President Joseph Nyuma Boakai's Cabinet has endorsed a framework to build up to 5,000 affordable homes for government employees, beginning with an initial phase of 600 units.

The framework was presented by Dr. Josiah F. Joekai Jr., Director-General of the Civil Service Agency and chair of the Special Presidential Housing Committee, during the 26th Cabinet meeting at the Executive Mansion's Tea House on Thursday, November 12.

The Government Employee Housing Project is projected to generate up to 6,000 skilled and unskilled jobs, with about 90 percent of the unskilled jobs reserved for Liberian workers. Local contractors and suppliers are expected to benefit from subcontracting work.

Under the plan, eligible civil servants across various salary grades would gain access to mortgages of up to 20 years, repaid through payroll deductions. The framework promises a transparent process for choosing beneficiaries, with targeted support for qualifying lower-income employees. The Ministry of Public Works has completed technical drawings and structural specifications for four housing models — two designs each for two- and three-bedroom units.

The US$300 million figure is a planning ceiling, not money in hand. Before any ground is broken, the government must complete technical, legal and financial due diligence, finalise funding arrangements and sign a definitive agreement with the proposed developer and financing partner, LARIX Company Limited. Construction begins only once those conditions are met.

The project is overseen by the Special Presidential Housing Committee, chaired by the Civil Service Agency and co-chaired by the National Investment Commission, working with the Ministries of Finance and Development Planning, State for Presidential Affairs and Public Works, the Liberia Land Authority and the National Housing Authority. It is aligned with the government's ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.

In the same session, the Cabinet endorsed three youth proposals from the Ministry of Youth and Sports: a 10-year national youth development vision, a Youth Impact Compact to coordinate work across government, and an annual State of the Youth Report. The youth vision includes Youth Pathway Hubs in all 15 counties, offering training, technology labs, creative arts studios and sports facilities.

Ministry of Youth and Sports Minister Cornelia Wonkerleh Kruah said the hubs would bring training, technology, arts and sport directly into local communities.

What to watch next: the due-diligence and financing steps — and whether a definitive agreement and a start date follow.