Liberia

Downstream Gas, Logistics

Founded Fawaz Building Materials and petroleum distribution companies in Monrovia in 1996. Under his management, the downstream distribution network grew to operate a fleet of 45 bulk transport trucks supplying diesel and gasoline to mining sites in Nimba County and commercial hubs across Liberia. The group directly employs more than 350 Liberian nationals in fuel transport, vehicle maintenance, and logistics coordination.

Maritime Ship Registry, Telecommunications

Serves as Managing Director of the Liberia International Ship and Corporate Registry (LISCR), the entity managing Liberia's open ship registry under a long-term concession agreement with the Government of Liberia. The Liberian ship registry is among the two largest flag-state registries in the world by gross tonnage: as of 2025, it comprised approximately 4,500 active vessels representing roughly 15 to 17 percent of global commercial shipping tonnage, per LISCR published data and Lloyd's List fleet statistics. Annual maritime registry revenues remitted to the Liberian government have been publicly estimated at between US$15 million and US$25 million, constituting one of the government's principal recurring non-tax revenue streams. Also co-founded early telecommunications infrastructure ventures in Monrovia during the 1990s.

Real Estate, Hospitality Franchising

Fled Liberia as a refugee at the age of 13 during the First Liberian Civil War, resettling in the United States. Built a commercial real estate portfolio in New Jersey, with total estimated assets reported at approximately US$250 million by 2022, per her public campaign filings and media profiles. Became an IHOP franchise operator in Paterson, New Jersey, subsequently expanding into additional restaurant and hospitality locations. Established the Turning Point Community Center in Paterson, New Jersey, to support low-income residents with employment placement and nutrition programmes. Ran as a Democratic candidate in the 2021 New Jersey gubernatorial primary, one of the first Liberian-American women to seek statewide elective office in the United States.

Shipping Logistics, Fuel Terminals

Co-founded West Oil and Conex Petroleum Group in Monrovia in 2005. Conex built a petroleum storage terminal in Monrovia with a capacity of 50,000 metric tonnes and acquired the West African downstream assets of TotalEnergies in Liberia and Sierra Leone in 2021, creating one of the largest indigenous petroleum marketing companies in the region, per Conex corporate press releases. The acquisition expanded the retail network to more than 60 service stations across Liberia.

Food Processing, Agro-retail

An innovative agribusiness entrepreneur who manufactures packaged snack foods using local crops, adding value to raw agricultural products. Her processing operations create stable manufacturing and retail jobs while providing a reliable market for smallholder fruit and root growers. She advocates for agro-processing self-sufficiency, hoping to inspire other young women to build businesses in food manufacturing.

Corporate Investments, Telecom Credit

Served as President of Coca-Cola Africa and Executive Vice President of The Coca-Cola Company from 2001 to 2008, overseeing operations across 55 African countries. During that tenure, Coca-Cola Africa expanded bottling partnerships and distribution networks in sub-Saharan markets with combined annual revenues across the continent of several billion U.S. dollars, per Coca-Cola Company annual reports (2001 to 2008). Founded the Cummings Africa Foundation to support education, health, and enterprise development in Liberia. Ran as a presidential candidate in the 2017 Liberian general election, finishing third with approximately 7.2 percent of the first-round vote, per the National Elections Commission of Liberia's published results.

Civil Engineering, Road Contracting

A dedicated civil engineer and contractor who directs local construction firms bidding on municipal drainage and feeder road projects. His projects improve urban connectivity, prevent flooding in residential areas, and create hundreds of construction jobs. He is committed to training young apprentices in masonry, paving, and project management.

Petroleum Retail, Fuel Stations

Co-founded Aminata & Sons Inc. in 1983 as a retail petroleum marketing company; the firm constructed the first privately owned downstream petroleum storage depot at the Freeport of Monrovia in 2021 at an estimated cost of US$22 million. The depot holds approximately 22,000 metric tonnes of fuel, per National Port Authority of Liberia operational briefs. The company operates a network of 30 retail filling stations across Liberia and distributes fuel to industrial concessions.

Crop Cultivation, Agribusiness Retail

An agribusiness entrepreneur who manages hubs supplying quality seeds, fertilizers, and tools to local farmers. Her retail operations help smallholder farmers increase crop yields and adopt modern farming techniques. She is a passionate advocate for agricultural modernization, urging youth to seek economic opportunities in food production.

