MONROVIA — In a resounding celebration of national resilience and economic potential, the World Bank Group has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the Government of Liberia to unlock the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Speaking at Liberia’s official celebration of World MSME Day, World Bank representatives highlighted these enterprises as the undisputed backbone of the nation’s economy and the primary engine for future job creation.
With nearly 75 percent of Liberia’s rapidly growing workforce under the age of 35 and over 40 percent under age 18, the urgency to transition young people from low-productivity informal jobs into sustainable employment has never been greater. Strengthening the MSME sector is a critical pillar of this economic shift.
Job creation sits at the heart of Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID). In total alignment with this national vision, the World Bank Group’s partnership strategy with Liberia over the next five years will focus heavily on building foundations for more and better-paid jobs. Supporting MSME growth represents one of the most direct and effective pathways to increasing household incomes and driving inclusive growth.
The theme of the 2026 World MSME Day Digital Transformation underscores that technology is no longer just an IT agenda, but a vital competitiveness and employment strategy. Digital tools enable small businesses to reach new customers, access financial services, improve day-to-day productivity, and lower transaction costs, allowing them to compete effectively in both local and international markets.
Central to this effort is ensuring that the digital transition remains inclusive. Women-owned businesses, youth entrepreneurs, and rural enterprises located outside of Monrovia must have equitable access to digital infrastructure and market opportunities so that the benefits of national growth are shared broadly and sustainably.
To turn these strategies into reality, the World Bank is working closely with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Central Bank of Liberia through the Liberia Investment, Finance, and Trade (LIFT) Project. This initiative strengthens the private-sector ecosystem by addressing the core constraints facing small businesses: access to capital, technical capabilities, and market entry.
Three major pillars of the LIFT Project are already driving measurable success across the country:
The Accelerate360 Initiative builds the capacity of 55 Business Development Service Providers and Entrepreneurship Support Organizations. By upgrading management practices and growth readiness, the initiative ensures that high-quality business support is permanently available to SMEs throughout Liberia.
The $6 Million SME Line of Credit (LOC) has seen exceptional demand and currently finances 253 MSMEs. Demonstrating the viability of Liberian entrepreneurs, the program boasts strong repayment rates and zero non-performing loans. The LOC is actively unlocking the potential of local business owners, as seen in the success of Grace Healthcare Center in expanding medical services, BHP Inc. in scaling operations in the heavy equipment sector, and Master’s Touch in evolving from a simple janitorial service into a thriving supplier of school uniforms.
The Digital Financial Infrastructure pillar actively supports structural reforms and investments to modernize digital financial services and payment systems. This makes transaction processing more efficient and secure, reducing barriers for small enterprises and encouraging greater participation in the formal economy.
Through targeted financial inclusion, digital transformation, and specialized business support, the collaboration between the World Bank and Liberian authorities is expanding horizons for domestic enterprises.
By celebrating the resilience and determination of Liberia’s entrepreneurs on World MSME Day, the World Bank Group re-emphasizes its long-term commitment to helping the nation build a competitive, transparent, and vibrant economy where small businesses can truly thrive.