The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) is leading a new chapter in the country’s healthcare sector through digital innovation, launching Liberia’s first-ever National Health Insurance Pilot Program.
Announced by LTA Chairperson Abdullah L. Kamara during a press briefing at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT), the pilot is set to begin on July 1, 2025.
According to him, the pilot will initially cover between 3,000 to 5,000 individuals across three counties and will run for six months as a precursor to a potential nationwide rollout.
“For the first time in our national history, we are introducing government-backed health insurance. This is not only a major healthcare reform, it’s a milestone in digital transformation,” he said.
The program is being implemented in partnership with the National Health and Insurance Company of Liberia (NAHCO), with the LTA providing both technical and financial support through its Digital Transformation Program.
“We believe technology should directly improve people’s lives. This collaboration with NAHCO allows us to digitize health services and make healthcare more accessible and affordable,” he emphasized.
The pilot will explore how digital tools can improve registration, claims processing, and data management. Insights from the pilot will inform the development of a legal framework for national health insurance coverage, aligned with international best practices.
This initiative also fulfills a commitment made by President Boakai during his January 2024 State of the Nation Address, where he pledged to establish a national healthcare system within 18 months.
“By July, it will be 18 months since that commitment—and we are delivering. This is a promise made and a promise kept,” he stated.
As part of its broader digital strategy, the LTA also announced the Digital Innovation Expo 2025, scheduled for Friday, June 13.
The national event will showcase Liberia’s expanding digital ecosystem, featuring both local and international technology solutions.
The highlight of the Expo will be the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Challenge, which invites young Liberians to develop AI-powered solutions to local problems, adding that prizes for the top three winners include US$10,000 – First Place, US$5,000 – Second Place and US$3,000 – Third Place
He further said that applications are open through the LTA’s official website, with winners to be announced during the Expo. “This is a chance for Liberians, especially youth, to shine on the digital stage. Innovation lives here and it’s time the world knows it.”
Kamara also unveiled plans for a National Executive Dashboard, a mobile-accessible platform that will allow citizens to track the progress, budgets, and implementation status of government projects in real time.
“Soon, citizens will be able to monitor national projects from their phones. It’s about transparency, accountability, and civic engagement,” he noted.
Kamara reaffirmed the LTA’s commitment to using technology as a tool for national progress. “At LTA, we are not just regulators, we are enablers of progress. By embracing digital innovation, we are reshaping healthcare, empowering youth, and building a stronger Liberia.”
