Published: December 10, 2025
PAYNESVILLE — The Association of Liberian Construction Contractors (ALCC) convened its General Assembly on Monday, ending months of leadership uncertainty following the death of its president earlier this year and charting a new course for one of the nation’s most influential professional bodies.
The day-long gathering brought together contractors, engineers, technicians and industry partners from across the country, marking a decisive reset for the ALCC at a time of intensifying debate over local content policies, infrastructure governance and the growing dominance of foreign construction firms in Liberia.
In keeping with the ALCC constitution, Mrs. Kimberly K. Toure, who previously served as vice president, was formally inducted as president, succeeding the late Mr. Sackie Johnson. Delegates also elected James D. Smith, the former secretary general, as the new vice president, while Mrs. Rema Fawaz was elected secretary general.
New Leader Sets Tone
Delivering her first address as president, Mrs. Toure struck a confident but unifying tone, expressing gratitude for the trust placed in her while pledging to lead with transparency, respect and active engagement across all strata of the organization.
She stressed that Liberian contractors must play a more assertive role in national development, arguing that the sector’s longstanding marginalization is incompatible with a country striving for sustainable growth.
“Liberia cannot develop without Liberian contractors,” she declared. “No nation has ever been built by depending primarily on outside expertise. Our duty now is to strengthen our capacity, support one another and demonstrate to this country that we are exceptional.”
Mrs. Toure outlined several internal priorities for her administration, including expanding regional representation through county coordinators, enhancing members’ bidding and procurement capacity, and modernizing ALCC’s administrative and communication systems to improve efficiency and visibility.
She also extended an open invitation to members who had grown disengaged during the leadership vacuum, urging them to rejoin efforts to rebuild unity and strengthen the institution.
Draft Constitution and Sector Challenges Highlighted
A major portion of the Assembly focused on reviewing provisions within the organization’s draft constitution, which seeks to enhance internal governance and align ALCC’s strategic direction with current industry realities.
Contractors raised long-standing challenges, including delayed government payments for completed works, limited access to financing, and an uneven competitive landscape in which foreign firms often receive the lion’s share of lucrative contracts.
Mrs. Toure acknowledged the concerns and reaffirmed that the new leadership will prioritize advocacy, capacity building and stronger partnerships with government and key private sector institutions to address systemic constraints facing Liberian firms.
Guest Speaker Calls for a Sector-Wide Reset
Guest speaker Victor Smith, a respected figure in the engineering community, delivered a pointed address calling for a structural reset in how Liberia governs its infrastructure sector.
Speaking candidly, Smith criticized what he termed “self-alienation” within the professional community, arguing that internal fragmentation and limited collaboration have weakened Liberian firms’ ability to compete effectively.
He also lamented governance patterns that have historically excluded engineers and contractors from key leadership positions within agencies responsible for infrastructure development.
Smith urged the ALCC to strengthen its internal systems, professional standards and collective advocacy, stressing that the sector must “run as a business” and insist on competence, transparency and unity if Liberian firms are to reap meaningful benefits from national development programs.
Professionalism and National Duty
In her closing remarks, President Toure returned to a theme of national responsibility, emphasizing that construction professionals are central to Liberia’s development story.
“Our work is not just about concrete and steel — it is about national progress,” she said. “Every block we lay and every road we pave forms part of Liberia’s future. Let us build with integrity, with excellence and with pride.”
She reaffirmed her commitment to pursuing contractor-friendly policies, improving training and mentorship programs, strengthening partnerships, and elevating professional standards across the sector.
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