Digital Inclusion in Liberia’s Education Sector: Review of Barriers, Policy Gaps, and Strategic Interventions

Gabriel M. Kennedy^{1, 2,}

¹Center for Teacher Education Research, Faculty of Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing China

²Department of Secondary Education, William V. S. Tubman College of Education, University of Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia

Cite this paper:
Gabriel M. Kennedy. Digital Inclusion in Liberia’s Education Sector: Review of Barriers, Policy Gaps, and Strategic Interventions. American Journal of Educational Research. 2025; 13(3):102-110. doi: 10.12691/education-13-3-1

Abstract

The digital divide remains a significant barrier to equitable education in Liberia, disproportionately impacting students in rural and low-income areas. A comprehensive narrative review was conducted to examine the infrastructural, socio-economic, and policy-related obstacles to digital inclusion in Liberia’s education sector. Furthermore, existing interventions, including the Liberia ICT Policy (2019–2024), the Liberia National Development Plan (2025–2029), and various government and private-sector initiatives were also critically examined. The review identified significant barriers to digital inclusion in Liberia’s education sector. Key challenges include insufficient funding, lack of sustainability, and weak coordination, worsened by the absence of a national ICT-in-education strategy. Inadequate broadband infrastructure, high internet and device costs, unreliable electricity, and low digital literacy among educators and students further hinder access. Socio-cultural factors, including gender disparities and inadequate teacher training, also contribute to digital exclusion. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by adopting a holistic approach that integrates socio-economic and cultural dimensions, offering a more comprehensive analysis of digital inequalities in Liberia’s education sector. Addressing these systemic barriers requires a multi-faceted strategy emphasizing infrastructure expansion, affordable internet access, teacher training, and gender-sensitive digital policies. Strengthening public-private partnerships and developing and implementing a national ICT-in-education framework are crucial for fostering digital literacy, enhancing learning outcomes, and promoting socio-economic mobility. By prioritizing these efforts, Liberia can narrow the digital divide and ensure that all students, regardless of their geographic or economic background, have access to quality digital education.

Keywords:
Digital divide ICT policy Liberia educational equity digital literacy public-private partnerships digital inclusion

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