The Liberia MSMEs Growth Accelerator Programme (Growth Accelerator Liberia) has successfully concluded the Cohort V Visioning Bootcamp, a three-day immersive event held from September 3–5, 2025.
Designed to equip Liberian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the tools, strategies, and resources for sustainable growth, the bootcamp marks a significant milestone in Liberia’s SME development journey.
The bootcamp brought together 10 high-potential enterprises selected during the Cohort V Final Pitch & Selection Event in Monrovia on August 28, 2025.
The initiative is led by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry in collaboration with UNDP Liberia, the European Union Delegation to Liberia, the Swedish Embassy in Monrovia, iCampus Liberia, and key investment partners.
Empowering MSMEs for Growth and Impact
The bootcamp focused on strategic visioning, financial literacy, market analytics, customer-centric product development, and resilience. Participants were guided to translate knowledge and grant support into actionable growth plans aimed at expanding operations, creating jobs, and strengthening Liberia’s economy.
The 10 participating MSMEs represent diverse sectors, including agribusiness, manufacturing, services, and technology. They are:
- JBC Enterprise
- Afro Resource Inc
- Harvesting Hope Enterprise
- Liberia Agri-Processing Venture (LAP Venture) Inc.
- Youth Agribusiness for Liberian Indigenous Vegetable Value Addition (YALIVVA Inc.)
- Leelah Group of Companies
- Jane’s Healthline Liberia Inc.
- Green Investment
- Angea Agro Hub Inc.
- Choices Liberia Limited
Bootcamp Highlights
- Day 1: Focused on visioning and strategic alignment. Enterprises refined long-term goals, mapped growth milestones, and identified key levers for the next 12–24 months. Facilitators emphasized aligning missions with measurable impact indicators such as job creation, local procurement, and export readiness.
- Day 2: Centered on financial stewardship and grant utilization. Sessions covered budgeting for growth, compliance, and transparent reporting. Teams practiced cash-flow projections, cost optimization, and scenario planning to ensure financial sustainability.
- Day 3: Dedicated to market fit, pitch refinement, and investor readiness. MSMEs tested value propositions, sharpened customer segments, and polished investor pitches. Networking sessions connected participants with buyers, suppliers, and potential funders, fostering collaboration and accountability.
Voices from the Bootcamp
Luther D. Jeke, CEO of iCampus Liberia, delivered a keynote address reflecting on Cohort V’s journey and the legacy of previous cohorts. “Vision is the map; discipline is the engine. Cohort V has shown both in abundance. We are confident their success will ripple through their communities and into Liberia’s economy,” he said.
Benedict A. Dolo, Deputy Minister for Small Business Administration, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to SME development under President Joseph N. Boakai’s ARREST Agenda. “Public-private partnerships with donors and banks accelerate this journey,” he noted, commending UNDP, iCampus Liberia, and development partners for their collaboration.
E. Abraham Tumbey, Jr., Program Coordinator at UNDP Liberia, emphasized the program’s impact since its 2021 launch. “When SMEs thrive, poverty declines, and opportunities expand for all,” he said, highlighting the importance of accountability and ambition.
Financial partners also voiced support. Varney Kromah of Ecobank Liberia and Theophilus Dundas of Bloom Bank Africa Liberia stressed the role of financial institutions in unlocking growth capital. “Strong SMEs require strong financial partnerships,” Kromah stated.
Looking Ahead
By the end of the bootcamp, each MSME had developed a tailored Vision Plan outlining growth targets, grant utilization strategies, and KPI dashboards. Mentorship commitments were formalized, and connections with buyers and funders were established.
Cohort V now enters a focused acceleration phase, applying proven frameworks to boost revenue, improve efficiency, and drive inclusive job creation—especially for youth, women, and persons with disabilities.
Over time, these enterprises are expected to scale operations, enhance export potential, and contribute to Liberia’s economic diversification and resilience.
A follow-up feature story will track each MSME’s progress over the next 12 months, highlighting milestones in revenue growth, job creation, and community impact, accompanied by a photo gallery and video highlights.
About Growth Accelerator Liberia
Launched in 2021, the Liberia MSMEs Growth Accelerator Programme supports high-potential businesses with grants, mentorship, and capacity development. As part of the Livelihood and Employment Creation Project, it is implemented by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, UNDP, and development partners to reduce poverty, create jobs, and drive inclusive growth.
By equipping entrepreneurs with resources, knowledge, and networks, the program aims to transform Liberia’s SMEs into engines of innovation, employment, and sustainable economic development.
