Published: February 16, 2026
By: Alphanso G. Kalama
MONROVIA — The Steering Committee of the Government of Liberia’s flagship social protection initiative, the Recovery of Economic Activity for Liberian Informal Sector Empowerment (REALISE) project, has briefed the media on progress, challenges and expectations as the program begins its 2026 implementation cycle.
Launched in 2021 with financing from the World Bank, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and the French Development Agency, the REALISE project supports vulnerable households, informal workers and rural communities nationwide. It is implemented through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, and the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE), with a major focus on social cash transfers and livelihood support.
Government Expresses Satisfaction with Progress
Acting Chairperson of the Steering Committee, Henry B. Yonton, described in his briefing as encouraging, noting that the committee was pleased with updates from implementing partners. “We were very impressed with the presentation on the activities of the REALISE program ,Yonton said, adding that the government intends to maintain regular engagements with the public to ensure transparency and understanding of the program’s outcomes.
Thousands Benefiting from Economic Support
Executive Director of LACE, Julius Sele, highlighted the scale of the intervention, revealing that about 16,000 farmers have already received support while more than 4,400 small-business operators are expected to receive grants of approximately US$500 each. “When you add these numbers to the interventions being implemented through partner ministries, the project is making a significant contribution to job creation and livelihood recovery,” Sele noted. He stressed that discussions are underway on how the government could sustain the program beyond 2026 to ensure vulnerable groups continue receiving support.
Economic Impact
Representing Gender Minister Gbeme Horace Kollie, Deputy Minister Frederick S. Cooper said the project has already injected over L$1 billion into Liberia’s informal economy. “The impact of this project across the country is huge, and it shows that meaningful gains are being made in supporting vulnerable citizens,” Cooper said. He emphasized that the Steering Committee reviewed funding approvals, implementation reports and challenges to strengthen delivery in the new year.
Monitoring and Accountability Measures
Responding to concerns from journalists about transparency and impact measurement, project officials said strict monitoring, training and verification mechanisms are in place. “We have monitoring teams in the counties to ensure the money is invested in businesses and farming activities so that the support truly improves livelihoods,” the committee explained.
The Officials also disclosed that beneficiaries are vetted through community-based processes designed to prevent favoritism and fraud, while follow-up visits track how funds are used. As the project approaches its scheduled close in late 2026, Steering Committee members say discussions are ongoing on whether the Liberian government could assume ownership of the initiative should donor funding decline, in order to preserve its economic and social gains.
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