LIMPAC Celebrates the Successful Launch of the Liberia National Economic Student Hub (LNESH)
The Liberia Macroeconomic Policy Analysis Center (LIMPAC) is pleased to announce the successful launch of the Liberia National Economic Student Hub (LNESH), an initiative established by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) to strengthen youth participation in economic policymaking and national development.
The official launch, held from May 19–20, 2026 on the University of Liberia Capitol Hill campus, brought together more than 275 participants, including senior government officials, universities students, development partners, academics, civil society representatives, and private sector stakeholders. The event provided a unique platform for dialogue on Liberia’s economic future and the role of young people in driving sustainable development.
The launch was officially led by the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, who described LNESH as a vehicle for developing an “army of young scholars” capable of contributing meaningfully to economic governance and public policy. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical policymaking by equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities needed to become future economists, researchers, policymakers, and development practitioners.
Delivering special remarks, the Executive Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia, Hon. Henry F. Saamoi, highlighted the critical role of youth in shaping Liberia’s economic future. He urged students to become active participants in policy discourse and national development, emphasizing that “young people must see themselves as architects rather than spectators of the economy.” Governor Saamoi also pledged the Central Bank’s support for LNESH and its mission to cultivate a new generation of economists, policy analysts, and development leaders.
During the first day, panelist engaged in high-level discussions on Domestic Resource Mobilization in Response to Global Instability. Representatives from the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), African Development Bank (AfDB), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning highlighted the importance of strengthening domestic revenue generation, expanding the tax base, promoting value addition, supporting private sector growth, and enhancing economic resilience amid declining foreign aid and global economic uncertainties.
The second day focused on youth empowerment and employment challenges. Students from universities across Liberia participated in an interactive deep dive session on root-cause analysis of youth unemployment. The discussions generated practical recommendations aimed at improving economic opportunities and labor market outcomes for young Liberians.
LNESH is expected to train more than 500 students nationwide to produce policy briefs, research papers, and evidence-based recommendations that can inform national decision-making. The initiative will also provide mentorship, internship opportunities, policy dialogues, leadership training, and professional development programs to prepare students for active participation in Liberia’s development agenda.
Looking ahead, LNESH will focus on expanding its activities nationwide, establishing a national steering committee, implementing capacity-building programs, organizing annual policy dialogues, promoting youth-led solutions, and strengthening partnerships with government institutions, universities, development partners, and the private sector.
As the coordinating unit, LIMPAC remains committed to supporting LNESH as a strategic platform for fostering research excellence, analytical thinking, and youth leadership. Through this initiative, Liberia is investing in a new generation of thinkers and innovators who will contribute to building a more prosperous, resilient, and inclusive economy.
