By: Julius Konton
In a major boost to sports development and youth empowerment, the Liberia Football Association (LFA) and the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) have signed a landmark US$250,000 partnership agreement, signaling renewed institutional support for football and the national team, the Lone Star.
The one-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), renewable upon review, was formally signed on Tuesday, February 10, at LiMA’s headquarters in Congo Town, Monrovia.
The funding forms part of LiMA’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative and is aimed at strengthening football development structures and supporting the operational needs of Liberia’s national teams.
Strategic Investment Beyond Sports
Speaking at the signing ceremony, LiMA Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr., described the partnership as a strategic national investment rather than a symbolic sponsorship.
“This investment of $250,000 into our national football is a direct commitment to unlocking the potential of our young people,” Cllr. Lighe said.
“Through this partnership with the LFA, we are not only supporting football development, but also promoting empowerment, discipline, and national pride.
Our goal is to ensure that the success of Liberia’s maritime program translates into real opportunities for young Liberians, both on and off the pitch”, he re-emphasized.
Liberia’s maritime sector is one of the country’s most successful revenue-generating industries.
The Liberian Ship Registry, administered by LiMA, remains among the largest open registries in the world, contributing millions of dollars annually to national revenue making this intervention one of the most significant direct government-backed investments into sports in recent years.
Strengthening Football Development and the Lone Star
LFA President Mustapha Raji welcomed the partnership, describing it as historic and transformative for the country’s football ecosystem.
He confirmed that the funds will be directed toward youth development programs, grassroots football, women’s football, and the operational demands of the national teams.
“This is a groundbreaking contribution from a government institution,” Raji said.
“We assure the Liberian people and our partners that these funds will be utilized transparently and accountably, with measurable impact across the football value chain.”
Raji highlighted recent progress within Liberian football, pointing to improved governance and growing participation in international football markets.
According to LFA data, Liberian clubs earned approximately US$480,000 from 22 outgoing player transfers in 2025, reflecting increasing global demand for Liberian talent.
Historical Context: A Turning Point for Liberian Football
Liberian football, once a continental force symbolized by George Weah’s Ballon d’Or triumph in 1995, has faced decades of underinvestment, infrastructure decay, and inconsistent funding especially following years of civil conflict and the Ebola crisis.
In recent years, however, the LFA has embarked on reforms aligned with FIFA governance standards, youth competitions, and women’s football expansion.
The LiMA partnership is widely viewed by analysts as a turning point, demonstrating how public institutions can directly support sports as a tool for national development.
Youth, Economy, and National Pride
Football remains Liberia’s most popular sport, engaging thousands of young people nationwide and serving as both a social stabilizer and economic pathway.
Experts say targeted investments like the LiMA-LFA partnership can reduce youth unemployment, promote social cohesion, and improve Liberia’s international sporting profile.
With the Lone Star preparing for future CAF and FIFA competitions, stakeholders believe the $250,000 injection if effectively managed could yield long-term dividends far beyond the pitch.
As Liberia seeks to harness sports for development, the LiMA–LFA agreement sets a new benchmark for public-sector engagement in football, offering a model that other state institutions may soon follow
