By: Keith Morrison | Contributing Writer
France ,Paris |May 1, 2026 |The Honorable Cornelia Wonkerleh Kruah, Minister of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Liberia, and the Honorable Marina Ferrari, Minister of Sports, Youth and Community Life of France, convened a high-level bilateral meeting at the Ministry of Sports, Youth and Community Life in Paris on April 30, 2026.
The meeting reaffirmed the strong and growing partnership between Liberia and France, particularly in the areas of youth empowerment and sports development.
Both parties agreed to work collaboratively toward the implementation of the bilateral agreement signed in October 2025, which among other important issues, emphasized sports diplomacy and youth development.
This commitment aligns with the shared vision of His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., President of the Republic of Liberia and His Excellency Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors, including youth and sports.
The meeting concluded with a strong sense of shared purpose and a clear roadmap for collaboration between the two Ministries. Central to the outcomes was the decision to establish a Joint Technical Working Group; bringing together representatives from both sides.
This body will play a pivotal role in identifying priority areas and shaping concrete initiatives in the fields of youth development and sports cooperation.
Building on this foundation, both countries expressed their commitment to launching a Youth and Sports Exchange Program.
This initiative is envisioned as a platform for mutual learning and cultural exchange, while also strengthening the skills and capacities of young people and sports professionals in both nations.
Recognizing the importance of sustainable financing, the French Ministry indicated its intention to work closely with the French Development Agency to explore funding opportunities. Particular emphasis will be placed on supporting sports-related initiatives in Liberia, especially those aimed at improving infrastructure within schools and communities.
Furthermore, the discussions also underscored the importance of encouraging greater youth participation in sports. Both parties agreed to develop strategies that promote active engagement in high-intensity sports, while carefully balancing this with the rising popularity of digital sports and esports.
In terms of infrastructure, the Liberian Youth and Sports ministry was encouraged to continue leading the development of a comprehensive and sustainable national strategy, which prioritizes the construction and equitable distribution of sports facilities across counties, alongside clear plans for their long-term maintenance to which French government’s support will be tailored.
Advancing women’s participation in sports emerged as another key priority. Both countries committed to sharing expertise and best practices to support the growth of women’s athletics and ensure more inclusive opportunities across all levels of sport.
Finally, France signaled its openness to considering Liberia’s inclusion in the next phase of the HAVOBA (Handball, Volleyball, and Basketball) program. Such a development could mark a significant milestone, potentially making Liberia as one the first two English-speaking African countries to benefit from this initiative.
In a further demonstration of strengthened ties, Minister Ferrari warmly accepted an invitation from Minister Kruah to visit Liberia. An official invitation is expected to be extended by Minister Kruah soon.
This meeting marks a significant step forward in reinforcing the partnership between Liberia and France, with a shared commitment to empowering youth and advancing sports development for mutual benefit.
