PHOTO: The Author
By Austin S Fallah – A True Son of Liberia and An Advocate for Social and Economic Emancipation for All Liberians
In the heart of West Africa lies Liberia, a country heralded for its resilient spirit and history as Africa’s oldest republic.
Liberians are celebrated for their tenacity, especially in the aftermath of civil conflicts and the challenges of nation-building.
However, this same resilient spirit faces a daunting adversary from within: a job market that seems to incarcerate its youth, stifling their potential and hindering the nation’s growth.
The phenomenon of educated, capable Liberian youths remaining unemployed is not just an economic challenge, but it represents a social and moral crisis that demands immediate attention and action.
While the streets of Liberia are trodden by nationals from other nations living the best lives, and working prosperously, Liberian brothers and sisters, despite their qualifications, seem condemned to languish in the gutters of poverty and lack.
Hundreds of individuals have transcended the rigors of university and college education, armed with the hope of contributing to the growth of their nation, only to find themselves caught in the snare of joblessness for five years or more.
It is a distressing irony that while foreigners flourish on Liberian soil, the sons and daughters of the soil are denied similar opportunities, not just at home but also in the countries where these foreign nationals originate.
In recognizing the generous acts of other nations that have enabled Liberian citizens to obtain employment abroad, transforming the lives of their families back home, there is no denying the gratitude that Liberians ought to express.
Yet, even in the spirit of gratitude, one cannot ignore the disparities that exist.
These disparities underscore the urgency for the Liberian government, through the crucial intervention of the Ministries of Labour, Commerce, and Justice-Immigration, to ameliorate this growing cancer of unemployment that is incrementally dividing families and nurturing destructive societal vices like prostitution, drug addiction, and armed robbery.
It is imperative to interrogate the root causes of this persistent unemployment, which extends beyond mere economic misfortune to systemic inadequacies and lack of prioritization from the government’s side in the potential of its youth.
There exists a fierce urgency for a recalibration of priorities, for it is unsustainable for a nation to witness the growth of others at the expense of its citizens.
One might argue that foreign investments and the expertise of foreign nationals are essential for a country’s development.
Still, when such benefits disproportionately favor only non-Liberian persons, the narrative shifts from mutual growth to economic colonization.
Addressing this dilemma requires a multi-faceted approach that includes revamping education systems, incentivizing the establishment and growth of local businesses, creating a small loan scheme, implementing protectionist policies that safeguard the interests of Liberian workers, and robust regulatory measures to ensure that Liberians are not unjustly sidelined in the job market.
As was recently discovered by the Labor Ministry. Fines should not be the only solution for illegals, but jail time, deportation, and cancelation of contractual agreements should be added to the equitation.
The national strategy must focus on creating a conducive environment for Liberian entrepreneurship to thrive while also attracting foreign investments that result in tangible employment opportunities for Liberians.
In education, there is a need to align curricula with market demands, ensuring that students are equipped with skills that are both relevant and competitive.
Not the Chinese language that adds no value to the economy and future of Liberians but educated the younger people about the Liberian value system of hard work and providing for one’s family.
Moreover, investment in vocational training programs can provide pathways to employment for many who might not have the opportunity to acquire a college or university education.
Such measures contribute to a diversification of skills within the workforce, positioning Liberians to exploit various sectors of the economy.
Encouraging Liberians’ own entrepreneurship and local businesses has the transformative power to create jobs and retain wealth within the country.
Access to finance, other incentives, and mentorship programs could be critical factors in nurturing the growth of small and medium-sized businesses/enterprises(SMB/Es), which serve as the backbone of many thriving economies.
As Liberians embark on entrepreneurial ventures, they not only generate employment but also build the nation’s resilience against economic shocks.
Protectionist policies are sometimes viewed critically in the context of globalization.
However, for Liberia, where the stakes are disproportionately high, strategic protectionism could be a lifeline.
Ensuring that foreign companies provide a certain percentage (99%) of jobs to Liberians and 1% to legal aliens, prioritizing local content and suppliers, and implementing fair business/contractual agreements with every district being a partner can secure the place of Liberian workers in their economy.
These measures do not suggest an insular approach to creating a Liberian-only (International) trade but rather a balanced one that sees Liberians enjoying the fruits of labor within their homeland.
Regulation of the job market is essential in curtailing the excesses of employment discrimination against Liberians.
The Ministries of Labor and Commerce, in collaboration with the Bureau of Immigration and Justice Ministry, must ensure the stringent application of laws that protect Liberian workers’ rights.
Vigilance in monitoring employment practices, together with sanctions for businesses that fail to comply with equitable employment policies, will send a clear message that Liberia is determined to fight for the welfare of its citizens.
The call to action extends beyond the government.
The private sector, civil society, and development partners must align and collaborate to craft a holistic approach to this problem.
It demands creativity, courage, and an unwavering commitment to the belief that every Liberian deserves a fair chance at employment and a dignified life.
The time has indeed come for Liberians to take back their country, but this reclamation is not merely about nationalism.
It is rooted in the principles of social justice and economic equity.
It extends an invitation to revisit and reimagine an economic and social order that ensures that every Liberian, irrespective of their background, is privy to opportunities that lead to meaningful employment and prosperity
As stakeholders across all sectors gear up for this challenge, they are not only setting the stage for reducing unemployment but are also nurturing the seeds for a more inclusive, stable, and prosperous Liberia.
The mission is clear, and the need is urgent.
It is high time that the Liberians rise, not just with the spirit of resilience but with the declared intent to secure justice in employment for every son and daughter of their beloved nation.