In the bustling southeastern city of Zwedru, a bold vision is taking shape. Wallace International Incorporated, a Liberian-owned firm headquartered in the United States, has announced a $3 million investment that promises to transform life in Grand Gedeh County.
For CEO Wenceslaus Wallace Sr. and his wife, Eva Youboty-Wallace, the decision is more than business. It’s a homecoming. Eva hails from Grand Gedeh, and the couple says the investment is both a tribute to her roots and a long-awaited chance to give back.
“We have decided to invest three million United States dollars in the local economy of Grand Gedeh to support development in three priority areas—education, trade, and housing,” Mr. Wallace explained.
At the heart of the plan is a modern digitized library worth $1 million (L$195 million). Powered by solar energy and staffed for round-the-clock access, the facility will serve students, faculty, and researchers with thousands of digital books, journals, and resources and located at the Grand Gedeh County Community College campus. It will also be named in honor of Eva Youboty-Wallace, celebrating her passion for education. Another version of the same quality of library and computer center will be built for Ziah Town, Konobo District and will be located at the Ziah Town Central High School.
“Our assessment showed that students and researchers at the Grand Gedeh County Community College face challenges due to lack of adequate resource materials. We want to solve this problem,” Mr. Wallace said.
The second project is the Ma Anna Youboty-Sancea Market Center in Zwedru and Ma Tahyornoh Youboty-Dweh Market Center in Ziah Town Konobo District. They are budgeted at $1 million. Unlike Zwedru’s current facilities, the new complex will feature a parking lot, electricity, restrooms, a sewage system, and eco-friendly waste disposal. The Wallaces describe it as a commercial hub not just for Grand Gedeh, but for the entire southeast.
“Our need assessment revealed that Zwedru has only a basic market for local goods and imports. The new market will provide a vibrant, safe space for trade to flourish,” Wallace International noted in its release.
The third pillar of the initiative is a modern housing project, valued at US$1 million, aimed at easing future housing shortages in Grand Gedeh. With population growth rising steadily, the Wallaces believe investing in homes now is a way to ensure dignity and stability for families.
“Grand Gedeh is like a confluence in the southeastern region. Housing will soon become an issue, and we want to be ahead of the curve,” the couple stated.
Inspired by Home
The seeds of this bold venture were planted during a vacation in 2019, when the Wallaces visited Liberia. A conversation with local leaders encouraged them to channel their success abroad into investments at home.
“Following our meeting with the local leaders we went home and thought about what they told us about the suggestion to invest in Liberia, precisely Grand Gedeh County. We reviewed our business model, held consultations, and today, we are ready to invest,” the couple reflected.
With groundbreaking plans across three critical sectors, Wallace International’s $3 million investment is more than dollars and infrastructure, it’s a promise of opportunity, growth, and renewed pride for Grand Gedeh and Liberia as a whole.
