[By: Sampson W Weah]
Monrovia — The Agricultural and Industrial Training Bureau (AITB) has unveiled an ambitious five-year Strategic Plan aimed at reshaping Liberia’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector, expanding opportunities for young people, and strengthening the nation’s workforce.
The plan, covering the period 2025–2029, was launched at a well-attended ceremony that drew senior government officials, representatives of development partners, civil society actors, TVET administrators, and members of the media. The Chairman and Members of the National Council for TVET and India’s Ambassador to Liberia, H.E. Shri Manoj Bihari Verma, were among the distinguished guests.
Delivering the keynote address, AITB Director General Abraham Billy described the launch as “a defining moment” in Liberia’s efforts to build a skilled labor force capable of supporting national growth and economic transformation.
“This Strategic Plan represents our renewed commitment to delivering high-quality training, strengthening institutional systems, and empowering Liberian youth with employable skills,” Billy said. “It signals the beginning of a new era for TVET in our country.”
He expressed deep appreciation to the National Council for TVET for its continued leadership and coordination, noting that its partnership has been essential to advancing TVET governance and reforms.
Billy also praised the government’s leadership under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., whose agenda places strong emphasis on job creation, youth empowerment, and human capital development.
“The President’s vision aligns strongly with our mandate,” he said. “His unwavering commitment to empowering young people and women inspires the reforms captured in this Strategic Plan.”
The 2025–2029 Strategic Plan is grounded in major national and international frameworks that guide development and skills-building. These include:
Sustainable Development Goals 4, 5, and 8, which emphasize inclusive education, gender equality, and decent work
African Union Agenda 2063, which promotes youth empowerment and industrial growth
The Government of Liberia’s ARREST Agenda (Pillar Six), which prioritizes skills development and job creation
National TVET Policy, which outlines reforms for standardization, certification, and quality training
Billy noted that the plan is the product of wide consultation and reflects the current realities of Liberia’s job market and economic needs.
The Strategic Plan sets out a bold framework to improve TVET governance, delivery, and impact. Key priorities include:
1. Improving Quality and Accountability
AITB plans to strengthen quality assurance, upgrade assessment systems, and ensure that all training programs meet national standards.
2. Enhancing System Coordination
The plan calls for better collaboration among TVET institutions, development partners, and government agencies to reduce fragmentation and improve efficiency.
3. Modernizing Training Facilities
AITB will focus on rehabilitating training centers, incorporating modern equipment, and introducing technology-driven training techniques.
4. Building Institutional Capacity
Efforts will be made to train instructors, improve management structures, and strengthen administrative systems.
5. Strengthening Industry Linkages
The Bureau will deepen partnerships with private sector industries to make training more relevant to labor-market demands and increase job placement opportunities.
Inclusive Approach for Women, Youth, and Persons With Disabilities
Billy emphasized that accessibility and inclusion are at the heart of the plan. AITB aims to expand opportunities for women and girls, who remain underrepresented in many technical fields, while increasing support for youth and persons with disabilities.
“No Liberia should be denied the opportunity to learn a skill,” he stressed. “Our programs must reflect the diversity of the population we serve.”
The Director General reaffirmed AITB’s strong partnership with the National Council for TVET, noting ongoing efforts to strengthen certification, improve workforce competitiveness, and mobilize resources to support institutional renewal.
Billy emphasized that successful implementation will depend on the collective efforts of all stakeholders.
“TVET development requires shared responsibility,” he said. “Government, private sector, institutions, and development partners must continue working together. Only then can we transform this vision into lasting impact.”
As he concluded, Billy reiterated AITB’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and measurable results. He described the Strategic Plan as a living document that will guide decision-making, program implementation, and institutional reforms over the next five years.
“This Plan is more than a blueprint it is our promise to the Liberian people,” he said. “A promise to deliver skills that transform lives, strengthen families, and support national development.”
The launch of the AITB 2025–2029 Strategic Plan marks a renewed push to position Liberia’s TVET sector as a key driver of employment, productivity, and economic prosperity.
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