MoCI & Partners Conclude 2026 MSMEs Celebration
The Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoCI), on Friday, June 26, 2026, executed appropriate programs befitting International MSMEs Day at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Congo Town.In her official opening statement, the Minister of Commerce & Industry, Magdalene E. Dagoseh, described MSMEs as the backbone of the Liberian economy, major drivers job creation, innovation & inclusive economic growth. Minister Dagoseh told the gathering about government’s ongoing efforts to equip Liberian businesses with the requisite skills, including digital tools, financing and market opportunities aimed at boosting their capacities for competition in the space that is increasingly driven by technology.
She added that the global theme for the 2026 MSMEs celebration “Empowering Liberian MSMEs Through Digital Knowledge, Innovation and Sustainable Growth,” was a reflection of the changing realities of modern business. She observed that technology, innovation & digital skills have become essential drivers for the success of business entities across the world. “Digital transformation is no longer a choice, it is a necessity,” Madam Dagoseh pointed out.She also provided an overview of initiatives being undertaken by government to improve Liberia’s business climate. They include Liberia Investment, Finance and Trade (LIFT) Project- intended to expand access to finance, strengthen business support systems and improve the overall investment environment; the established dedicated lines of credit for small businesses; introduction of an electronic business registry and implemented reforms to improve access to financing. She said all these efforts are geared toward removing longstanding barriers that have hindered business growth.
Also outlined during the program was the Accelerate360 Program that is providing mentorship, technical assistance, market linkages & business development services to growth-oriented enterprises, mainly women-owned and youth-led businesses. Minister Dagoseh encouraged local enterprises to take advantage of regional trading opportunities under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on grounds that such frameworks provide unprecedented opportunities for Liberian businesses to access larger markets, expand exports and participate in regional value chains. She reiterated President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s commitment to supporting Liberian entrepreneurs through policies and programs that stimulate access to finance, markets, technology and knowledge.
Earlier in her keynote address, the Chairperson on Membership and International Partnership at the Liberia Chamber of Commerce (LCC), Jefyne Togba, also described MSMEs as the backbone of the Liberian economy. Ms. Togba added that MSMEs account for vast majority of businesses that provide livelihood for thousands of Liberians and at the same time serve as the engine of resilience, especially during times of economic uncertainty. The keynote speaker was however quick to note that despite their contributions to global economies, MSMEs continue to face persistent structural challenges- including limited access to finance, weak infrastructure, low productivity and restricted access to markets. She pointed that in today’s rapidly evolving global economy, the digital divide has emerged as an additional and critical barrier that must be urgently addressed. Ms.Togab also mentioned that the entrepreneur spirit has never been Liberians’ problem. “Liberian entrepreneurs have always shown up—the question is whether we as a country are giving them the tools they need to succeed and that brings me to all of us,” Ms. Togba wondered.
Held under the Theme: “Empowering Liberian MSMEs through Innovation, Digital Transformation and Inclusive Economic Growth,” the ceremony drew participants from the private and public sectors of Liberia, including local and international institutions, with Eccbank, CEMENCO, Bloon Bank & Monrovia Breweries, amongst others, receiving praises for sponsoring the program.