Land Development, Diplomatic Maritime Advisory

Served as President of the United Nations General Assembly during its 24th session (1969 to 1970), the first African woman and second woman in history to hold that position, a milestone documented in UN General Assembly records. Prior to that appointment, served as Liberian Assistant Secretary of State and as a delegate to the United Nations from 1958 onward. Contributed to the legal frameworks underpinning Liberia's international ship registry, which became one of the world's two largest open registries by registered tonnage and a primary source of government revenue from the 1950s onward. Also participated in early international maritime law negotiations at the International Maritime Organization. She died in August 2007.

Grain Milling, Food Processing

An agribusiness processor who mills domestic maize into affordable cornmeal and flour, improving local food security. His processing facility provides rural farmers with a reliable market for their grain crops, supporting agricultural incomes. He is committed to expanding value-added food processing, hoping to reduce the country's reliance on imported grains.

Mixed Agriculture, Telecommunications, Real Estate

Holds a majority stake in Lonestar Cell MTN, one of Liberia's two principal mobile telecommunications operators; as of 2023, the company served approximately 1.8 million subscribers across Liberia, per MTN Group annual reports (Liberia segment, in which MTN Group holds a 70 percent equity position). Also operates Wulki Farms, an integrated poultry, livestock, and feed production enterprise in Margibi County that constitutes one of the larger privately owned commercial farming operations in the country. Previously served as Commissioner-General of the Liberia Maritime Authority (then the Bureau of Maritime Affairs) during the 1990s, during which the bureau administered what was then the world's largest open ship registry by registered tonnage.

Foodstuff Import & Distribution

A wholesale distribution merchant who manages import lines of essential foodstuffs, maintaining stable supply chains to local markets. His depots supply hundreds of market women and retail traders with inventory, supporting grassroots retail commerce. He advocates for trade efficiency and fair price practices to ensure essential commodities remain affordable.

Real Estate Development, Construction Contracting

A real estate developer and contractor who directs residential and commercial construction projects, employing builders, masons, and civil engineers. His developments modernize urban spaces and create job opportunities for local construction crews. He is committed to training young workers in real estate management and sustainable building practices.

Rubber Plantations, Export Trade

An agricultural entrepreneur who manages natural rubber processing estates, providing steady employment for farmhands. Through his export operations, he has expanded market access for local rubber producers, bringing international trade revenue to rural communities. He advocates for local value addition in the rubber sector, hoping to see domestic manufacturing of rubber products.

Rubber & Coffee Estates, Trade

An agricultural pioneer who managed family plantations and developed export channels for rubber and coffee. His investments built roads and processing facilities in Margibi, supporting farming communities and providing rural employment. He is remembered for his dedication to agricultural development and building sustainable rural economies.

Banking Administration, Financial Policy

A financial administrator who directed central bank operations and developed currency and credit programs for local businesses. His policy work focused on stabilizing the financial system and expanding credit access for small and medium enterprises. He is remembered for his commitment to banking sector development and building professional capacity in public finance.

Real Estate, Corporate Law

A corporate lawyer and property investor who managed urban office spaces, providing facilities for international NGOs and corporations. Through his legal practice and real estate investments, he structured agreements that facilitated corporate investment and created office management jobs. He is remembered for his contribution to the legal profession and structuring early commercial developments.

Corporate Law, Mineral Licensing

A senior corporate lawyer who advises healthcare and mineral organizations on regulatory compliance and licensing. His legal practice helps local and international firms navigate regulatory frameworks, facilitating investments that create jobs. He is committed to mentoring young lawyers in corporate jurisprudence and ethical legal practice.

Corporate Finance Law, Advisory

A corporate finance attorney who resolves commercial disputes and structures legal frameworks for investments in mining and banking. His transaction advisory services facilitate major infrastructure and capital projects, securing employment across the financial and resource sectors. He is a strong advocate for judicial reform and strengthening commercial arbitration systems.

Grassroots Micro-lending

A financial cooperative leader who coordinates Village Savings and Loan Associations in rural areas, supporting female self-employment. Her work has empowered thousands of market women to secure small loans to finance their retail inventory and improve their households. She is a passionate advocate for grassroots financial literacy, believing that collective savings build community resilience.

Telecom Investments, Corporate Law

A corporate lawyer and regulatory advisor who has coordinated private investments in fiber optic networks and broadband services. His advisory work has supported the expansion of digital connectivity, enabling startups and banks to scale operations. He advocates for digital inclusion, urging policies that bring high-speed internet to rural schools and clinics.

