MONROVIA– The Bukonjadeh Group of Companies on Saturday, April 18 celebrated its 18th anniversary with a call from keynote speaker, Wilmot Smith, for deliberate national efforts to empower Liberian-owned businesses.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
Smith, former Deputy Director General for Information Services at the Liberia Institute for Statistics and Geo-Information Services or LISGIS, highlighted the company’s journey from humble beginnings to a multi-sector enterprise and pointed out that many Liberian-owned businesses will strive if they are given the needed support.
Delivering the keynote address at the anniversary program, Mr. Smith described Bukonjadeh’s growth as a testament to “belief in possibility, belief in people, and belief that Liberians, when given the opportunity, can build institutions that matter.”
Founded in 2008 by a group of young Liberians, the company has expanded over nearly two decades into microfinance, construction, logistics and community services.
Smith, also a former Vice President for Operations at the Liberia Football Association (LFA), emphasized that the company’s evolution represents more than business expansion, calling it “a story of transformation and nation-building.”
“Through microfinance, Bukonjadeh has done more than provide capital—it has restored dignity. It has enabled families to survive difficult times. It has allowed individuals to move from dependence to self-reliance. Through construction and general services, it has done more than build structures—it has contributed to development, to shelter, to stability, and to the improvement of living conditions.
This is not just business,” said Mr. Smith.
He credited the company’s longevity to resilience and leadership grounded in discipline and a commitment to local capacity, noting that its survival over 18 years reflects its ability to adapt and endure challenges.
Smith also acknowledged the role of employees, partners, and clients in sustaining the company, describing them as central to its success.
“Leadership alone does not build institutions. It is people. The staff who show up daily—not just to work, but to contribute. The partners who extend trust and collaboration. The clients who take the courageous step to believe in a service, in a system, in a possibility. To all of you – this anniversary belongs,” he furthered.
Beyond its business operations, Bukonjadeh was praised for its contributions to youth development, sports, and community initiatives. Mr. Smith stressed that true success should be measured by impact rather than accumulation.
And as Liberia strives to a middle income country, the former LISGIS top official urged policymakers and stakeholders to prioritize Liberian businesses as a cornerstone of national development.
“Liberia’s future demands the empowerment of Liberian businesses. Not as a slogan. Not as a political talking point. But as a deliberate, structured, and sustained national strategy. Because no country develops by outsourcing its economic destiny. No nation becomes strong by weakening its own enterprises. And no economy becomes resilient when its local businesses are left to struggle while external actors dominate opportunity.”
The Bukonjadeh Group’s 18th anniversary celebration, which was held at the Don Bosco Youth Center in New Matadi, brought together members of the business community and partners. The celebration was also occasioned by different activities including a basket exhibition match between two famous female teams and mini football tournament, which was won by the company.
Speaking to the media, the CEO of Bukonjadeh Group of Companies, Elton Johns, described the celebration as a milestone for a Liberian enterprise.
With highlights of the company’s long-term resilience and success, Johns says it’s a challenge to the stereotype that local businesses cannot survive for extended periods.
He said the sports tournament, which is organized annually with the media as part of the celebration, is aimed at strengthening media relationships and fostering community engagement.
Johns expressed an ambitious plan to establish a fully licensed bank to improve financial access in underserved rural counties.
“Over the years we have existed as very reliable group; we have exhibited the importance of credibility and customer trust as the foundation for local economic empowerment,” CEO Johns added.
