The Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) has extended its grassroots financial education campaign to Bong County, pairing lessons on money management with awareness about the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), a cross-border platform designed to simplify trade across African countries.
The three-day outreach, which ended on 6 August at the Gbarnga Administrative Building, attracted more than 400 participants, including students, entrepreneurs, youth leaders, women’s groups, and religious leaders. The programme featured cultural performances, interactive lectures and simplified lessons on budgeting, saving, and investing.
Thirteen trainees completed an intensive “training-of-trainers” session and were awarded certificates, officially beginning their mission to deliver financial literacy across Bong County communities.
Taking Knowledge Beyond Gbarnga
“We must not stop at the county headquarters,” urged Maraline Tokpa Jawo, Human Resource Manager in the Superintendent’s Office. “Our people in the districts deserve this same knowledge. Education is power—let’s use it.”
CBL’s Director of Communications and chair of the Financial Education Working Group, Cllr. P. Alphonsus Zeon, encouraged communities to support the newly certified trainers. “These are your own children. Cooperate with them as they take financial education to churches, schools, farms, and marketplaces,” he said.
Local organisations quickly pledged support. The Village Saving and Loan Association promised to integrate financial lessons into its activities, while Bong’s Rural Women’s Chair, Lydia Zeze, highlighted how the programme would help women manage household incomes more effectively. The Motorcyclist Union described the campaign as “a light” for its members, and youth groups urged trainers to prioritise schools once classes resume.
Introducing PAPSS to Rural Liberia
Alongside financial literacy, participants were introduced to PAPSS, which enables secure, instant payments between African countries using local currencies. CBL officials explained that the system will cut transfer costs, reduce reliance on foreign exchange, and give rural businesses easier access to regional markets.
The Bong County event follows similar campaigns in Grand Gedeh, Lofa, and Nimba counties. According to the CBL, the initiative forms part of a nationwide strategy to equip Liberians with practical financial knowledge while linking them to modern payment systems.
By combining community-based education with technology like PAPSS, the Bank hopes to strengthen financial inclusion and prepare Liberians for active participation in both African and global economies.
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