Minister for Energy, Hon. Umehai has been instrumental in steering energy sector reforms aimed at expanding renewable and decentralized power solutions — from solar mini-grids to public-private energy partnerships. His leadership reinforces the growing recognition that digital inclusion cannot thrive without energy inclusion.

The Liberia Digital & Financial Inclusion Roundtable has evolved into a national platform for policy review, advocacy, and partnership building, linking ministries, regulators, and innovators. The 2025 edition, following the successful Sierra Leone Roundtable earlier this year, introduces the Liberia Digital Inclusion Scorecard 2025–2026 — an accountability framework tracking progress on renewable energy integration, fintech inclusion, and digital resilience. “Hon. Umehai’s presence this year signals government’s active commitment to integrated development policy,” said Peterking Quaye, Regional Director of WAICTANet. “Energy access is no longer a side issue — it is the catalyst for digital transformation and national growth. This dialogue helps align energy and digital policy for measurable impact.”

Hon. Umehai’s engagement also highlights Liberia’s participation in broader regional frameworks such as ECOWAS’ West Africa Power Pool and the Mano River Union’s Clean Energy and Digital Integration Agenda. These cross-border efforts are vital to ensuring that energy reform and digital access evolve hand-in-hand across the region. By positioning energy at the center of digital transformation, Hon. Umehai and the MME are helping Liberia transition toward a sustainable, tech-driven economy. His participation in the “Energy Access & Clean Power for Digital Equity” panel will help chart actionable strategies for improving power reliability, enabling fintech growth, and bridging the rural connectivity divide.“This year’s Roundtable represents a moment of alignment — where energy, technology, and finance converge to define Liberia’s future,” said Peterking Quaye. “The Ministry of Mines and Energy’s participation sends a clear message: that clean power and digital equity are inseparable pillars of inclusive growth.”

As Liberia advances toward universal energy access and a robust digital economy, partnerships between government, the private sector, and innovators like WAICTANet remain crucial. The presence of policymakers such as Hon. Charles Umehai ensures that the national dialogue moves beyond ideas to implementation — shaping reforms, guiding investment, and creating lasting impact.

The West Africa ICT Action Network (WAICTANet), in collaboration with the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, is proud to announce the 2nd Youth Cybersecurity Awareness Symposium, scheduled for Thursday, October 31, 2025, in Monrovia. With the theme, “Empowering the Next Generation: Strengthening Cybersecurity Skills Among Liberia’s Youth,” this year’s event builds upon the strong foundation of last year’s inaugural forum, which successfully introduced hundreds of students to cybersecurity fundamentals. The 2025 edition will move beyond awareness toward practical skill-building, positioning youth as active defenders in Liberia’s digital transformation journey.

The upcoming forum is part of WAICTANet’s commitment as a leading member of the Global Encryption Coalition (GEC)—a global alliance that promotes and defends strong encryption as essential to privacy, innovation, and digital trust. As the recognized national convener of Cybersecurity Awareness Month across Liberia and the Mano River Union (MRU) region, WAICTANet continues to lead initiatives that empower young people to be safe, informed, and resilient digital citizens. The event is in collaboration with major youth organizations, with the participation of over 150 students expected from senior high schools, universities, and youth groups. Ahead of the main event, WAICTANet will run daily and weekly online safety tips under the campaign #CyberSmartYouth, focusing on practical cybersecurity habits for young users.

The 2nd Youth Cybersecurity Awareness Symposium aims to strengthen the digital resilience of students through practical, hands-on cybersecurity education while fostering responsible and ethical use of social media and digital platforms. The symposium also supports the implementation of Liberia’s national cybersecurity policy framework, aligning its goals with broader ECOWAS and African Union (AU) Data Policy objectives to ensure that young Liberians are equipped with the knowledge, awareness, and skills needed to thrive securely in an increasingly connected digital environment.According to Peterking Quaye, Regional Director of WAICTANet, “This year’s youth forum is more than an awareness event—it’s an empowerment movement. We’re equipping Liberia’s young people not just to protect themselves online, but to become leaders in promoting a culture of cybersecurity in their schools and communities. From password hygiene to encryption, they’ll walk away with real-world skills that matter.”

