Youth Network for Reform (YONER-LIBERIA) co-hosted the GIST TechConnect Viewing Group Event in partnership with the US Department of State through its Embassy near Monrovia, Republic of Liberia

Photos taken at GIST Techconnect Viewing Group Event held on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at the US Embassy near Monrovia, Republic of Liberia

On Tuesday, May 10, 2016, Youth Network for Reform (YONER-LIBERIA) co-hosted the GIST TechConnect Viewing Group Event in partnership with the US Department of State through its Embassy near Monrovia, Republic of Liberia and brought together more than 50 young entrepreneurs; many of whom are managing their own innovations, businesses and start-ups in Monrovia and Paynesville Cities. These are the categories of youth participants’ sector of entrepreneurship: Solar Energy, Local Electricity distribution (Generators), African wearing designing, Event Organizing and Hosting, Entertainment, Import males and females wearing of all kinds, and others designing while others thinking on venturing.

Hon. Yah M. Zolia, Deputy Minister of Planning, Research & Development was in attendance and gave a motivational remark which was focused on young people to get involved into innovation, science and entrepreneurship as a new way to Liberia’s development. The Youth participants’ age ranged from 18 to 35 years.

This event is a follow program of the GIST Bootcamp Training that YONER-LIBERIA Executive Director, J. Andrew Greaves participated in Johannesburg, South Africa from April 12-25, 2016.

The U. S. Department of State’s Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) initiative empowers young innovators through networking, skills building, mentoring, and access to financing to develop start-up solutions that address economic and development challenges

GIST Start-up Boot Camps empower young science and technology innovators and entrepreneurs through on-the-ground training and mentoring delivered by top U.S. mentors and in-country partners. Training and mentorship combined with exposure and access to capital encourages entrepreneurs to confidently apply their skills to creating science and technology ventures.

GIST Boot Camps impact: Since 2011, GIST Boot Camps have trained 975 entrepreneurs from 26 countries, including more than 260 young women. As a result of GIST support, many participants have moved their ventures forward. At least two GIST Start-up Boot Camp winners have exited their start-ups and others have incubated at Google’s start-up accelerator in Silicon Valley and 1871’s entrepreneurial hub in Chicago.