Moses Zangar, Jr. (Liberian Journalist)
In the 21st century, science, technology, and innovation are no longer optional for national development – they are essential. Across the globe, nations are leveraging these tools to solve pressing challenges, create jobs, and secure their place in an increasingly competitive global economy. Liberia, with its abundant natural resources and youthful population, has the potential to become a leader in innovation and sustainable development.
However, this potential will remain untapped unless the country establishes a Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MSTI) to drive progress and prioritize STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education as a foundation for its future.
The Case for a Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation
Science, technology, and innovation are proven engines of economic growth. Liberia’s economy, which relies heavily on agriculture, mining, and forestry, is ripe for transformation through innovation. For example, precision agriculture – using technology like drones, sensors, and data analytics – can help farmers increase crop yields, reduce waste, and adapt to climate change.
In the mining sector, sustainable practices powered by technology can reduce environmental damage while improving efficiency and profitability. Renewable energy technologies, such as solar and wind power, can address Liberia’s chronic energy deficit, bringing electricity to rural areas and powering industries.
The Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation would provide the leadership and coordination needed to implement these solutions, ensuring that innovation becomes a cornerstone of Liberia’s economic strategy.
Beyond economic growth, science, technology, and innovation offer solutions to Liberia’s most pressing development challenges. The country faces significant hurdles in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and access to clean water. Telemedicine platforms, for instance, can connect rural communities to medical professionals, improving healthcare delivery in underserved areas. Solar-powered water purification systems can provide clean drinking water to communities without access to traditional infrastructure.
Digital platforms can improve access to education, enabling students in remote areas to learn from the best teachers and resources. These solutions require a systematic, coordinated approach – one that a dedicated Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation could provide. Such a ministry would not only oversee research and development but also foster partnerships with international organizations, universities, and private companies to bring cutting-edge solutions to Liberia.
The Role of STEM Education in Liberia’s Future
At the heart of this vision is the need to invest in STEM education. Liberia’s youth are its greatest asset and equipping them with STEM skills is essential for building a workforce capable of driving innovation. The Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation could work closely with the Ministry of Education to integrate STEM into school curricula, establish research institutions, and provide scholarships for advanced studies in science and engineering.
This would not only prepare Liberia’s youth for the jobs of the future but also empower them to solve the country’s unique challenges. For example, young Liberians trained in engineering could design infrastructure projects tailored to the country’s needs, while those trained in computer science could develop digital platforms to improve governance and service delivery.
Investing in STEM education also has the potential to address gender disparities in Liberia. Around the world, women remain underrepresented in STEM fields, but targeted programs can help close this gap. A Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation could champion initiatives to encourage girls and young women to pursue careers in science and technology, ensuring that Liberia’s development is inclusive and equitable.
Lessons from Other African Nations
Liberia is not alone in recognizing the transformative power of science, technology, and innovation. Across Africa, countries are making significant strides by prioritizing innovation and STEM education. Rwanda, for example, has emerged as a leader in technology-driven development through its Ministry of ICT and Innovation.
The Kigali Innovation City, a hub for technology companies and research institutions, has attracted global investment and created jobs for Rwandans. The country’s focus on digital transformation has also improved governance, with e-government platforms making public services more efficient and accessible.
South Africa’s Department of Science and Innovation has positioned the country as a global leader in astronomy and data science through projects like the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), the world’s largest radio telescope. This project has not only advanced scientific knowledge but also created opportunities for South African researchers and engineers.
Kenya, meanwhile, has integrated science and technology into its national development strategy through initiatives like Konza Technopolis, a smart city project, and mobile platforms like M-Pesa, which have revolutionized financial inclusion and technological innovation.
Ghana’s Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation has promoted renewable energy and STEM education, establishing science resource centers in schools and fostering international research partnerships.
The Zambian Experience: Empowering Youth Through Science, Technology, and Innovation
Zambia provides another compelling example of how science, technology, and innovation can empower young people and drive national development. The Zambian government has prioritized STEM education and innovation through initiatives such as the establishment of the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC).
This council promotes research and development, funds scientific projects, and facilitates collaboration between universities, industries, and government agencies. Zambia has also invested in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programs to equip young people with practical skills in engineering, information technology, and other STEM fields.
One of Zambia’s standout initiatives is the creation of innovation hubs and technology parks, such as the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) Innovation Village. These hubs provide young entrepreneurs and innovators with access to resources, mentorship, and funding to develop tech-based solutions to local challenges.
For example, Zambian youth have developed mobile apps to improve agricultural productivity, healthcare delivery, and financial inclusion. The government has also partnered with international organizations to provide scholarships and training programs for students pursuing STEM careers.
Zambia’s focus on empowering young women in STEM is particularly noteworthy. Through programs like the Girls in ICT initiative, Zambia is working to close the gender gap in technology and encourage more girls to pursue careers in science and innovation. These efforts not only promote gender equality but also ensure that Zambia’s development is inclusive and sustainable.
Recommendations for Liberia
To replicate these successes, Liberia must take bold steps to establish a Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation. This ministry should focus on policy formulation, research funding, and collaboration with international partners. It should oversee the development of technology parks and innovation hubs, creating spaces where entrepreneurs, researchers, and students can collaborate and innovate.
Public-private partnerships will be critical, as they can provide the resources and expertise needed to accelerate technological development.
The ministry should also prioritize STEM education at all levels, from primary schools to universities. This includes training teachers, developing curricula, and providing scholarships for students in STEM fields. Special attention should be given to encouraging girls and young women to pursue STEM careers, ensuring that Liberia’s development is inclusive and equitable.
Finally, Liberia should leverage regional and global networks to accelerate its progress. Platforms like the African Union’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-2024) provide opportunities for collaboration and knowledge-sharing. By working with other African nations and international organizations, Liberia can access the resources and expertise needed to build a thriving science, technology, and innovation ecosystem.
Distinct And Complementary Roles with Ministry of Education
The Ministry of Education (MoE) and the proposed Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MSTI) would have distinct but complementary roles to avoid overlapping functions. The MoE would focus on foundational education, including curriculum development, teacher training, and integrating STEM into primary and secondary education, while overseeing general education policy and literacy initiatives.
In contrast, the MSTI would drive applied science, research, and technological development, focusing on innovation ecosystems, advanced STEM education, research funding, and fostering public-private partnerships to commercialize technology.
Collaboration between the two ministries would ensure alignment, with the MoE building a strong educational foundation and the MSTI advancing specialized STEM fields, innovation hubs, and national research and development (R&D) priorities. Together, they would create a seamless pipeline from education to innovation, empowering Liberia’s youth and driving sustainable development.
A Call to Action
The time to act is now. Liberia cannot afford to lag behind in a world where technological innovation is reshaping industries, societies, and economies.
Establishing a Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation would be a transformative step toward sustainable development, empowering Liberia to harness the power of science, technology, and innovation for the benefit of its people.
By investing in STEM education, fostering innovation, and learning from the successes of other African nations -including Zambia – Liberia can build a brighter future – one powered by innovation, driven by education, and sustained by development.
This is not just a vision for the future; it is a call to action for today. Liberia’s leaders, educators, and citizens must come together to prioritize science, technology, and innovation as a national imperative. The challenges are great, but the opportunities are greater.
With the right investments and a clear commitment to progress, Liberia can become a beacon of innovation and development in Africa and beyond. Let us seize this moment to build a nation that thrives in the technological era, leaving no one behind.
About the Author
Moses Zangar, Jr. is a seasoned Liberian journalist and Communication for Development (C4D) expert with extensive experience in the mainstream media and international organizations, including the United Nations.
