Where We Work : Liberia

“People desperately need to earn a living. Despite the many challenges these countries face, Liberia and Sierra Leone are uniquely positioned to become models for successful development in West Africa. We are committed to providing training and resources so that the poor, especially women, can unleash their capabilities as entrepreneurs and improve their livelihoods.” 

                                                                                                                          -Fazle Hasan Abed, founder and chairperson of BRAC

When Ellen Johnson Sirleaf became the President of Liberia in 2006, Africa’s first female head of state began to spearhead profound political, economic and social transformations. After more than a decade of war, widespread poverty poses the primary development challenge to the country—nearly half of all Liberians live on less than 50 cents a day.

In rural areas, significant regional and gender differences are prevalent in health, education and employment sectors. Liberia has a low per capita GDP, low life expectancy at birth, high infant mortality rate, inadequate water supply, poor sanitation and widespread unemployment.

In 2008, BRAC launched a poverty alleviation initiative in Liberia, in partnership with the Soros Economic Development Fund, Open Society Institute West Africa, Omidyar Network, and Humanity United.

Our programmes include:

• Microfinance
• Livelihood Development
• Health

 BRAC is also providing 79 Liberians with permanent jobs and career development.