Published: November 10, 2025
MONROVIA — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration has submitted a $1.2 billion draft national budget to the National Legislature for fiscal year 2026, but sports advocates are questioning whether the increase will benefit Liberia’s youth-driven sports sector or leave it behind once again.
Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan formally presented the budget to House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon on behalf of the president. The proposal includes $1.13 billion in domestic revenue — 94% of the total — and $72 million in external resources. Key domestic revenue sources include $726.97 million in tax revenue, $83.92 million in non-tax revenue, a $200 million Mittal sign-on bonus, and $28 million in contingent revenue.
Despite the budget’s scale, sports leaders say the government has historically failed to prioritize athletics. Since the death of former President Samuel Kanyon Doe in the 1990s, Liberia has struggled to provide consistent support across all sporting disciplines. Annual budgets often leave federations and associations underfunded and unable to meet international obligations and train people of its sport.
In 2025, football funding was cut to $50,000 — a 60% drop from the $150,000 allocated in 2024. The 2024 budget also showed a zero outturn for football, meaning the Liberia Football Association received no actual disbursement. Smaller federations saw only modest increases, while the Ministry of Youth and Sports received just over $6 million.
President Boakai’s January 27, 2025, State of the Nation Address did not mention sports, raising concerns about his administration’s commitment to youth and athletic development. The omission drew criticism from sports advocates, who say the sector deserves greater attention.
A day before the 2026 budget was submitted, key figures from Liberia’s sporting sector met with lawmakers in Monrovia to discuss funding, infrastructure and collaboration. The meeting held at a hotel in Sinkor, included representatives from major federations and associations, along with Representative Steve Tequah, chairman of the House Committee on Youth and Sports, and Senator Prince Moye, chairman of the Senate Committee on Ways, Means and Finance.
“We had a very fruitful discussion with the various sports leaders,” Tequah told reporters. “It’s clear that collaboration is key if we are to build a vibrant sporting culture in Liberia. The government must work hand in hand with the federations to ensure that athletes and young people have the support they need to succeed.”
Among those present were Liberia Football Association President Mustapha Raji, Liberia Basketball Association President Abraham Samukai, and Liberia National Handball Association President J. Aratus Larkpor.
Tequah highlighted the importance of increasing budget allocations for sports, emphasizing infrastructure, talent development, and international competitiveness.
As lawmakers start reviewing the 2026 budget, sports advocates are urging them to make sure Liberia’s youth, who account for over 60% of the population, are not left behind.
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