By Amos Harris
In what is being hailed as a bold step toward industrial transformation and economic self-reliance, prominent Liberian businessman Upjit Singh Sachdeva, widely known as “Jeety,” has unveiled an ambitious plan to position Liberia as a tire-producing nation by mid-2028. The announcement, made during a high-profile recognition ceremony celebrating his contributions to the national business landscape, signals both a personal milestone for the entrepreneur and a potential turning point for the country’s manufacturing sector.
At the heart of this vision lies a clear and urgent call to action: the Government of Liberia must guarantee a steady daily supply of 550 tons of raw rubber to sustain production and unlock the country’s industrial potential. Jeety’s message was both optimistic and pragmatic, highlighting immense opportunity while underscoring the critical need for coordinated national support.
For decades, Liberia has been one of the world’s notable producers of natural rubber, yet much of its raw output has been exported in unprocessed form. This longstanding pattern has limited the country’s ability to capture value within its own borders, leaving significant economic opportunities untapped. Jeety’s proposal seeks to reverse that narrative through his company, Jeety Rubber LLC. The businessman is spearheading a transformative initiative aimed at establishing Liberia’s first-ever tire manufacturing industry.
If successful, the project would mark a historic achievement, placing Liberia on the map as a producer of finished rubber goods rather than merely a supplier of raw materials. Jeety emphasized during his address that the project is about more than just tires; it is about building a new future for Liberia where the nation adds value to its own resources, creates jobs, and strengthens the economy from within.
Backing this ambitious timeline is a significant financial commitment. Jeety revealed that his company is currently undertaking a US$18 million expansion project designed to nearly double production capacity by 2026. This expansion includes modern machinery, upgraded processing facilities, and improved logistics systems, all aimed at positioning the factory to transition from rubber processing to tire manufacturing. Industry observers note that the scale of the investment demonstrates deep confidence in Liberia’s economic potential.
Despite the optimism, Jeety was candid about the obstacles ahead, specifically the need for a consistent supply of at least 550 tons of raw rubber daily. He warned that without this supply, the entire vision could be jeopardized. To address this, Jeety is urging the government to implement strategic policy reforms, particularly restrictions on the export of unprocessed rubber. He argued that keeping more resources within the country would enable local manufacturers to thrive and prevent Liberia from “exporting jobs” along with its raw materials.
Beyond industrial growth, Jeety’s vision carries significant implications for Liberia’s agricultural sector, particularly smallholder farmers. By strengthening local demand for raw rubber, the initiative is expected to improve farm-gate prices and provide more stable income for rural producers. Experts agree that linking agriculture with manufacturing is one of the most effective ways to drive inclusive development, as it creates a value chain that spans both rural and urban economies.
One of the most compelling aspects of the plan is its potential for large-scale employment. The expansion of Jeety Rubber LLC is already creating jobs, and the transition to tire manufacturing is expected to multiply these opportunities for engineers, factory workers, and logistics personnel. Jeety emphasized that building livelihoods remains a central pillar of his business philosophy.
While the primary focus is on meeting domestic demand, the long-term vision extends beyond Liberia’s borders. A fully operational tire industry could position Liberia as a regional supplier to neighboring West African countries, reducing dependence on imports and aligning with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Achieving this vision will require strong collaboration between the private sector and the government. Jeety called on policymakers to create an enabling environment by ensuring raw material supply, implementing favorable trade policies, and investing in infrastructure like roads and electricity. If realized, the production of Liberia’s first locally made tires would serve as a powerful symbol of national pride and self-sufficiency.
As the countdown to 2028 begins, the progress of Jeety Rubber LLC will be closely watched. The initiative represents a powerful blend of vision and investment that could redefine Liberia’s economic trajectory, turning the nation into a model for value addition and industrial growth across the region.