UNDP Growth Accelerator Trains Batch of MSMEs

Monrovia, Liberia; November 19, 2024: The UNDP Growth Accelerator Liberia Programme, has
conducted a round of training for winners of Cohort IV with a focus on enhancing customer relations
as a cornerstone of sustainable business growth.

At the training, Accountability Lab Liberia Country Director Lawrence Yealue, stressed the
importance of building robust customer relationships, noting that Liberian-owned businesses often
struggle to compete because of poor customer service.

Mr. Yealue said many Liberian businesses are losing competitive grounds to international service
providers, particularly in industries such as catering, where foreign companies frequently dominate
due to excellent customer service standards.

Yealue urged Liberian entrepreneurs to improve customer service, a key factor for staying
competitive. He added that Liberian businesses can only compete with international companies if
they focus on delivering high-quality, customer-centered services. He urged business owners to
reconsider their approach to customer relations, viewing it as an integral part of their business
strategy.
The two-day training held in Ganta Nimba County on 8-9 November for MSMEs, and Agricultural
Cooperatives, introduced participants to the fundamental aspects of business growth, such as
supply chain management, customer service, market linkages, team building and collaboration.

Each session provided entrepreneurs with hands-on learning experiences, encouraging them to
actively explore strategies for improving their operations and overcoming business challenges.
The sessions supported each group in building practical skills that directly impact their day-to-day
business activities and covered topics on production and distribution, marketing, and branding,
exploring fundraising and investment opportunities and creating a value chain in customer
interactions.

Reflecting on the knowledge acquired from the workshop, Sandra Perkins Lighe CEO of Zagg
Naturals, shared the value of the “Product Journey” exercise, describing how it has reshaped her
approach to business. “We were made to fully understand what product journey is and how we can improve our different products and services,” she stated, highlighting the importance of aligning customer needs with the product life cycle.

Lighe expressed pride in Liberia’s potential in the agricultural sector, encouraging women
entrepreneurs to bring Liberian products to the world stage and demonstrating a commitment to
innovation and growth, with plans to create jobs and drive economic development in Liberia.
The Growth Accelerator Liberia Programme is part of a mission to empower entrepreneurs and
Liberian MSMEs nationwide by providing co-financing opportunities, technical assistance, and
training to select businesses, and helping Liberian businesses optimize their skills in customer
service, supply chain, marketing, and branding.

The Chief Executive Officer of ICampus, Luther D. Jeke, highlighted the importance and impact of
the programme across the country in the last four years. Jeke encouraged the Cohort IV winners to
keep their passion, dedication, and zeal to scale and grow their businesses.

“These virtues will trigger the employment of other youths, women and persons with disabilities
within your ventures and contribute to poverty reduction and sustainable livelihoods,” he noted.
The winners represent a range of industries, from agro-ventures to medical and service-based
enterprises. Each business has demonstrated a commitment to innovation and growth, with plans to
create jobs and drive socio-economic development.

Businesses competed in grant categories of US$10,000, US$20,000, and US$40,000, based on
business viability, profitability, and socio-economic impact.

Each winning business receives mentorship and business development training, to help them
navigate the challenges of scaling up in Liberia’s competitive market environment.

The Growth Accelerator Liberia Programme is a flagship initiative of UNDP in partnership with the
Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Forestry Development Authority, Accountability Lab Liberia and
iCampus Liberia co-funded by the European Union, and the Swedish Embassy in Monrovia.