The Liberia MSMEs Growth Accelerator Programme (Growth Accelerator Liberia) has successfully concluded the Cohort V Visioning Bootcamp, a three-day immersive event designed to equip Liberian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the tools, strategies, and resources necessary for sustainable growth, stronger governance, and scalable impact.
Held from September 6–6, 2025, in Ganta City, Nimba County, the bootcamp gathered 10 high-potential enterprises selected from the Cohort V Final Pitch & Selection Event in Monrovia on August 28, 2025. The initiative is supported and implemented by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry in partnership with UNDP Liberia, the European Union Delegation to Liberia, the Swedish Embassy in Monrovia, iCampus Liberia, and key investment partners, marking a pivotal step in Liberia’s SME development journey.
The bootcamp’s primary objective was to equip MSMEs with strategic visioning, financial literacy, market analytics, customer-centric product development, and resilience to advance through growth stages. Participants were encouraged to translate knowledge and grant support into tangible actions that expand operations, create jobs, and strengthen Liberia’s economy.
The 10 MSMEs represented at the bootcamp span various sectors, including agribusiness, manufacturing, services, and technology. They include 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., and Choices Liberia Limited.
On Day 1, participants engaged in visioning and strategic alignment sessions. Enterprises refined long-term visions, mapped stage-based growth milestones, and identified critical levers for the next 12–24 months. Facilitators emphasized the alignment of missions with measurable impact indicators, including job creation, local procurement, and export potential.
Day 2 focused on financial stewardship and grant utilization, with sessions on budgeting for growth, grant management, compliance, and transparent reporting. Teams practiced cash-flow projections, cost optimization, and scenario planning to ensure sustainable operations amidst market fluctuations.
The final day centered on market fit, pitch refinement, and investor readiness. Teams tested value propositions with mentors, sharpened customer segments, and polished investor-ready pitches. Networking sessions connected participants with buyers, suppliers, and potential funders, reinforcing a culture of collaboration and accountability.
Luther D. Jeke, CEO of iCampus Liberia, delivered an inspiring keynote, reflecting on Cohort V’s journey and the achievements of the preceding four cohorts. He urged participants to remain focused and disciplined, stating, “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.”
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Hon. 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. He remarked, “Our government remains steadfast in advancing SME development as a pathway to prosperity for Liberians. Public-private partnerships with donors and banks accelerate this journey.” He commended UNDP, iCampus Liberia, and development partners for their collaboration on the Livelihood and Employment Creation Project and other initiatives, emphasizing that public-private collaboration is a catalyst for sustainable entrepreneurship and job creation.
Representing UNDP Liberia, E. Abraham Tumbey, Jr., Program Coordinator, highlighted the program’s impact since its 2021 launch. He said, “UNDP proudly stands with Liberia’s entrepreneurs. When SMEs thrive, poverty declines, and opportunities expand for all. Accountability, ambition, and a clear path to growth are essential for unlocking opportunities for youth, women, and persons with disabilities.”
The bootcamp also featured representation from key financial partners. Varney Kromah, Ganta Branch Manager, Ecobank Liberia, and Theophilus Dundas, Head of Retail Banking, Bloom Bank Africa Liberia, emphasized the importance of investor confidence in Cohort V ventures. Kromah stated, “Strong SMEs require strong financial partnerships. We are excited to support these ventures as they scale responsibly.” Dundas added, “Banking partners play a pivotal role in unlocking growth capital for vibrant, job-creating entrepreneurs.”
By the conclusion of the bootcamp, each MSME had completed a tailored Vision Plan, outlining 12–18 month growth targets, grant utilization strategies, and KPI dashboards. Mentorship commitments were formalized, and networking leads with buyers and funders were established.
In the short term, Cohort V will transition into a focused acceleration phase, applying proven frameworks to increase revenue, improve efficiency, and drive job creation—especially for youth, women, and persons with disabilities. Over the long term, these enterprises are expected to scale operations, maximize export potential, and contribute meaningfully to Liberia’s economic diversification, resilience, and inclusive growth.
The bootcamp marks a critical bridge from the Final Pitch & Selection Event to the acceleration phase, strengthening the foundation for sustainable SME development in Liberia. A follow-up feature story will track each MSME’s progress over the next 12 months, including milestones in revenue growth, job creation, and community impact, accompanied by a photo gallery and video highlights reel.
About Growth Accelerator Liberia
Launched in 2021, the Liberia MSMEs Growth Accelerator Programme supports high-potential businesses with grants, mentorship, and capacity development. 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 empowering entrepreneurs with resources, knowledge, and networks, the program seeks to transform Liberia’s SMEs into scalable engines of employment, innovation, and sustainable economic growth.