When the streets begin to tell the story of hardship, wise nations listen, and act. Across Liberia today, a clear signal is emerging. In many communities, the streets are increasingly becoming workplaces for thousands of Liberians seeking daily survival through informal trading and small enterprise. This reflects the resilience of the Liberian people. Yet it also raises an important question: If the streets are becoming the workplace for many Liberians, what does that tell about the health of the economy?
In a recently analysis, the former Chief Executive Officer of the National Road Fund (NRF), Boniface D. Satu, argued that a healthy economy should create pathways to stable jobs, productive enterprise, and opportunities for families to build secure futures. He said when those pathways narrow, people turn to whatever options remain, often the streets.
Satu noted that informal activities have long supported livelihoods, but when it becomes the main means of survival for large segments of society it signals deeper structural challenges in the formal economy. “Economic progress cannot be judged only by national statistics. Its true strength is reflected in the daily lives of citizens, the dignity of work, the stability of homes, and the opportunity to advance,” he observed.
According to him, the streets often reveal these realities more honestly than reports. He pointed out that hardship, joblessness, and homelessness are a national concern, and that hardship, widespread unemployment, and homelessness can gradually evolve into national security concerns if left unaddressed.
“When many citizens struggle to find work or stable housing, frustration and vulnerability increase. Economic exclusion, especially among young people can affect social stability. Economic policy therefore is not only about growth; it is also about national stability. A stable society is built when citizens can work, support their families, and live with dignity,” he added.
Satu then proffered practical solutions worth considering. He said, “Moments like this call for practical steps that expand opportunity and stimulate economic activity. One option is targeted economic stimulus focused on job creation, especially in sectors that generate employment quickly. Investments in infrastructure maintenance, agriculture value chains, small enterprise financing, and public works could create jobs while strengthening productivity.
“Equally important is strengthening youth employment and skills development. Liberia’s young population is one of its greatest assets. Expanding technical training, entrepreneurship opportunities, and links between education and the private sector can help close the gap between learning and employment. Another critical area is urban housing and social protection policies that address the realities of growing cities while protecting vulnerable families.”
He also added Liberianization and diaspora partnership. “Liberia must also better mobilize the strength of Liberians at home and abroad. Properly implemented, the Liberianization policy should empower Liberians to build businesses, create jobs, and expand national economic participation,” he underscored.
In this context, he said, the Liberian diaspora is a major national asset, noting that Liberians abroad contribute significant resources through remittances that support families and small businesses. With the right policies and investment frameworks, he said he believes diaspora Liberians can also help expand small and medium enterprises, transfer skills, and stimulate entrepreneurship.
“Aligning Liberianization with diaspora investment can turn individual support into structured economic participation that creates jobs and strengthens local enterprise. In this way, Liberianization becomes not only a protective policy but also a policy of empowerment, mobilizing Liberians everywhere to contribute to national development.
“Listening to the message from the streets, Liberia possesses important strengths: a young population, natural resources, and a resilient entrepreneurial spirit. The streets already tell us something important: Liberians are willing to work. The real question is whether the economy allows that effort to translate into stability, opportunity, and long-term prosperity. When the streets begin to tell the story of hardship, wise nations do not ignore the message.
“If the streets are telling us that Liberians are ready to work, then it is time for national policy, economic stimulus, Liberianization, and diaspora partnership to transform that determination into opportunity, stability, and shared prosperity,” he added.
