Monrovia- The Liberia Macroeconomic Policy Analysis Center (LIMPAC) of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) on Monday commenced a five-day capacity-building training for students and faculty members from several universities in Monrovia.
Held under the theme “Empowering Students for Professional Excellence,” the training is being conducted as part of the Liberia National Students Hub, a strategic initiative launched in May this year with the goal of training more than 500 students in economic research, macroeconomic analysis, and policy leadership.
The initiative was officially launched at the University of Liberia through stakeholders panel discussions on revenue mobilization and youth unemployment.
The latest phase shifts the focus from dialogue to hands-on technical training designed to equip participants with practical research and communication skills.
During the five-day program, participants will receive intensive training in Research Methods using SPSS statistical software, Artificial Intelligence (AI) for research, policy brief and factsheet development, as well as, report writing, and effective communication.
In her opening remarks, Assistant Minister for External Resource and Debt Management at the MFDP, Alice Williams, described the initiative as an important step toward building the capacity of young Liberians to contribute meaningfully to national development.
“Today, we are taking the next step, moving from dialogue to capacity building, and from identifying challenges to developing the skills needed to address them,” Minister Williams said.
She said the program aims to train 500 college students while establishing a network of young researchers and innovators.
“Our ambition is to train 500 students and parents creating a network of young researchers and innovators. We envision taking this initiative to all 15 counties, ensuring every Liberian student has access to opportunities for professional development,” she added.
Earlier, in his official welcome remarks, LIMPAC Executive Director Dr. P. Padolo Moye emphasized the importance of equipping students with the ability to transform data and research findings into practical information for policymakers and the wider public.
“The most pressing challenges of our time demand not only rigorous analysis but also the ability to translate that analysis into language that informs decisions, shapes policies, and improves lives,” Dr. Moye stated.
He said the training is intended to help participants move beyond intuition and develop credible, data-driven conclusions that can be communicated with clarity and purpose.
The second phase of the Liberia National Students Hub forms part of the Government’s broader effort to build a new generation of evidence-based researchers and leaders.
By strengthening students’ capacity to conduct research, use statistical and emerging AI tools, develop quality policy briefs, and effectively communicate findings, the initiative seeks to contribute to a stronger and more inclusive national development process.