The event aligns with Liberia’s National ICT & Cybersecurity Strategy, championed by the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, which calls for inclusive digital literacy programs and the strengthening of national cybersecurity capacity. It also supports regional goals outlined under the ECOWAS Cybersecurity Agenda and African Union’s Data Policy Framework. Shadrack Metowah, Technical Lead at WAICTANet, emphasized the hands-on nature of the training:” We’re introducing interactive cybersecurity labs—students will learn how to detect phishing emails, secure their social accounts, use multi-factor authentication, and understand why encryption is their strongest ally online. Our goal is to turn awareness into action.”

The 2nd Youth Cybersecurity Awareness Symposium will feature a dynamic blend of expert talks and youth-led panel discussions bringing together cybersecurity specialists, policy leaders, and educators from government, academia, and civil society to share insights on digital safety and innovation. Participants will engage in interactive workshops covering core topics such as Cyber Hygiene 101, Encryption and Privacy Basics, Phishing and Fraud Prevention, and Safe Social Media Practices, designed to build practical understanding and everyday cybersecurity habits. The event will also include an exciting Youth Challenge Session, where participants will take part in the “PhishSpotter Challenge”—a hands-on exercise to identify fake websites and scam attempts, reinforcing their ability to recognize and respond to real-world cyber threats.

Liberia’s youth are among the most active users of social media and mobile internet in the MRU region. However, limited cybersecurity education leaves many vulnerable to online fraud, misinformation, and identity theft. This forum directly addresses these challenges by fostering early cybersecurity literacy and advocacy among young people—the future custodians of Liberia’s digital economy. WAICTANet extends an open invitation to government agencies, corporate entities, and development partners to support and co-fund this youth-driven initiative. Contributions will help expand the program to all 15 counties, deliver cybersecurity training kits to schools, and sustain the CyberSmart Youth Campaign throughout the year. “Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility,” said Quaye. “By investing in our youth, we are securing Liberia’s digital future. We invite partners and donors to join us in scaling this impact nationwide.”

Empowering Girls through ICT: Unlocking Potential, Driving Change

The West Africa ICT Action Network (WAICTANet) joins the global community in commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child 2025, reaffirming its steadfast commitment to promoting girls’ empowerment through Information and Communication Technology (ICT) across Liberia, the Mano River Union (MRU), and West Africa.

As a regional leader in digital inclusion and gender-focused ICT development, WAICTANet has invested significant resources into programs that equip girls and young women with digital skills, STEM education, and entrepreneurial opportunities. Through these initiatives, WAICTANet aims to bridge the digital gender divide and create a pipeline of female innovators and changemakers across the region.

“Empowering girls with ICT skills is not just a moral imperative—it’s a strategic investment in the future of our societies,” said Peterking Quaye, Regional Director of WAICTANet. “When girls are equipped with digital tools, they become creators of solutions, leaders in innovation, and catalysts for economic transformation.”

WAICTANet’s ongoing projects, including digital literacy bootcamps, safe online learning spaces, mentorship programs, and STEM advocacy, reflect its long-term strategy to build inclusive, technology-driven communities. The organization also works closely with governments, academia, and civil society to advocate for gender-responsive digital policies that ensure equitable access to technology and education.

As the world celebrates this year’s theme, “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being,” WAICTANet calls on policymakers, development partners, and the private sector to increase investment in girls’ digital education and protection online, ensuring that no girl is left behind in the global digital transformationThe West Africa ICT Action Network (WAICTANet) joins the global community in commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child 2025, reaffirming its steadfast commitment to promoting girls’ empowerment through Information and Communication Technology (ICT) across Liberia, the Mano River Union (MRU), and West Africa.

