Published: October 21, 2026
MONROVIA— A Maryland trade mission arriving in Liberia next week will bring businesses with specific proposals in mango and pineapple exports, waste recycling in Monrovia, broadband and nurse training. Its leaders say the aim is to turn a state-level agreement signed in June into actual projects and jobs.
Prince George’s County Council Member At-Large Wala Blegay will lead the mission from Oct. 29 to Nov. 5. It brings together government officials, business executives and development partners, Blegay said at a meeting with Liberian Ambassador Al-Hassan Conteh at the Liberian Embassy in Washington.
“We are bringing businesses with specific proposals and looking to create partnerships that generate lasting opportunities for both Liberia and Maryland,” Blegay said. “Our focus is on developing relationships that lead to real projects, job creation, and long-term economic growth.”
The mission follows a memorandum of understanding between Liberia and Maryland signed June 24. Conteh thanked Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Secretary of State Susan Lee for the agreement and said it was time to put it into action and produce results.
Among the companies taking part:
- Agriculture. LIBHANA Produce, led by Ahamadu M. Sirleaf, is seeking partners in fruit processing, cold storage, packaging and exports, especially of Liberian mangoes and pineapples. The Troutman Management LLC, led by Clement T. Troutman, will explore agricultural supply chains between the two.
- Waste. U.S. Refuse LLC, led by Kirk Goode, plans to assess waste collection, recycling and workforce training, with talks centered on a pilot project in Monrovia.
- Technology. Femdel LLC, led by Gbenga Oyedele, is pursuing partnerships in broadband, telecommunications, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and smart-city infrastructure.
- Health and education. The Juxtopia Group and JUICE Network, led by Jayfus Tucker Doswell, are exploring health care technology, nursing workforce development and science and technology entrepreneurship programs for Liberian youth.
- Tourism. Clear Kayak Liberia and Kairos Kids Collection, represented by Kubahki “Kuki” Vincent Osei, are proposing a youth, culture and tourism exchange that would connect young people, diaspora families and tourism operators.
- Mining. MOI-JEY LLC, led by Daniel Moijueh Jr., is exploring responsible mining, mineral processing, technical education and export logistics.
- Trade services. The Image Consulting Group, headed by Wunmi Duyile, is seeking opportunities in business development, procurement and workforce training. Duyile’s Legacy Premier Foundation is organizing the mission.
The government side of the delegation is expected to include Prince George’s County Council Chair Krystal Oriadha, Council Member Edward Burroughs III and Akilah S. Alleyne of the international affairs team in the Maryland secretary of state’s office.
Conteh welcomed the group on behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti. He said organizers are arranging meetings with the president, legislative leaders and the ministries responsible for agriculture, commerce, finance, energy, health, education, youth, tourism, telecommunications and the environment. Meetings are also being sought with the National Investment Commission, the Liberia Revenue Authority, the National Port Authority, the Liberia Chamber of Commerce, universities and business leaders.
Blegay said the mission should be judged by the partnerships it builds, not by immediate investment pledges.
“Our goal is to connect the right people and institutions, identify viable projects, and create a pathway for continued collaboration after the delegation returns,” she said.
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