Monrovia – September 2, 2025:
At the recent meeting of the National Social Protection Steering Committee (NSPSC) held in Monrovia, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Liberia’s social protection sector. Key decisions included updating the National Social Protection Policy and Strategy and placing greater focus on the welfare component of the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP).
Partners emphasized that improved coordination among social protection actors will enhance the effectiveness of programs and deliver meaningful support to Liberia’s most vulnerable populations. Speaking at the meeting, Aurelius Butler, National Coordinator for Social Protection at the REALISE Project, stated:
“We are looking forward to a more pragmatic approach to addressing the basic challenges faced by vulnerable people in Liberia. The new National Social Protection Policy and Strategy will incorporate contemporary issues that were overlooked in the previous policy, which expired in 2019.”
Acting Chairperson of the NSPSC and Deputy Minister for Research, Policy, and Planning at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Curtis Doley, added:
“The Government of Liberia is deliberate about lifting people out of poverty and creating opportunities for the most vulnerable. This is evident in the level of attention and resources being directed toward the social protection sector.”
Overview of Liberia’s Social Protection Landscape
Liberia’s social protection sector aims to reduce poverty, vulnerability, and social exclusion. Key interventions include cash transfers, public works programs, school feeding, and social insurance schemes targeting children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and households living in extreme poverty. The Government works in collaboration with development partners such as the World Bank, UNICEF, and WFP, AFD, SIDA as well as civil society organizations.
The National Social Protection Steering Committee (NSPSC) plays a central role in aligning government and development partner interventions under a unified national framework. The Committee is chaired by the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection and includes the following institutions:
- Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP) – Chair
- Ministry of Health (MOH)
- Ministry of Education (MOE)
- Ministry of Agriculture (MOA)
- Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP)
- Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA)
- Ministry of Youth and Sports (MYS)
- National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP)
- Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE)
Looking Ahead
With increased political will and partner collaboration, Liberia is poised to make significant strides in expanding its social protection coverage and ensuring no one is left behind. The updated Social Protection Policy and Strategy, expected to be finalized in the coming months, will serve as a blueprint for inclusive growth and resilience-building, especially for groups most affected by economic shocks, climate change, and fragility.
