Gonet Academy Leads Gender Equity Drive in Professional Training |

-As female enrollment surges at the academy

Gonet Africa Academy is leading a capacity development initiative that is ensuring a record surge in the empowerment of females, marking a significant step toward closing gender gaps in Liberia’s professional workforce.

Women now make up the majority of students at the Academy, particularly in high-demand fields such as Project Management, Procurement, Human Resource Management, Entrepreneurship, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and Monitoring and Evaluation.

This rise is the result of deliberate gender-responsive policies and targeted outreach aimed at dismantling barriers that have historically kept women out of leadership and technical professions. The impact is already visible, with more women thriving in both public and private sector roles.

“Empowering women through education is not just a moral imperative; it’s an economic and social necessity,” a statement posted on Gonet Academy website indicates. “We’re proud to be part of a movement that is reshaping Liberia’s workforce and leadership.”

In just 18 months, Gonet Academy has enrolled more than 3,300 learners across five successive cohorts (Cohorts 8–12), with women accounting for 56% of participants. Internal data shows that 2025 alone represents 54% of total enrollments, with Cohorts 11 and 12 hosting 1,814 participants (765 in Cohort 11, 1,049 in Cohort 12), and Cohort 13 enrollment is still underway. This marks a 16% increase compared to 2024.

Over 2,000 students have completed their programs, achieving an average completion rate of 80% per cohort. Within three to six months of graduating, at least 30% have secured new jobs, promotions, salary increases, or internships. More than 150 graduates have launched or strengthened businesses in sectors such as digital services, logistics, consulting, and agribusiness.

A graduate impact survey revealed that 77.8% reported increased knowledge, 91.7% gained career-relevant skills, 80.6% improved career decision-making, 75% improved job performance, and 88.9% increased confidence

Dozens of employers, including government agencies, banks, NGOs, and private firms, have formally recognized the productivity gains of staff trained by Gonet Academy.

Linking Skills to National Priorities

Gonet Academy’s training model aligns with Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ECOWAS Vision 2050, and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Programs are delivered through three tiers: Foundation Certificate, Professional Diploma, and Comprehensive Professional Programs ensuring access for learners at different skill levels.

“Every enrollment is a seed of transformation,” said Mohammed Kerkulah, Founder & CEO of Gonet Academy. “We’re building a movement where education leads to employment, entrepreneurship, and empowerment.”

Future Growth and Expansion

With Cohort 13 already underway and strategic partnerships forming with employers and development partners, the Academy aims to train over 5,000 professionals by the end of 2025. 

The upcoming rollout of the Gonet Academy Virtual Learning Environment (GA-VLE) will offer free internet access to all students and trainers, extending opportunities to underserved counties through online and mobile training.

“Our strategy is not only about scale; it’s about relevance,” said Richmond J. Salami, Program Quality and Delivery Manager. “We’re equipping learners to respond to the real challenges facing their communities and workplaces.”

As Liberia strives for inclusive and sustainable development, Gonet Academy remains at the forefront of workforce empowerment, turning education into a tool for leadership, innovation, and national growth.