Published: December 10, 2025
MONROVIA — President Joseph N. Boakai on Monday opened Liberia’s 2025 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Conference and Trade Fair, declaring market access and affordable financing “urgent national priorities” for the country’s growing small-business sector.
Speaking on the President’s behalf, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs Samuel A. Stevquoah said the administration is counting on policy reforms and stronger partnerships to expand opportunities for Liberian-owned businesses. He credited the World Bank–funded Liberia Investment, Finance and Trade Project (LIFT-P) for “significantly strengthening the MSME ecosystem” through its line-of-credit and technical assistance programs.
The ceremony, held at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex, drew senior government officials, development partners, business owners, and representatives of women-, youth- and disability-led enterprises.
This year’s conference is themed “MSMEs’ Access to Market and Finance through Policy Reforms: The Role of Government, Partners, and the Private Sector.” It places a sharp focus on promoting Made-in-Liberia products and strengthening the policy and investment environment for local producers.
In remarks, Commerce and Industry Minister Magdalene Ellen Dagoseh outlined reforms underway through LIFT-P, noting that the project is helping Liberia expand MSMEs’ access to finance, streamline trade procedures, and modernize the country’s business environment.
World Bank Country Manager Georgia A. Wallen and Minister Stevquoah highlighted progress under the project’s line-of-credit program. The Central Bank of Liberia has received USD 6 million under the facility, with USD 4.2 million disbursed to participating financial institutions and USD 3.4 million on-lent to more than 200 small businesses nationwide.
Environmental Protection Agency Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo praised LIFT-P’s support to environmental governance, including assessments of Liberia’s licensing regime, strengthened compliance oversight for MSMEs, and ongoing automation of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment systems.
Organizers say the three-day gathering is expected to produce several outcomes: stronger policy reforms to expand MSME access to markets and finance; improved product quality aligned with international standards; enhanced branding, packaging and marketing; and deeper trade partnerships that boost the visibility of Liberian products.
Dignitaries attending the launch included UNDP Resident Representative Aliou Mamadou Dia; Expo President Amb. Julie Endee; Youth and Sports Minister Jeror Cole Bangalu; Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah; Gender Minister Gbeme Horace-Kollie; and J-Palm Liberia founder Mahmud Johnson, who delivered the keynote address.
The 2025 MSME Conference and Trade Fair runs through December 10.
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