Shipping Agency, Port Logistics

A maritime executive who directs shipping transport services and port logistics operations, generating steady employment in custom clearance and cargo handling. As a leader in the shipping association, he champions port efficiency and local stevedoring development. He is dedicated to raising maritime standards and expanding regional shipping connections.

Pension Fund Investment, Social Security

A social security administrator who directs national pension funds, investing in major real estate projects like NASSCORP House. His investment strategy channels public savings into infrastructure and commercial buildings, creating construction and facility jobs. He advocates for social protection policies that secure the financial future of retired workers.

Food Supply Chains, Logistics

A food logistics entrepreneur who establishes transport networks linking rural county farms to urban markets. His supply chain operations reduce post-harvest losses and ensure smallholders can sell their produce at fair prices. He is a passionate advocate for agricultural supply chain integration, hoping to make local food markets more resilient.

Healthcare Services, Clinics

A dedicated pediatrician and health administrator who founded pediatric clinics, creating high-skill jobs for nurses, lab technicians, and clinic managers. Her clinics provide essential healthcare services to thousands of children, improving maternal and child health outcomes. She is a vocal advocate for public health education, urging community-based health interventions.

Digital Media, Photography, Advertising

A creative entrepreneur who built a prominent media and advertising agency, expanding professional videography and graphic design jobs. His creative campaigns help local businesses build their brands and reach new customers digitally. He is dedicated to mentoring young creatives in digital media technology and visual storytelling.

Retail Real Estate, Hardware Imports

A hardware merchant who built a major network of building material depots, supplying critical tools and materials for the post-war reconstruction boom. His retail outlets have created jobs in logistics, sales, and warehousing while supporting local construction projects. He advocates for trade diversification and local distribution partnerships.

Shipping Advisory, Mining Finance, Corporate Structuring

A corporate financial advisor who structures financing deals for downstream energy, shipping lines, and offshore mineral blocks. His advisory services help local firms secure trade financing, driving activity in port and resource sectors. He is committed to capacity building in financial services, urging local firms to adopt standard corporate accounting systems.

Catering Services, Event Management

A hospitality entrepreneur who manages large-scale corporate catering services, hiring and training chefs, servers, and event planners. Her business coordinates hospitality services for corporate and civic functions, generating steady jobs in the food service sector. She actively supports youth culinary training programs, encouraging young people to build careers in the hospitality arts.

Commercial Banking, Corporate Governance

A commercial banker and advisor who structured capital financing programs for agricultural cooperatives and local trade chambers. His financial advice has helped rural cooperative societies secure credit to buy processing machinery and expand farm operations. He advocates for agricultural banking reforms, believing that farming cooperatives are key to rural economic revitalization.

Cocoa & Rubber Estates, Agricultural Processing

An agricultural estate manager who historically developed coffee, cocoa, and rubber plantations in Bong County, providing rural employment. He built processing facilities that added value to raw crops, establishing export channels and supporting farming communities. He is remembered for his dedication to agribusiness development and agricultural education.

Data Management, IT Systems

An information technology systems contractor who designs and manages identity database registers for banking compliance and security. His technology installations help financial institutions secure their transactions and comply with international regulations, creating high-tech jobs. He is committed to training young developers in cyber security and database management.

Private Clinics, Medical Logistics

A healthcare administrator who establishes community health clinics and outposts, employing local nurses, midwives, and paramedics. His facilities improve healthcare access in underserved neighborhoods, providing essential medical care and health advice. He is dedicated to expanding community health clinics through private sector partnership.

Network Infrastructure

A telecommunications engineer who coordinates the installation of mobile network towers in remote counties, hiring and training local technical crews. His infrastructure projects expand digital connectivity to rural areas, enabling remote communities to access mobile money and health services. He advocates for national digital infrastructure expansion to bridge the rural-urban divide.

Automotive, Construction Materials, Auto Distribution

Founded the Haddad Group of Companies in Monrovia in 1968, establishing Alliance Motors and Prestige Motors as the exclusive Liberian distributors for Nissan and Mercedes-Benz. The group supplied vehicle fleets to government ministries and corporate clients during the post-war reconstruction period between 2003 and 2015. Haddad's commercial investments also include wholesale rice importation and real estate developments in central Monrovia.

