Liberian Diaspora Program Targets 50,000 Entrepreneurs | News

A Liberian diaspora professional, entrepreneur, and former United Nations official is calling for a broader national conversation on entrepreneurship, economic modernization, and practical empowerment opportunities for ordinary Liberians.

Dr. Bryan Harris, currently based in Texas, has introduced what he describes as a practical framework aimed at strengthening Liberia’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and promoting digital transformation across the country.

The initiative, known as the Liberia National Entrepreneurship & Economic Empowerment Initiative (LNEEEI) Operational Readiness, Pilot & Evaluation Framework, seeks to complement ongoing government development efforts rather than replace existing national policies.

According to Dr. Harris, the framework was inspired by recent national discussions on youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, innovation, digital transformation, transparency, and modernization of government services under President Joseph Boakai’s administration.

“The goal is not criticism,” Dr. Harris explained. “The goal is constructive national dialogue on how Liberia can strengthen entrepreneurship ecosystems, create more practical economic opportunities, modernize SME support systems, and improve county-level economic participation.”

Dr. Harris noted that nearly 12 years after the passage of Liberia’s Small Business Empowerment Act of 2014, the country now has an opportunity to assess progress and strengthen implementation systems using international best practices tailored to Liberia’s realities.

He emphasized that unemployment, weak SME growth, limited county-level economic participation, and slow private-sector expansion continue to pose serious challenges to Liberia’s economy.

According to him, Liberia already has important policy foundations through the Government of Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry’s 2025–2029 Strategic Plan, and other private-sector development initiatives.

However, he believes stronger implementation systems, startup incubation programs, mentorship opportunities, and digital modernization are needed to accelerate inclusive economic growth.

Drawing lessons from countries such as Rwanda, Kenya, Ghana, and the United States Small Business Administration model, Dr. Harris said Liberia has the opportunity to localize proven entrepreneurship support systems that encourage mentorship, financing readiness, women’s enterprise participation, youth digital skills training, and county-level business development.

“Liberia’s long-term economic transformation cannot rely solely on government employment,” he stated. “We must strengthen entrepreneurship ecosystems that help ordinary Liberians build sustainable businesses and create opportunities within their communities.”

The framework reportedly includes operational readiness assessments, entrepreneurship pilot programs, digital innovation hubs, startup incubation systems, entrepreneurship ecosystem mapping, and measurable five-year development targets.

Among the targets proposed are support for more than 50,000 entrepreneurs nationwide over five years, formalization assistance for up to 20,000 SMEs, nationwide mentorship systems, youth digital skills programs, and phased county-level entrepreneurship support initiatives.

Dr. Harris also stressed the importance of broad stakeholder engagement during the initial months of implementation. He proposed consultations involving local businesses, market women, youth organizations, universities, vocational institutions, development partners, diaspora professionals, and private-sector actors.

As part of the initiative, he is inviting the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, development partners, educational institutions, youth groups, and members of the private sector to participate in national radio discussions and public conversations focused on entrepreneurship modernization, county-level economic participation, and practical implementation strategies.

According to Dr. Harris, the broader objective is to create a constructive platform where Liberians can openly discuss entrepreneurship development, digital transformation, SME growth, youth employment challenges, and economic empowerment solutions.

“This is ultimately about helping create a more level playing field where ordinary Liberians have greater opportunities to improve themselves economically,” he said.

Dr. Harris expressed hope that the framework would contribute positively to national development discussions and encourage stronger collaboration between government institutions, private-sector actors, development partners, and communities as Liberia works toward long-term economic modernization and inclusive growth.