Published: December 6, 2025
CAPITOL HILL, Monrovia — As the House of Representatives begins debating the Draft National Budget for Fiscal Year 2026, Montserrado County District 17 Representative Bernard Blue Benson Jr. is calling on his colleagues to prioritize a $500,000 allocation to strengthen Liberia’s creative sector through the Liberia National Tourism Authority.
In a communication to Plenary dated December 2, 2025, Rep. Benson described the proposed investment as a strategic national priority, not a mere expenditure, arguing it would help build “a thriving, dynamic, and inclusive society.”
A Push for Creative Sector Development
Rep. Benson said the creative industry has the potential to reshape Liberia’s economic and cultural landscape if properly supported. With dedicated funding, he noted, the Liberia National Tourism Authority would be better positioned to implement coordinated national initiatives such as infrastructure support, training programs, digital media monetization, content creator support, and branding to promote Liberian artistry locally and internationally.
“The creative sector is a powerful engine of economic development—creating jobs, stimulating innovation, and boosting GDP,” Benson wrote, stressing that increased support would expand entrepreneurship and open new business opportunities nationwide.
Tourism, Innovation and National Image
The lawmaker highlighted the sector’s potential to drive tourism, explaining that vibrant cultural expressions — including festivals, art exhibitions, and theatre — help attract both domestic and international visitors. This, he said, translates directly into increased revenue for local communities and tourism-related businesses.
He also underscored the role of creativity in fostering innovation, explaining that collaboration among artists, designers, and entrepreneurs helps produce new ideas and solutions that contribute to national competitiveness.
Strengthening Social Cohesion
Beyond economics, Rep. Benson argued that investing in culture and creativity improves social well-being and community resilience. Creative spaces, he said, provide opportunities for self-expression, mental health improvement, and stronger social bonds.
Next Steps
After brief deliberations, Plenary forwarded Rep. Benson’s proposal to the Committee on Ways, Means, Finance and Budget for review and potential inclusion in the 2026 National Budget.
If approved, the initiative would mark one of Liberia’s most significant direct public investments in the creative industry, a sector Rep. Benson believes is essential to shaping the country’s economic future and cultural identity.
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