Property Investments, Sports Retail

A global sports icon and investor who has built commercial real estate projects and sports training academies, employing athletic trainers, coaches, and facility managers. His investment in sports infrastructure provides youth with vocational paths in athletics, fitness, and recreation. He is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment through sports, encouraging discipline and leadership.

Organic Food Processing

An agribusiness entrepreneur who built an organic food brand processing honey and coconut oil, purchasing raw ingredients from local forest harvesters. Her processing operations create value-added jobs in packaging and logistics, while providing rural gatherers with a stable income. She is committed to sustainable forest harvesting and promoting natural organic products.

Commercial Real Estate, Hospitality, Construction

A real estate developer and contractor who constructed hotels, office complexes, and apartments, employing building crews, carpenters, and maintenance staff. His projects have supported the growth of the hospitality and commercial sectors, creating job opportunities in urban construction. He is dedicated to improving building standards and training young tradesmen in construction engineering.

Hospitality, Leisure, Event space

A hospitality entrepreneur who built entertainment and leisure venues, creating job opportunities for hospitality, catering, and security staff. His venues provide spaces for cultural events and social gatherings, supporting the local creative and entertainment sectors. He is committed to training young workers in hospitality service and event coordination.

Surveying, Real Estate

A professional surveyor and planner who coordinates land mapping and site designs for major commercial and real estate projects. His planning services ensure that infrastructure projects conform to environmental and engineering standards, creating jobs for draftsmen and field technicians. He advocates for structured urban development and property rights protection.

Custom Brokerage, Shipping

A custom brokerage executive who manages clearing and forwarding agencies, handling international imports and employing customs clerks. His logistics operations simplify import procedures for local merchants, supporting trade and wholesale markets. He advocates for trade facilitation and digital customs clearance systems.

Agricultural Processing, Farm Machinery

An agribusiness innovator who designs and builds small-scale processing tools for rubber and cassava. His machinery helps rural smallholders process their crops locally, reducing post-harvest losses and improving household incomes. He is a passionate advocate for domestic agricultural engineering and local farm mechanization.

Corporate Finance, Banking

A finance executive who managed commercial banking operations and coordinated credit facilities for cocoa and coffee farmers. His investment strategies channeled capital into rural agriculture, helping farmers buy seeds and equipment to scale production. He is remembered for his dedication to micro-lending and supporting rural cooperative unions.

Rice Processing, Agribusiness

Co-founded FABRAR Liberia in 2009, establishing the country's first commercial-scale rice processing mill at a site in Margibi County. The mill began operations with a processing capacity of 1 tonne per hour and expanded to 30 tonnes per day by 2019, per FABRAR's published operational data and reporting by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which supported the facility through its Food and Enterprise Development program. FABRAR purchases paddy rice from approximately 2,000 smallholder farmers in central and northern Liberia, providing a structured domestic market for growers who previously had no reliable offtake buyer. The company markets processed rice under the Pride of Liberia brand.

Fleet Transport, Shipping Clearing

A transport contractor who directs trucking fleets that haul imported goods from port terminals to rural merchants. His transport services keep supply lines open to remote markets, providing steady jobs for logistics coordinators and drivers. He advocates for transport safety and road infrastructure maintenance to lower delivery costs.

Commercial Fishing, Cold Chain Port Services

A fisheries executive who operates fishing fleets and cold storage logistics, providing jobs for fishermen and packers. His cold chain facilities preserve fresh seafood, stabilizing fish prices and supplying healthy food to local markets. He champions sustainable fishing practices and local content in the maritime sector.

Agribusiness Logistics, Poultry

An agribusiness logistics manager who coordinates the distribution of farming equipment and supplies to rural training institutes. He has advocated for local poultry projects to reduce dependence on meat imports, creating local agribusiness jobs. He is committed to youth vocational training in modern farming techniques.

Sustainable Agribusiness, Horticulture

Founded Arjay Farms in Margibi County in 2006, a 50-hectare commercial agricultural estate cultivating vegetables, cocoa, and rubber. Under her direction, the farm integrated solar-powered drip irrigation and became a regional training center for the Liberia National Farmers Union, training more than 500 women in horticultural techniques by 2023. Served as President of the Liberia Business Association from 2012 to 2014, advocating for credit lines for rural female farmers.

