Monrovia, Liberia – His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., today officially kicked off a three-day Cybersecurity Conference organized by the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) at the Sinkor Palace Hotel in Monrovia.

The conference, themed “Secure our World,” brought together key stakeholders from government, industry, and international partners to address the rising threat of cybercrime and explore strategies to enhance Liberia’s cybersecurity infrastructure.

In his launching remarks, President Boakai highlighted the escalating dangers posed by cybercrime, comparing its impact to that of military conflicts. He noted that, in the past 20 years, cyber breaches have increased by over 70%, with businesses worldwide reporting over $2 billion in email-related losses in 2023 alone.

The President warned that cybercrime not only disrupts political and financial systems but also facilitates organized criminal activities such as money laundering, drug trafficking, and human trafficking.

“As technology advances, dishonest individuals attempt to disrupt progress by launching attacks on systems and influencing political decisions. This is a threat we must take seriously, President Boakai stated, adding, “Prioritizing cybersecurity can significantly reduce these risks.”

The President also took the opportunity to discuss his Administration’s ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime and promote digital literacy among Liberia’s youth. He announced the launch of the Digital Transformation Program, which aims at training 10,000 young Liberians in essential computer skills. The program aligns with the Government’s broader goal of youth empowerment and the rebuilding of Liberia’s post-war economy.

“Our youth are smart, and I have no doubt they can pick up quickly. Through this initiative, we will empower them to take on key roles in the fight against cybercrime,” President Boakai emphasized.

The President further called for urgent legislative action on a cybercrime bill currently under consideration by the Liberian Legislature. He urged lawmakers to expedite the passage of the bill, which is designed to strengthen national cybersecurity, protect citizens’ privacy, and hold cybercriminals accountable.

“Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics. We must remain vigilant and resolute in our efforts to address this threat,” the Liberian Leader pointed out.  He furthered, “This legislation will provide a legal framework to combat these crimes effectively and restore trust in our systems.”

As part of his Administration’s vision for Liberia’s telecommunications sector, the President also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to fostering international collaboration in cybersecurity. He emphasized that building sustainable partnerships with other African nations and global allies is critical to winning the battle against cyber threats.

“Collaboration is an essential tool. By working together, we can move from a defensive stance to a proactive one, taking the lead in this new frontier of warfare,” the President concluded.

The conference is expected to produce a comprehensive roadmap for advancing Liberia’s cybersecurity infrastructure and ensure that the country remains resilient against the growing threat of cybercrime.