Review: Africa's Marketplace Revolution

MONROVIA, LIBERIA - On February 18 & 19 almost 300 entrepreneurs from over ten different countries met at Monrovia City Hall for two days of LEAD’s 4^th Annual Conference entitled Africa’s Marketplace Revolution.

The conference’s focus was to promote discussion and learning about the economic value-add chain in three main areas: agricultural food production, food processing, and the service and retail industry. Twelve workshops – four for each sector – were organized, and well received.

“The workshops were rewarding,” says conference guest Festus Martin, “especially at a time where Liberians need more skills training to enhance their livelihood. I learned new ideas in handling leadership issues. One key thing I learned is that now part of me is empowering others to take leadership responsibilities.”

“I learned to discuss problems with your employees and ask for their views,” says Girlee W. Moore, of Girlee Fashion House in Monrovia. “To make people feel important and loved, and to make your customers feel that they are the most important person. I will take my knowledge of leadership everywhere I go."

The Honorable Natty B. Davis II, Chairman of the National Investment Commission (NIC) opened the conference on Friday with his plenary speech addressing how the NIC is focusing on working with small and medium enterprises to promote a value-add economy.

“I am honored to speak to you today on behalf of the President of the Republic of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who due to her busy schedule could not be here today; she however asked that I speak on her behalf at this occasion.”

“As recently mandated by the President, we at the NIC are strengthening our efforts to promote and develop Liberian enterprises that will create jobs and constitute the middle class, and small farmers that will benefit through outreach and procurement programs of the concessionaires. Our plans for the future are all focused on these aims. First, we want to transfer the bulk of employment to the private sector, moving away from our present condition where government is the largest employer. Our second goal is to increase local processing of raw materials and eventually begin to manufacture finished goods and add value to our own products instead of simply exporting raw materials.”

This message closely mirrored the training activities provided over the course of the two days.

“My favorite workshop was the one where I learned that food processing is an opportunity, rather than an expense,” says Kabeh S. Sumbo, “ to developed value-added products which can be marketed as an additional revenue source.” Mr. Sumbo owns Passama Agricultural Trading Corporation in the Red Light are of Paynesville, Monrovia. Although not currently a LEAD client, Mr. Sumbo came to the conference because he was excited to learn about how food processing could make his business more competitive.

The NIC Chairman approved of LEAD’s efforts to work alongside the government to promote economic development in Liberia.

“When the President spoke at your first annual conference in 2008, LEAD had offices in only two counties and had disbursed $50,000USD in loans to 200 clients. Today, LEAD operates in six counties, and has disbursed over $350,000USD to nearly 3,000 clients. LEAD is playing its part and helping Liberia achieve the goals and objectives of the Poverty Reduction Strategy, and the Government of Liberia applauds the organization’s efforts.”

“I really enjoyed this conference from the day it started,” says LEAD client Joe Mulbah. “I want to appreciate LEAD for the financial assistance to the Liberian people. We hope that one day this country of ours will be a better place to live.”

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