As a regional leader in digital inclusion and gender-focused ICT development, WAICTANet has invested significant resources into programs that equip girls and young women with digital skills, STEM education, and entrepreneurial opportunities. Through these initiatives, WAICTANet aims to bridge the digital gender divide and create a pipeline of female innovators and changemakers across the region.

“Empowering girls with ICT skills is not just a moral imperative—it’s a strategic investment in the future of our societies,” said Peterking Quaye, Regional Director of WAICTANet. “When girls are equipped with digital tools, they become creators of solutions, leaders in innovation, and catalysts for economic transformation.”

WAICTANet’s ongoing projects, including digital literacy bootcamps, safe online learning spaces, mentorship programs, and STEM advocacy, reflect its long-term strategy to build inclusive, technology-driven communities. The organization also works closely with governments, academia, and civil society to advocate for gender-responsive digital policies that ensure equitable access to technology and education.

As the world celebrates this year’s theme, “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being,” WAICTANet calls on policymakers, development partners, and the private sector to increase investment in girls’ digital education and protection online, ensuring that no girl is left behind in the global digital transformation..

9 October 2025—WAICTANet joins the world in observing World Post Day, honoring the founding of the Universal Postal Union and recognizing the Post’s vital role in connectivity, inclusion, commerce, and social welfare. This year’s UPU theme, “Postal Innovation for Sustainable Development”, invites us to accelerate the postal transformation that supports climate resilience, digital access, and equitable service.

In Liberia, the Post is evolving fast. The government’s commitment to the National Digital & Postal Addressing System (NDPAS)—developed in partnership with SnooCODE—has already assigned unique, shareable digital addresses to thousands of households. This foundation supports e-commerce, emergency services, logistics, and financial inclusion. As WAICTANet, we have supported community awareness and stakeholder training in pilot counties to promote adoption. In the MRU region, cross-border trade and diaspora remittances remain underserved by postal systems. Strengthening postal interoperability among Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea can enhance trade, parcel delivery, and trust in the regional economy.

Globally, postal networks include over 679,000 offices and employ some 4.6 million people—yet many still lack digital transformation for the 21st century. In Africa, parcel volumes are growing year over year by 15–20%, yet many rural communities remain unaddressed or have no reliable access. Liberia must seize this moment to leapfrog with modern postal infrastructure.

Peterking Quaye , Regional Director for WAICTANET added is of the view that “The Post is more than parcels—it is identity, dignity, and economic lifelines. In Liberia and across the MRU, a modern, people-centered Post can power e-commerce, reach the last mile, and include those left offline. Our task now is simple: finish the basics, scale what works, and make trust the new delivery standard.” To strengthen Liberia’s postal sector and align it with global best practices, the country must prioritize a few practical actions.

First, complete the nationwide rollout of the National Digital and Postal Addressing System (NDPAS) and ensure its integration across courier platforms, government services, and utilities, allowing citizens to use their addresses seamlessly in daily life. Next, promote universal postal service with transparency by publishing delivery performance dashboards and grievance mechanisms that build public trust. Liberia should also empower MSMEs and women entrepreneurs by developing digital postal hubs for e-commerce, facilitating returns, affordable parcel rates, and regional trade. Additionally, it must invest in secure, green, and data-respecting operations—modernizing logistics, strengthening postal cybersecurity, and embedding privacy-by-design in digital systems. Finally, through Mano River Union (MRU) cross-border cooperation, Liberia can work with sister postal services such as SALPOST to pilot simplified regional delivery routes and tracking systems that benefit traders, students, and small businesses. Together, these measures can transform the postal system into a driver of inclusive growth, connectivity, and citizen trust across Liberia and the MRU region.

From exam papers to vaccines, market goods to social welfare distribution, the Post remains a backbone of daily life. On World Post Day, WAICTANet reaffirms a vision: a Liberia where the Post is reliable, inclusive, tech-enabled, and trusted—a service reaching every community and opening doors to opportunities.

Let us commit, today and beyond, to building a postal system that supports our digital future and strengthens our region.

