Monrovia –The Chief Executive Officer of Meawon Liberia Incorporated, a Liberian-owned rubber purchasing and exporting company, has hailed the government’s Liberianization policy, describing it as a major step toward empowering local businesses and creating economic opportunities for Liberians.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Front Page Africa (FPA) on Tuesday, May 12, Charles Bamakpeh praised President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Koung for prioritizing Liberian-owned enterprises, but urged the government to ensure the policy extends across all sectors, including agriculture and rubber exports.
“This Liberianization policy means a big thing for Liberian businesses and entrepreneurs said. If it is fully implemented across every sector, Liberia can create its own millionaires and empower local businesses to lead the economy,” said Mr. Bamakpeh
Founded in 2019, Meawon Liberia Incorporated specializes in buying and exporting rubber from private farmers across Liberia.
According to Mr. Bamakpeh, the company has expanded steadily over the years, growing from a small operation into a business employing dozens of Liberians.
He disclosed that the company currently employs 37 workers, including site agents, technical staff, and security personnel, while operating from two stations.
“We started with only two site agents, but today we have more than 15 site agents and several technical staff carrying on operations. This is one of our major achievements because we have been able to create jobs for Liberians despite the many challenges.”
Mr. Bamakpeh said his company has also been supporting local rubber farmers by supplying free acid used in rubber coagulation, a process he said has improved the quality of rubber sold on the local market and increased farmers’ earnings.
He pointed out that Liberian-owned businesses could do more for the economy if given a level playing field in the rubber sector.
“If there is fair competition in the rubber industry, Liberian companies like ours can think about establishing processing plants in the next few years. We can even think about producing finished rubber products locally.”
However, the businessman raised concerns about executive orders and proposals aimed at restricting rubber exports, warning that such measures could hurt small farmers and local exporters while benefiting large foreign-owned corporations.
He specifically criticized discussions surrounding potential bans on rubber exports, noting that the restrictions would negatively impact private farmers who depend on rubber sales for survival.
“Putting a ban on rubber exports will only make small farmers suffer. Most of the rubber being exported comes from private farms. Government should not stop people from exporting products from their own farms.”
Mr. Bamakpeh also questioned proposals for establishing tire manufacturing plants in Liberia, saying such ventures would require massive investment and a larger market than Liberia currently offers.
He instead called on the government to focus on creating fair regulations and providing financial support such as grants and loans for Liberian-owned businesses operating in the sector.
“We have been paying taxes and operating fairly, but local businesses are not getting support from government. Government should create an environment where Liberians can compete fairly in the rubber trade,” he furthered.
Reflecting on his motivation for entering the business, Mr. Bamakpeh said he was inspired by the struggles of local rubber farmers who often faced delayed payments and limited access to buyers.
“I saw farmers suffering to sell their rubber. Some waited for weeks and months before getting paid. That inspired me to enter the business and help my people.”
He recounted the challenges he faced in the early years of the business, including restrictions on exporting rubber and delayed payments from international buyers, but said perseverance helped the company survive.
Mr. Bamakpeh then urged Liberian farmers and exporters to unite in defending their interests and advocating for policies that support local participation in the rubber industry.
“Liberians in this sector need time to grow and compete. Government should revisit policies that could restrict local participation and instead create opportunities for Liberians to scale up in the industry.”