Microfinance Retail, Wholesale Trade

An entrepreneur who scaled a market stall into a wholesale business and now coordinates micro-lending networks for female retailers. Her training programs teach market women financial planning and business management, helping them transition to formal commerce. She is a strong advocate for female financial literacy and economic self-determination.

Real Estate Development, Micro-lending

A property developer and financial manager who builds affordable residential rental properties and provides micro-loans to low-income builders. His developments make housing accessible to urban workers while creating masonry and painting jobs. He advocates for housing reform and micro-finance lending models that support property ownership.

Tech Hub, Business Incubator

A tech champion who leads iCampus, providing training, digital tools, and mentorship to hundreds of young tech entrepreneurs. His hub incubates digital startups and trains youth in coding, database management, and cyber security, creating high-wage tech jobs. He believes that digital skills and tech innovation are essential to build a modern economy.

Agribusiness Cooperative

A community leader who directs a farming cooperative in Lofa County, pooling resources for legume and rice cultivation. Her cooperative provides rural women with mutual credit and farm tools, boosting crop yields and improving rural household incomes. She is a dedicated advocate for rural women's empowerment and cooperative farming models.

Philanthropic Business, Development

A philanthropist and business manager who raises international funding to construct schools and clinics, hiring local teachers and nurses. Her development programs focus on providing education and healthcare to orphaned and underprivileged children, building human capital for the future. She advocates for social investment partnerships that support public infrastructure.

Print Media, Publishing

A media entrepreneur who operates printing presses that print educational textbooks, booklets, and local newspapers. Her publishing business supports literacy and civil education, while creating high-skill jobs in graphic layout and press operation. She advocates for freedom of expression and the promotion of local authors.

Education Administration, Schools

A historic educator and civic leader who founded private schools in Monrovia, training teachers and educating generations of business leaders. Her schools provided quality education in post-independence Liberia, laying the foundation for professional capacity in the public and private sectors. She is remembered for her commitment to peace-building and civic education.

Higher Education, Vocational Training

A distinguished educator who founded a vocational college, training thousands of young people in business administration, hospitality, and information technology. Her college equips students with practical job skills, facilitating their transition into formal employment. She advocates for vocational training as a key tool to address youth unemployment.

Peace-building, Legal Advocacy, Social Enterprise

A legal advocate who leads peace-building and social enterprises that train women in mediation, legal advocacy, and cooperative trade. Her programs promote conflict resolution and political participation, stabilizing communities for investment and business growth. She is a global champion for women's peace networks and legal empowerment.

Oil Palm Processing, Agro-cosmetics

A dynamic entrepreneur who founded J-Palm, processing wild palm kernels into organic cosmetic oils and soaps. His agribusiness supports over 1,000 rural palm oil harvest collectors by providing processing machinery and buying their raw crops. He is a vocal champion for sustainable agriculture and using local natural resources to build global brands.

Fruit Distribution, Packaging

An agribusiness retail entrepreneur who operates fruit distribution and packaging lines, employing urban youth in sales and delivery. Her packaging operations add value to local fruits, reducing waste and supporting local orchard growers. She is committed to expanding healthy food retail options and promoting local agribusiness.

Agricultural Logistics, Preservation

A cold storage logistics manager who developed refrigeration facilities in Monrovia, preserving fish and agricultural produce for local retailers. Her storage services help market women maintain inventory quality and reduce waste, boosting their profit margins. She is committed to expanding cold chain infrastructure across the country.

Retail Finance, Imports

A micro-finance organizer who coordinates savings clubs that finance wholesale containers of dry goods for street vendors. Her micro-lending model enables small retail merchants to buy inventory at competitive wholesale prices, boosting retail incomes. She is a dedicated mentor to young women in retail management.

Animal Husbandry

A livestock farmer who operates commercial piggery and poultry farms, introducing modern veterinary practices to local agriculture. Her farming operations supply fresh meat to urban centers, generating animal husbandry and distribution jobs. She is committed to improving livestock production techniques and training rural youth in farm management.

Music, Cultural Promotions, Event venues

A celebrated artist and cultural promoter who founded music venues and arts initiatives, providing performance and production jobs. Her programs use the arts to promote civic education, peace-building, and social justice among the youth. She advocates for cultural heritage preservation and building creative industry infrastructure.