As Global Encryption Day 2025 approaches on 21 October, WAICTANet is spearheading a bold effort in Liberia—hosting a national youth cybersecurity symposium in Paynesville to fuse advocacy, skills development, and public policy direction. As a proud member of the Global Encryption Coalition, WAICTANet aims not only to celebrate encryption’s role in digital security, but to catalyze policy change—particularly pushing for a Personal Data Protection & Privacy Act and a stronger legal stance on encryption in Liberia.

Speaking from insights gained during recent training hosted by CIPESA in Namibia as part of this year’s digital rights circuit, Shardrack Mentowah—Technical Lead at WAICTANet—notes, “The Namibia training reinforced how encryption undergirds trust in digital systems. Here in Liberia, youth must grasp both the technical foundations and policy implications. Our symposium is a platform to bridge that knowledge gap and prepare a generation ready to defend privacy from the ground up.”

The event is designed as a bottom-up capacity building approach: through hands-on labs, peer learning, real case analysis, and awareness sessions, young people will gain cyber hygiene, cryptography awareness, safe communications, and data protection practices. This empowers not just students, but civil society and government staff to converge around shared norms and technical standards.

Moreover, this symposium aligns with regional and global momentum: the Global Encryption Coalition continues to rally civil society, tech platforms, and governments to defend strong encryption in policy forums. Global Encryption Coalition In this context, WAICTANet’s event is both timely and strategic—creating a pipeline of informed youth, motivating legal reform, and reinforcing Liberia’s voice in Africa’s encryption debates.

We call on the Liberian government to act decisively: finalize and enact national data protection legislation and adopt policies that defend strong encryption without weakening safeguards. As our digital future unfolds, the voices, skills, and choices of youth will anchor whether Liberia safeguards privacy—or risks exposure.

As the world celebrates World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) 2025, the West Africa ICT Action Network (WAICTANet) joins the global community in commemorating 160 years since the founding of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This year’s theme, “Bridging the Gender Gap in the Digital World,” is a timely and urgent call to action for governments, development partners, and civil society in the Mano River Union (MRU) region.

In Liberia, only 26% of the population has access to the internet (World Bank, 2023), with women and rural communities disproportionately disconnected. The digital gender gap continues to widen due to limited access to devices, low digital literacy rates, and inadequate infrastructure in rural and marginalized communities. In contrast, Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire have made significant strides, with internet penetration at 39% and 47% respectively, and national strategies supporting women in tech and digital entrepreneurship.

WAICTANet is deeply concerned about Liberia’s slow progress in integrating digital technologies into national development frameworks. Empowering women and girls through ICTs is not just a development priority—it is a fundamental right and a powerful catalyst for economic and social transformation.
A Thought Leadership Message from the Director, Peterking Quaye “WTISD 2025 offers us a platform not only to reflect but to act. The MRU region, particularly Liberia, cannot afford to be left behind in this digital age. As we mark the ITU’s 160th anniversary, we must also mark a new beginning for inclusive connectivity. The government of Liberia and the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) must scale up investments in ICT infrastructure, expand universal access programs, and implement gender-focused digital literacy initiatives.
At WAICTANet, we are committed to working with national and regional partners to close the gender digital divide and drive inclusive digital transformation. We urge policymakers to prioritize connectivity in public schools, support female-led tech startups, and adopt regional best practices that accelerate digital inclusion.”

The Mano River Union (MRU) region has immense potential to leverage telecommunications for sustainable peace and development. However, there is a stark digital divide between member countries: Côte d’Ivoire has a national digital strategy that promotes women’s participation in the tech ecosystem and is rolling out digital hubs in secondary schools; Sierra Leone is implementing its National Digital Transformation Strategy (2022–2027) with targeted investments in rural connectivity and ICT education; Guinea is expanding mobile broadband services and supporting community-based digital training programs. In contrast, Liberia lacks a comprehensive digital development policy and continues to underfund the ICT sector. According to the 2023 GSMA Mobile Connectivity Index, Liberia ranks among the lowest in West Africa in terms of affordability, network performance, and digital literacy.