Monrovia, Liberia – April 25, 2026 — Liberia marked the International Day of the Girl Child with a renewed national commitment to empowering girls to lead in technology and innovation, with a strong emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Under the 2026 theme, “AI for Development: Inspiring the Next Generation of Girls to Lead in Tech,” the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) called for urgent action to close the gender gap in the digital sector. The Authority stressed that more than 450,000 girls globally must be encouraged to move beyond using technology to actively creating it. “This is not just about using technology but creating it. Our girls must become architects of the digital future,” the LTA said. The observance highlights the growing importance of AI in national development and the need for girls to take on roles as innovators, entrepreneurs, and tech leaders, fields where women remain underrepresented. Activities across Montserrado and other counties, including coding demonstrations, mentorship sessions, and panel discussions, brought together students, educators, and tech advocates to promote girls’ participation in STEM.

Experts caution that Liberia’s digital transformation efforts risk widening inequality if girls are left out of AI and tech development. Despite increased access to mobile technology, significant gaps remain in who builds and controls digital platforms “AI will influence every sector—from health to agriculture. If girls are excluded from building these systems, they risk being excluded from the benefits,” a local tech advocate noted during a Monrovia event. The International Day of the Girl Child, established in 2012 by the United Nations, is observed worldwide on October 11 to highlight challenges girls face. Liberia’s localized celebration aligns with the global theme to drive national engagement. According to the World Economic Forum, women represent just 22% of AI professionals worldwide, underscoring the urgency of targeted interventions. Stakeholders are calling for increased investment in girls’ digital skills, safer learning environments, and stronger support for girl-led tech initiatives. As Liberia advances its development agenda, the LTA says empowering girls in AI is essential—not only for inclusion, but for building a more innovative and equitable digital economy.