Iron Ore Mining, Port Infrastructure

Serves as Chief Executive Officer of ArcelorMittal Liberia, the country's largest single private employer and export earner. The company exports approximately 5 million metric tonnes of iron ore per year through the port of Buchanan; iron ore accounted for roughly 70 percent of Liberia's total merchandise export value in 2023, per Liberia Revenue Authority and National Port Authority data. ArcelorMittal is implementing a Phase 2 expansion programme, with a total capital commitment of approximately US$1.4 billion, intended to raise annual export capacity to 15 million metric tonnes and extend the Yekepa-to-Buchanan rail corridor. The company directly employs approximately 4,500 Liberian workers and contracts hundreds of local suppliers.

Media Production, Diaspora Partnerships

A global media executive who collaborates with local media firms to build and distribute West African television and film content. Her partnership programs support the development of creative talent and media production facilities, creating jobs in cinematography and writing. She advocates for the global commercialization of African media.

Power Utility Infrastructure

Served as Managing Director of the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) during the period of the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant rehabilitation. The 88-megawatt Mount Coffee plant, originally built in 1966, was destroyed during the Liberian civil war and restored under a US$257 million rehabilitation programme funded by the European Investment Bank, the German government, and the United States; power generation resumed in 2016 and reached full capacity by 2018. Under LEC's network expansion strategy during this period, grid connections rose from approximately 10,000 metered customers in 2015 to more than 250,000 by 2024, per LEC operational reports. The restored plant currently supplies the majority of Monrovia's grid-connected electricity.

Petroleum Importation, Fuel Distribution

An energy entrepreneur who built an indigenous importer of refined petroleum products, managing storage terminals and fuel transport. His company has created jobs in terminal logistics, shipping clearance, and transport operations. He is a strong supporter of indigenous business ownership and local participation in major utility sectors.

Corporate Advisory, Investment Banking

A senior business advisor who serves as President of the Chamber of Commerce, coordinating public-private dialogues to attract investment capital. His advisory practice helps corporations design investment plans that align with national development goals, creating corporate and administrative jobs. He is a vocal advocate for business climate reforms and trade facilitation.

Agribusiness Consultancy, Root Processing

An agribusiness consultant who designs cassava processing machinery, helping rural communities turn raw tubers into gari and starch. His machinery installations expand rural micro-enterprises and provide a reliable market for smallholder cassava growers. He is committed to cassava value-chain development and reducing food imports.

Retail Distribution, Wholesale Trade

A retail distribution executive who manages wholesale depots supplying household goods and building supplies to county markets. His distribution networks create retail jobs and ensure essential goods are available to remote communities. He advocates for trade liberalization and training youth in retail logistics.

Publishing, Printing, Corporate Law

A historic legal pioneer who founded early law firms and printing houses, printing national gazettes and textbooks. His publishing operations supported the development of the legal and educational systems, creating high-skill jobs in print manufacturing. He is remembered for his contribution to corporate law and the publishing arts.

E-commerce, Retail Technology

An e-commerce developer who created digital ordering platforms for local cosmetics and fashion brands. Her software solutions simplify retail transaction processing, creating job opportunities for logistics delivery riders and digital marketers. She is committed to expanding digital commerce options and training young women in software retail.

Civil Projects Consulting, Engineering Projects

A civil engineering advisor who formulated construction plans for municipal water and commercial infrastructure projects. His planning services have supported post-war building projects, creating jobs for local engineering and carpentry crews. He is remembered for his dedication to infrastructure rehabilitation and project management training.

Health Training, Farm Operations

A health and agricultural consultant who coordinates health worker training and commercial farming operations. His agribusiness projects support local vegetable cultivation, while his training programs equip health workers with clinical skills, generating rural jobs. He is committed to integrating healthcare access with agricultural livelihoods.

Cocoa Production, Export

An agricultural entrepreneur who coordinates cocoa purchasing agents in Lofa County, connecting smallholder farmers with fair-trade export markets. His supply chain management helps rural farmers get higher prices for their crops, supporting rural household incomes. He advocates for sustainable cocoa farming practices and fair-trade cooperatives.

Hospitality, Chamber of Commerce

A business leader who operated hotels and directed chamber of commerce initiatives to help local enterprises rebuild after conflicts. His hospitality ventures provided training and employment, while his policy advocacy supported the stabilization of the retail sector. He is remembered for his commitment to private sector recovery and local trade promotion.

