Monrovia—In his 2026 Annual Message to the 55th Legislature (delivered January 26, 2026), President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. highlighted REALISE as a central pillar of his administration’s inclusive development agenda. In outlining progress and priorities, the president underscored the government’s commitment to empowering vulnerable Liberians and promoting sustainable economic participation.
President Boakai noted that over 15,000 poor households have received income support through cash transfers under the REALISE Project, with more than One Billion Liberian Dollars disbursed to help families cover basic household needs and cushion them against economic shocks.
The President also drew specific attention to youth and women’s empowerment. Through REALISE, more than 15,000 young Liberians have gained support for income generation and skills training.
Boakai’s framing of REALISE linked social protection with broader development goals: fostering economic inclusion, reducing poverty, and laying foundations for durable livelihoods. His address reiterated the government’s determination to deliver results that tangibly improve citizens’ well-being—a theme resonating strongly with REALISE’s mission.
Looking Ahead
As Liberia approaches the scheduled closure of REALISE in late 2026, momentum is building around the idea of extending or scaling follow-on interventions. Proponents argue that sustaining support for vulnerable informal workers and expanding social protection platforms is essential for long-term economic recovery and resilience, particularly as global uncertainties persist.
Whether through extension of REALISE itself or integration of its best practices into future national policies, the legacy of the project is likely to inform Liberia’s broader development strategy—ensuring that economic growth and opportunity continue to reach the people who need them most.