MONROVIA — The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), headed by Executive Chairperson Cllr. Alexandra K. Zoe, has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Naymote–Liberia, led by Executive Director Eddie D. Jarwolo, formalizing a strategic partnership to implement the Governance and Anti-Corruption Fellowship Program (GAF Program), a first-of-its-kind initiative in Liberia.
In a statement issued on Friday, January 16, 2026, the LACC said the MOU represents a major step toward rolling out the two-year Fellowship program aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, and integrity across the country. The Commission emphasized that the agreement establishes the institutional framework necessary to move the program from concept to implementation.
According to the LACC, the Fellowship will target emerging leaders, civic actors, university student leaders, and young public-sector professionals, equipping them with practical skills and knowledge to actively contribute to good governance and anti-corruption efforts nationwide.
“This partnership marks a significant milestone in our efforts to empower a new generation of integrity champions,” the LACC said, noting that the Fellowship is designed to build long-term capacity rather than deliver short-term interventions.
The Commission clarified that the signing of the MOU does not constitute the official launch of the Fellowship Program, stressing that a formal launch will be announced at a later date following additional preparatory work by both institutions.
Under the agreement, Naymote and the LACC will collaborate to build the capacity of young professionals in governance and anti-corruption, strengthen cooperation between civil society and public institutions, and create pathways for mentorship, innovation, and professional development in integrity-related fields.
The LACC said the partnership also aligns directly with national priorities, particularly the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID 2025–2029), by supporting efforts to entrench accountability and citizen-centered governance as core pillars of Liberia’s development framework.
Beyond training and mentorship, the Fellowship will promote research and innovation in anti-corruption practices, helping to generate evidence-based solutions to persistent governance challenges, according to the Commission.
The LACC highlighted Liberia’s demographic reality as a key motivation for the initiative, pointing out that 74.6 percent of the country’s population is under the age of 35. The Commission said investing in young people is essential to securing the future of Liberia’s democracy and public institutions.
“By investing in youth leadership and integrity, we are laying the foundation for sustainable governance reform,” the LACC said, adding that young professionals must be positioned not only as beneficiaries of reform but as drivers of change.
The Commission concluded that through this partnership with Naymote, it is reaffirming its commitment to cultivating a new generation of leaders capable of advancing transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership, as Liberia continues its push toward a more responsive and accountable government.
