The Chairperson of the REALISE Project Steering Committee and Liberia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Cllr. J. Cole Bangalu has underscored the need for an extension of the REALISE Project beyond its scheduled deadline of December 2026.
Speaking at the Steering Committee meeting over the weekend, Minister Bangalu emphasized that the project has “positively impacted the lives of thousands of vulnerable people across Liberia” and that such life-changing interventions must continue.
Cllr. Bangalu noted that while the Government of Liberia is working toward large-scale employment opportunities through concessions and broader economic initiatives, the REALISE Project has already provided temporary employment, market-relevant skills, and meaningful livelihood improvements for thousands of beneficiaries in 14 counties of Liberia’s 15 counties.
Reflecting on the level of donor support channelled through international financing, he expressed gratitude to the Swedish and French governments for their contributions of US$2.5 million and US$9.5 million respectively. These donations expanded the project’s financing envelope to US$42 million under the World Bank funding mechanism. The project’s current arrangement includes US$25 million in credit and an additional US$5 million in grant support.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Executive Director of the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE), Hon. Julius Sele, highlighted the transformative impact of the Small Business Support component. He disclosed that cash grants provided to beneficiaries in Montserrado and Margibi Counties have enabled many families to establish sustainable micro-enterprises, creating permanent sources of income and financial independence.
The Recovery of Economic Activity for Liberian Informal Sector Employment (REALISE) Project is a flagship government initiative designed to support vulnerable and low-income Liberians, particularly youth, women, and informal workers. Launched under the Ministry of Youth and Sports in collaboration with the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.
Implemented with funding from the World Bank and key development partners, the REALISE Project currently operates in several counties, including Montserrado, Margibi, and others, with thousands of Liberians benefiting from cash transfers, small business support, temporary employment through community works and support to communal farming.