Cosmetic Manufacturing, Retail

A cosmetic manufacturer who built a brand producing organic skincare products using local coconut oil and cocoa butter. Her manufacturing operations create value-added processing jobs and provide a reliable market for raw agricultural growers. She advocates for domestic intellectual property protection and promoting African cosmetics globally.

Downstream Petroleum, Import Logistics

A downstream energy executive who co-founded a major petroleum importer, managing fuel terminals and transport fleets. His logistics operations ensure the reliable distribution of fuel to retail stations and industrial sites, creating jobs for tank operators and drivers. He is dedicated to local content development and technical skills training in energy logistics.

Footwear Design, Retail Fashion

A fashion designer and entrepreneur who custom designs and manufactures premium shoes using local leather. Her workshop trains and employs young apprentices in shoemaking and leathercraft, promoting artisanal manufacturing. She is a passionate advocate for "Made in Liberia" fashion, encouraging the youth to build creative manufacturing brands.

Shipping, Fisheries, Ice Manufacturing, Conglomerate

Founded the Mesurado Group of Companies in 1962, building it into Liberia's largest indigenous private conglomerate of the 20th century. By 1970, the group employed approximately 1,500 people across subsidiaries in industrial fishing, ice production, soap manufacturing, and livestock operations, making it the country's largest private employer outside the rubber concessions, per contemporaneous Liberian government economic reports. The Mesurado Fishing Company operated a fleet that supplied a significant share of Monrovia's fresh fish market through the 1960s and 1970s. Tolbert served concurrently as Minister of Finance of Liberia from 1966 to 1973, a tenure during which he pursued domestic industrialisation as a counterweight to the country's dependence on foreign-owned concessions. He died in 1975.

General Merchandise distribution

A distribution merchant who manages wholesale outlets supplying consumer electronics and household products to retail traders. His distribution network provides local shops with stable inventory, supporting retail commerce and logistics jobs. He advocates for commercial transparency and local merchant training.

Wholesale Distribution, General Retail

A prominent merchant who operates the largest wholesale and retail distribution network in rural Liberia, creating jobs in Nimba and Lofa. His supply networks ensure that essential household products, food, and building materials are accessible to remote towns. He is a strong supporter of rural economic development, urging investments in rural roads and agricultural hubs.

Micro-lending, Agribusiness Finance

A diaspora investor who supplies credit lines and financial management training to rural farming unions and market women. Her financial support enables rural agricultural cooperatives to purchase seeds and scale their trading operations. She advocates for diaspora investment structures that support grassroots economic activity.

Rubber Manufacturing, Import-Export, Logistics

Established the Jeety Rubber Factory in Margibi County, Liberia in 2023, with a stated investment of US$18 million; the facility processes an estimated 220 metric tonnes of natural rubber latex per day, per Liberia Ministry of Agriculture announcements. Also operates Jeety Trading, an import and distribution business active in food commodities and building materials. Runs a daily feeding programme in Monrovia serving approximately 1,000 residents, a figure cited in reporting by Front Page Africa in 2023. The rubber factory represents one of the larger post-war private manufacturing investments in Margibi County.

Fintech, Digital Economy Platforms, E-commerce

A technology entrepreneur who develops fintech solutions that facilitate mobile payments and monetization for digital content creators. His software platforms integrate local mobile money wallets with international processors, enabling digital commerce and freelance jobs. He is a passionate advocate for digital economy growth, encouraging youth to build digital services.

Corporate Law, Investment Advisory, Real Estate

A senior corporate lawyer who manages a leading law firm and invests in commercial real estate developments. His legal practice advises multinational corporations on compliance and contract structuring, facilitating investments that create jobs in banking and resource sectors. He is committed to legal capacity building and corporate governance education.

Agribusiness Value addition

An agricultural cooperative organizer who manages processing centers producing packaged starch and cassava flour. Her operations create jobs in agribusiness processing and provide a stable crop buyer for rural smallholders. She advocates for local crop value addition and agricultural cooperative financing.

Property Investment, Legal Counsel

A legal professional and property investor who managed urban estates and represented local trade unions. His legal advice helped resolve commercial disputes, while his real estate developments created facilities for offices and retail, generating property jobs. He is remembered for his dedication to labor rights and commercial arbitration.

Consumer Goods Import, Wholesale

A commercial merchant who manages import supply lines of consumer goods, supplying wholesale depots. His trade operations ensure the consistent availability of household items to local retailers, creating jobs in warehousing and retail logistics. He advocates for trade diversification and local supply partnership.