Published: February 13, 2026
MONROVIA — The Liberia Maritime Authority has donated US$500,000 to support youth development and football initiatives in Liberia, with the funds shared equally between the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Liberia Football Association.
The contribution was presented Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, at LiMA headquarters in Congo Town. Each institution received US$250,000.
Speaking at the ceremony, LiMA Commissioner and CEO Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr. said the joint presentation reflected the complementary roles of both institutions in youth empowerment and national development.
“We believe football can play a major role in addressing challenges faced by at-risk youth,” Lighe said. “Liberia has a large youthful population, and it is important to create opportunities that help young people become productive members of society.”
He added that the contribution forms part of LiMA’s corporate social responsibility program and aligns with national priorities under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to ensure that benefits from Liberia’s maritime program extend beyond the treasury to broader social impact.
LiMA Deputy Chief Financial Officer Desire Satia described the donation as part of the authority’s evolving approach to social investment, expanding beyond traditional revenue contributions to direct support for youth-focused programs.
Receiving the funds, Acting Minister of Youth and Sports Henry B. Yonton said the donation comes at a critical time as the government advances efforts to decentralize youth development programs nationwide.
He said the support complements the ministry’s broader strategy to strengthen community-based initiatives and expand access to structured youth engagement.
For his part, LFA President Mustapha I. Raji described the contribution as unprecedented, noting it represents the first major financial support from a government institution directly to the football association.
“It will be recorded as a landmark moment for Liberian football,” Raji said.
He highlighted the growing economic dimension of football development, citing data from FIFA’s transfer reporting system showing that transfer-related revenues for Liberian players increased from US$181,000 in 2024 to more than US$480,000 in 2025.
“Our vision is to give every child in Liberia an opportunity, regardless of where they live,” Raji said, referencing the establishment of the LFA’s first association-owned football academy aimed at nurturing young talent for professional careers.
Officials said the funding is expected to support youth programming, grassroots football development, and initiatives targeting vulnerable and at-risk young people across the country.
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