Liberia Investment, Finance, and Trade - LIFT Project

Liberia has taken another important step toward strengthening local participation in the national economy.

The Governance Commission (GC), in collaboration with the National Bureau of Concessions (NBC), National Investment Commission (NIC), Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), Liberia Chamber of Commerce (LCC), and the World Bank, validated Liberia’s Draft Local Content Policy and Supplier Development Portal in Monrovia through the Liberia Investment, Finance and Trade Project (LIFT-P).

The validation workshop brought together government officials, lawmakers, private sector actors, development partners, civil society, and members of the business community to review a national framework aimed at expanding opportunities for Liberian-owned businesses and strengthening participation in supply chains, procurement, and value-added industries.

The proposed Local Content Policy seeks to promote local procurement, technology transfer, domestic industry growth, and job creation, while the Supplier Development Portal is designed to connect Liberian MSMEs to concessionaires, investors, and procurement opportunities across sectors.

Speaking at the event, Acting Governance Commission Chairman Alaric K. Tokpa described the initiative as “a defining moment” in Liberia’s efforts to build a stronger, more inclusive, and economically resilient nation.

Participants also emphasized the importance of transforming the framework into enforceable laws, strengthening local business capacity, and ensuring Liberia’s natural resources create meaningful and lasting benefits for Liberians.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the World Bank for the use of the World Bank Trade Information Portal Tool Kit— a major step toward improving transparency, efficiency, and access to trade-related information in Liberia.

The agreement was signed by Hon. Ellen Magdalene Dagoseh, Minister of Commerce and Industry, and Madam Georgia Wallen, World Bank Country Manager in Monrovia.

The Liberia Trade Information Portal will provide businesses, importers, and exporters with a centralized online platform containing up-to-date information on trade laws, procedures, permits, licenses, fees, and trade agreements. The initiative is expected to reduce the cost of doing business, improve compliance, and strengthen Liberia’s participation in international trade.

Our latest SME Spotlight features Kawadah Farms, an agro-processing company in Ganta, Nimba County, that has significantly expanded its production capacity through support from the LIFT-P MSME Line of Credit.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/sme-spotlight-expanding-liberias-agro-processing-d9hhe?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&utm_campaign=share_via

With financing support, Kawadah Farms constructed a 40-metric-ton warehouse, expanded its production facilities, installed new equipment, and increased processing capacity from 5 metric tons per day to 20 metric tons per day — creating jobs and positioning the company for larger business opportunities.

SME Spotlight: Expanding Liberia’s Agro-Processing Potential – The Story of Kawadah Farms Since 2013, Kawadah Farm has been steadily building its reputation as a locally driven agro-processing company committed to strengthening Liberia’s food value chain. Headquartered in Ganta, Nimba County the company specializes in the fortification and processing of locally sourced agricultural pro...

🌟Have you been following our series of success stories featuring beneficiaries of the LIFT Project MSME Line of Credit (LoC) Program?🌟

Through these stories, we continue to see how access to finance can reduce operational barriers, support job creation, and empower Liberian-owned businesses to scale sustainably while serving their communities.

The journeys of Master’s Touch, BHP Inc., and Grace Healthcare Center have been truly inspiring. Click the links below to learn about the impact of the LIFT-P MSME Line of Credit Program.

🏩Grace Healthcare Center: https://lnkd.in/dp6qa3PV

🚜BHP Inc: https://lnkd.in/dixyQQKe

👩🏾‍🏫Master’s Touch: https://lnkd.in/dGpcvxCf

What began as a small clinic in 2021 has expanded into a growing healthcare center through strategic vision and support from the LIFT-P MSME Line of Credit Program. With financing accessed through Diaconia Microfinance Deposit-taking Institution (DMDI), the facility was able to expand its laboratory services, invest in critical NICU equipment, and install a 75-kilowatt solar energy system.

Check out our latest article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/sme-spotlight-expanding-healthcare-eaf2c highlighting the growth journey of Grace Healthcare Center in Paynesville, Liberia, led by Mr Francis B Akoi.

World Bank Group
Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Liberia
Central Bank of Liberia -CBL

Here’s our latest article highlighting the inspiring journey of Varney founder of BHP Inc.—a Liberian entrepreneur transforming the country’s fleet management and transportation sector. As a beneficiary of the LIFT-P Line of Credit (LoC) Program, his story reflects the impact of targeted financial support on SME growth.

This is more than a business success story—it’s a powerful example of how access to finance can unlock opportunities, drive job creation, and strengthen Liberia’s infrastructure ecosystem: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/sme-spotlight-scaling-liberias-heavy-ammnf

Yesterday marked a major milestone for Liberia’s trade reform agenda with the official launch of the Liberia National Trade Facilitation Committee (LNTFC). Established by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the LNTFC provides a permanent platform to coordinate and drive reforms that will simplify trade procedures, reduce costs, and improve the efficiency of cross-border trade.

Supported under LIFT-P, with funding from the Government of Liberia and The World Bank Group, this initiative reinforces Liberia’s commitments under the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and the AfCFTA.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Madam Magdalene E. Dagoseh emphasized “trade is a central pillar of national development. Efficient and predictable trade systems reduce the cost of doing business, enhance competitiveness, attract investment, and expand opportunities for enterprises and citizens alike.”

By bringing together government institutions, the private sector, and civil society, the LNTFC will play a critical role in improving the business environment, strengthening regional integration, and enhancing Liberia’s global competitiveness.