MONROVIA –The Deputy Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Madam Laura Golakeh, has called for increased investment in women-led micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
Speaking on behalf of Gender Minister Gbeme Horace-Kollie during the celebration of International MSME Day 2026, Deputy Minister Golakeh emphasized the critical need of empowering female entrepreneurs through digital skills, access to finance and targeted government support is essential to Liberia’s economic transformation.
It was celebrated under the theme: “Empowering Liberian MSMEs Through Innovation, Digital Transformation and Inclusive Economic Growth,” the event highlighted the critical role of MSMEs as the backbone of Liberia’s economy and reaffirmed the Government of Liberia’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, digital inclusion, and sustainable economic growth.
The occasion was graced by an array of officials, development partners, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the private sector, entrepreneurs and business associations.
She said women operating small businesses across Liberia should be recognized as entrepreneurs rather than merely “market women” or “petty traders.”
“When we hear the term MSMEs, many people think only of registered companies. But Liberia’s MSMEs are also the women who leave home before sunrise to sell vegetables, fish, rice, fabric, charcoal, cooked food and countless other products that keep our communities alive,” the top Gender Ministry official told the gathering amid cheers from the audience.
She noted that these women make daily business decisions involving pricing, savings, reinvestment and risk management, demonstrating the same entrepreneurial skills as operators in the formal sector.
Deputy Minister Golakeh pointed out that the difference lies not in their capabilities but in the limited opportunities available to them.
Deputy Minister Golakeh revealed several government initiatives aimed at expanding women’s economic participation, including the Liberia Women’s Empowerment Project (LWEP), which supports women-led businesses through Village Savings and Loan Associations in six counties with grants to expand their enterprises.
“These are not handouts; they are investments in women who have already demonstrated resilience, discipline and the ability to build businesses with very limited resources.”
She also referenced the government’s REALISE Project, which provides cash transfers to vulnerable households headed by women, and announced that the ministry plans to train 25,000 women over the next five years in digital skills to prepare them for opportunities in the growing digital economy.
According to her, the initiative is intended to equip women and girls with the knowledge needed to access employment, entrepreneurship and innovation opportunities in an increasingly technology-driven marketplace.
She disclosed that the ministry is working to connect Village Savings and Loan Associations with Liberia’s formal banking sector to improve access to savings, credit, insurance and other financial services.
As means of enhancing growth in women-led initiatives, Deputy Minister Golakeh suggested the creation of a specialized financial institution dedicated to serving rural women, market women, Village Savings and Loan Associations, and micro and small businesses.
“Such an institution could unlock capital for thousands of hardworking Liberian women and provide a bridge from the informal economy to the formal financial system.”
The deputy minister asserted that digital transformation extends beyond artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.
“For many Liberian entrepreneurs, it starts with using a mobile phone to receive payments, keeping digital records, accessing market information or reaching new customers,” she explained, adding that these simple innovations can increase profits, reduce business risks and improve competitiveness.
Deputy Minister Golakeh reaffirmed the Ministry of Gender’s commitment to working with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and development partners to ensure that women-owned businesses not only survive but thrive, while at the same time urging Liberians to view women entrepreneurs as investors, employers and drivers of national development rather than simply beneficiaries of assistance.
“When we invest in their success, we strengthen families, create jobs, reduce poverty and accelerate Liberia’s development.”
Among other things, she congratulated Liberian MSMEs on the occasion of International MSME Day and called for sustained efforts to build an inclusive economy where every woman has the opportunity to grow, prosper and contribute to the country’s future.
Speaking earlier, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Madam Magdalene Ellen Dagoseh, also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Minister Dagosseh described MSMEs as the backbone of Liberia’s economy and key drivers of job creation, innovation and inclusive economic growth that must be unlocked.
As part of an effort aimed at unlocking the growth in the nation’s economy, the Commerce and Industry Ministry boss explained that government is intensifying efforts to equip Liberian businesses with the digital tools, financing and market opportunities needed to compete in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
The Commerce and Industry Minister told the gathering that his year’s global theme, “Empowering Liberian MSMEs through Digital Knowledge, Innovation and Sustainable Growth,” reflects the changing realities of modern business.
“Technology, innovation and digital skills have become essential drivers for business success across the world. Digital transformation is no longer a choice, it is a necessity. Businesses that embrace digital technologies are better positioned to improve productivity, access new markets, engage customers and compete effectively,” averred the Minister.
She noted that MSMEs account for nearly 90 percent of businesses worldwide and provide the majority of employment opportunities. In Liberia, she maintained, the sector encompasses market women, manufacturers, traders, farmers and youth-led enterprises whose contributions are critical to economic growth and poverty reduction.
Despite persistent challenges, including limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure and market constraints, Madam Dagoseh praised Liberian entrepreneurs for their resilience, determination and innovation.
“Today we celebrate their achievements and recognize their critical role in shaping our nation’s economic future,” she asserted.
The minister highlighted several government initiatives aimed at improving the business climate, including the Liberia Investment, Finance and Trade (LIFT) Project, which seeks to expand access to finance, strengthen business support systems and improve the overall investment environment.
She disclosed that the government has established dedicated lines of credit for small businesses, introduced an electronic business registry and implemented reforms to improve access to financing, all of which are intended to remove longstanding barriers that have hindered business growth.
Minister Dagoseh also pointed to the Accelerate360 Program, which provides mentorship, technical assistance, market linkages and business development services to growth-oriented enterprises, particularly women-owned and youth-led businesses.
This initiative, the Minister informed Liberians, is helping entrepreneurs become more competitive and investment-ready.
In addition, the Minister is upbeat that expanding market access remains one of the ministry’s highest priorities, stressing how government continues to promote the implementation of the 25 percent procurement policy, which reserves a portion of government procurement opportunities for Liberian-owned businesses.
The Commerce Ministry, she stated, also encouraging local enterprises to take advantage of regional trading opportunities under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“These frameworks provide unprecedented opportunities for Liberian businesses to access larger markets, expand exports and participate in regional value chains.”
However, Minister Dagoseh stressed that success in regional and international markets will depend largely on entrepreneurs embracing digital innovation, including e-commerce platforms, online marketing, digital payment systems and modern business management practices.
“The Ministry remains committed to working with stakeholders to bridge the digital gap and ensure that Liberian MSMEs are equipped to compete successfully in a digital economy,” she stated.
The Minister called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, development partners, financial institutions, educational institutions and the private sector to create an enabling environment for business growth.
She urged banks and other financial institutions to develop affordable and innovative financial products tailored to the needs of MSMEs, while encouraging educational institutions to expand entrepreneurship and digital skills training to prepare business owners for an increasingly competitive global marketplace.
Addressing entrepreneurs directly, Madam Dagoseh commended their perseverance and contribution to national development.
“You are the drivers of innovation, the creators of jobs and the builders of Liberia’s future,” she said. “You are the backbone of our economy, the pillars of our homes and the vision builders carrying Liberia forward.”
“The Ministry of Commerce and Industry remains steadfast in championing policies and programs that empower Liberian entrepreneurs and strengthen the foundation of a resilient, inclusive and sustainable economy. Together, through partnership, innovation and digital transformation, we can unlock the full potential of Liberian MSMEs and accelerate our national economic growth and development.”
