Africa-Press – Liberia. As Liberia continues to face growing economic challenges, a local entrepreneur is calling on the government to shift its focus toward empowering Liberian-owned businesses to stimulate growth, create jobs, and reduce reliance on foreign entities.
In an exclusive interview, Mr. Oldpa Odoshall Karnue, a petroleum dealer and CEO of God’s Willing Inc., emphasized the urgent need for the government to prioritize local entrepreneurs, especially in the petroleum and infrastructure sectors.
“If the government could contract us to supply petroleum products, for example, it would build our capacity to employ more Liberians and contribute to meaningful development across the country,” said Mr. Karnue.
He continued: “What international companies are doing here, we are capable of doing as well. The difference is, we are not given the same opportunities. We only need to be prioritized.”
God’s Willing Inc. currently operates about 10 filling stations across Liberia and owns a fleet of delivery trucks capable of distributing petroleum products nationwide. Karnue believes that the government’s continued reliance on foreign suppliers sidelines capable Liberian firms.
“Some of my colleagues are in construction and agriculture, and they’re doing well,” Karnue added. “If more contracts were given to us, it would reduce the need to bring in expatriates and cut operational costs.”
For years, petroleum giant Total supplied ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) with fuel for its mining operations. Following Total’s exit from Liberia, another foreign supplier reportedly took over the contract—an arrangement local business leaders believe should have gone to a Liberian-owned company.
In the housing sector, AML has backed businessman Prince Howard in constructing a 100-bedroom hotel in Yekepa to address accommodation needs in the mining region. Mr. Karnue, not to be outdone, is currently constructing a 200-bedroom hotel in Ganta, Nimba County, as a diversification move to complement his petroleum business.
“With the way our economy is shaking daily, we thought it wise to invest in another area. The hotel project is a backup that will ensure continuity for our business and employment for many Liberians,” Karnue explained.
Despite their contributions to the local economy and job creation, Karnue laments the lack of meaningful government support for Liberian businesses.
“We are playing our part to grow the economy and create jobs. But we need the government to recognize our efforts and support us with real opportunities,” he stressed.
Karnue’s call echoes a growing sentiment among Liberian entrepreneurs who believe that empowering local businesses is a critical pathway to national development and economic self-reliance.
For More News And Analysis About Liberia Follow Africa-Press
