Industry and Opportunity

It is estimated that 80 percent of Liberian Families' main source of income is from micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSME). The case for supporting these small business in Liberia is not difficult to make. All countries have large numbers of small businesses. In some countries, they contribute to national income and job creation. In others the bulk of small enterprises continue year after year with negligible output and job creation. The government has the opportunity to support the countries MSMEs so that they are in the former category and not the latter.

Because of the Liberia's starting point of great income disparities, to achieve equitable economic growth, much focus should be placed on extending economic opportunities to the 75% of Liberians that are living on less than $1 per day. Many of these Liberians are supporting families by working in the informal sector - economic activity neither taxed nor monitored the government.

A division of the Ministry of Commerce and Industriy that works to provide resources to business owners and facilitate the transition into the formal sector. The Division of SMEs was created to ask the questions, what can the government do to increase successful outcomes for SMEs.  And I am pleased that this is where I will be working for part of my time in Liberia.

The other part of my time will be spent reviewing and editing the Industry Policy of Liberia. In collaboration with my new colleagues - who have been great to work with - we will finalize the industrial policy by the end of June. This document will serve as the guiding framework for the Liberian Government, in the development of Regulations and legislation to support the growth of Industry and Commerce.

Kenneth is also placed with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Travis is working with the Ministry of Finance. We started our jobs on Monday and transitioned from the informal to formal intern status.