By Christian Appleton
MONROVIA – Liberia has officially launched a landmark initiative to promote inclusion and economic empowerment for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). This nationwide effort, a key part of Pillar 6 of the government’s ARREST Agenda—Human Capacity Development—marks a significant shift from a charitable approach to a modern, rights-based model.
The announcement was made during a press briefing on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, by Mr. Samuel S. Dean Sr., Chairman of the National Commission on Disability. He revealed that the initiative’s pilot program has already begun with a four-county tour covering Lofa, Bong, Nimba, and Grand Bassa.
“This initiative marks a decisive step toward a more inclusive Liberia,” said a program spokesperson. “We are committed to transparent governance, active collaboration with stakeholders, and delivering measurable, life-changing results for persons with disabilities.”
The program’s initial five-year plan aims to empower 5,000 PWDs across Liberia’s 15 counties. The 2025 pilot phase, backed by a $200,000 budget, will target 100 beneficiaries with key components, including:
- Skills training for 40 women and youth with disabilities
- Entrepreneurship grants for 20 individuals
- Agribusiness support for 20 PWDs
- Financial assistance for 20 school-age children with disabilities
The project team has also held extensive stakeholder engagements, meeting with local officials, lawmakers, Disabled Persons’ Organizations (DPOs), and community leaders. These meetings have solidified partnerships and established a framework for monitoring and evaluation.
A notable outcome of these engagements is the unified call for a National Disability Equity Fund. This proposed fund would combine government resources with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions from multinational companies and other large enterprises. Officials acknowledge that the current funding, while seeded by the government, is inadequate to serve the nation’s estimated one million PWDs. The Equity Fund would supplement the government’s existing 3% allocation to drive inclusive economic growth on a national scale.
PWD advocates have praised President Boakai for taking bold steps to decentralize disability interventions. “This is about setting a national standard,” said one advocate. “Empowerment and inclusion must become the norm—not the exception.”
The program’s rollout is seen as a pivotal milestone in Liberia’s journey toward equity and inclusion, signaling a new era where persons with disabilities are not only recognized but empowered to thrive.