The Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) has contributed US$500,000 to advance youth empowerment and football programs, underscoring its commitment to strategic social investment.
The donation, presented on February 10, 2026, at LiMA headquarters in Congo Town, was split evenly between the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Liberia Football Association (LFA), each receiving US$250,000.
LiMA Commissioner/CEO Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Sr. said the support reflects the complementary roles of both institutions in shaping opportunities for young people, particularly at-risk youth. “Football can play a major role in addressing challenges faced by Liberia’s youthful population,” he noted, stressing that idle youth pose risks to national security.
He added that the initiative forms part of LiMA’s corporate social responsibility program, encouraged by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., to extend maritime benefits to citizens.
LiMA Deputy CFO Desire Satia described the move as a milestone for the maritime sector, marking a shift from traditional treasury contributions toward direct investment in youth-focused initiatives.
Acting Youth and Sports Minister Henry B. Yonton welcomed the support, saying it aligns with the Ministry’s decentralization agenda and comes at a critical time for nationwide youth development efforts.
LFA President Mustapha I. Raji hailed the donation as historic—the first major financial contribution from a government institution to the football body. He praised President Boakai’s endorsement and Commissioner Lighe’s leadership, noting that football is a driver of socio-economic growth. Raji highlighted rising transfer revenues, which grew from US$181,000 in 2024 to over US$480,000 in 2025, according to FIFA’s Transfer Market report.
“Our vision is to give every child in Liberia an opportunity, regardless of where they live,” Raji said, citing the LFA’s first-ever football academy as a platform to nurture talent and prepare young players for professional careers.
