Africa-Press – Liberia. — As Gov’t plans to host landmark confab in December
The Ministry of Commerce has announced plans to host a conference dedicated to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) this December, a landmark event aimed at revitalizing Liberia’s SME sector and strengthening its contribution to the national economy.
Acting Minister of Commerce, Scholastica Nimley, highlighted the conference’s importance at a recent stakeholder meeting, emphasizing that SMEs are pivotal to Liberia’s economic growth.
“Small and medium-sized businesses are essential drivers of the Liberian economy,” said Nimley. “We must prioritize their growth, resilience, and long-term impact on job creation and local development.” She called on both private and public sectors, as well as international donors, to support the upcoming conference and its goal of empowering Liberian-owned businesses.
The event, scheduled for the first week of December, will feature high-profile attendees, including President Joseph Boakai, and representatives from the World Bank, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Liberia Chamber of Commerce, Liberia Business Association, and the Liberia Business Registry.
Designed as a collaborative platform, the conference will bring together businesses from both formal and informal sectors, allowing key stakeholders to address challenges, identify growth opportunities, and strengthen Liberia’s SME ecosystem.
This December event will also mark the first Commerce Ministry-hosted SME conference since 2016, with the ministry emphasizing that its revival reflects renewed political commitment. Nimley praised President Boakai for his support, stating, “The President’s backing demonstrates the political will needed to drive meaningful progress in our SME sector. His support has allowed us to move forward with this flagship initiative.”
The annual conference, which had been dormant for the past six years due to limited political support, is now seen as a major step toward aligning Liberia’s SME sector with the government’s broader economic agenda. Stakeholders are optimistic that the conference will catalyze renewed investment and increased cooperation within the sector.
“The SME conference is more than just an event; it’s an opportunity to galvanize support for Liberian businesses that form the backbone of our economy,” said Nimley. “We are calling on all stakeholders to take part and help us build a sustainable framework that strengthens our economy and benefits communities across the country.”
By facilitating this platform, the Commerce Ministry hopes to create momentum for SME growth, increase resilience across business sectors, and reinforce Liberia’s economic development trajectory.
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