Editor's Blog

November 09
By Seanan Denizot

Buy Liberian

Continued from homepage…
The abundant and rather scary control of the Liberian economy by foreigners is no secret and is comparable to many other natural resource rich countries. Yet the government of Liberia, since the foundation of the constitution (the first in Africa) has portrayed the desire to cushion Liberian businesses, even setting aside 26 business sectors only for Liberians (check out Volume 1: Issue 2 of Business Liberia for more on these 26 sectors).

Today, Liberia continues to stress this issue by stiffening their investment code and strengthening the ministry of labor. At the very same time, it is without a doubt a fact that Liberia, after almost complete destruction, desperately relies on outside investment to rebuild. While aide and financial assistance from NGOs and Foundations is helpful, actual business development through monetary goal oriented organizations will be the greatest driving force to Liberia's economy.

With a lack of human resource, infrastructure, and capacity all businesses in Liberia, whether locally owned or not must act globally to create a business that will succeed. Regardless of the current state of the country, these businesses must compete as close as possible to international standards to continue positive growth.

Take our magazine for example. Entirely Liberian owned and published. Developed in Liberia, extremely rare for Africa, we still depend on a handful of international individuals that make the final product worthy of the praise we've received. From Mexico to the US to Lebanon our entire team of employees and business partners span across the oceans and deserts.

But Liberia's unique globalization effects are not necessarily driven by the debates over pros and cons held in the private lounges of the elite and educated of this country, rather the true effect is the pure need for survival.

With an 85% unemployment rate (in the formal sector) the market is entirely price driven. Good luck persuading the mother of four who sells her made-in-Holland lapas (African print fabrics) to buy locally grown rice that costs more than the mass imported rice to feed her family that depends entirely on her work's earnings.

After a short visit to my home in Vermont, I couldn't help but feel compelled by the comparable need to buy 'local' that was being so heavily marketed by the government of Vermont. For example, supermarkets had two isles dedicated to produce made in Vermont.

Of course, more farming goes on in Vermont, the government heavily subsidizes all farmers (check out our interview with Liberian farmer Mai Bright Urey in Volume 1: Issue 2 of Business Liberia magazine to learn more), and we're dealing with an entirely different target market. Yet, I believe, that the substantial population of expatriates, upper class Liberians, and foreign business men and women could create a buying group with enough power to start increasing the sale of locally produced goods. The government needs to take part in this too, creating incentives for individuals and businesses to buy and produce locally.

Liberia, with its rich soil, has a plenitude of luxurious goods to offer; such as rice, cocoa, coffee, sugar cane, fruits and vegetables, and can begin to produce many more produces coming from the farms such as livestock etc.

So let's get started. As individuals, start buying locally, ask the owners of the supermarket to keep a section just for locally produced goods.

What do you think? How can we create a 'Buy Liberian' attitude?

Write to me at: editorial@businessliberiamagazine.com