MONROVIA –Liberian entrepreneur and former United Nations professional Dr. Bryan Harris is calling for a national conversation on entrepreneurship, economic modernization, and youth empowerment in Liberia.
Dr. Harris, who is based in Texas, says Liberia must strengthen support systems for small businesses and create more economic opportunities for ordinary citizens.
He has introduced the Liberia National Entrepreneurship & Economic Empowerment Initiative (LNEEEI), a framework designed to support entrepreneurship development, digital transformation, and county-level economic participation. The Diaspora Liberian explained that the initiative is meant to complement existing government development programs and policies.
According to Dr. Harris, Liberia still faces serious challenges, including unemployment, weak SME growth, and limited business support systems nearly 12 years after the Small Business Empowerment Act was passed. He believes stronger mentorship programs, startup incubation systems, and digital modernization are needed to improve the country’s economy.
The proposed framework aims to support more than 50,000 entrepreneurs and help formalize up to 20,000 SMEs over the next five years. The initiative also includes youth digital-skills training, entrepreneurship mentorship systems, and county-based business support programs intended to increase economic participation nationwide.
Dr. Harris is encouraging the government, private sector, universities, youth organizations, and development partners to participate in public discussions about entrepreneurship and economic growth.
He said the goal is to create practical opportunities that will help ordinary Liberians improve their livelihoods and contribute to the country’s long-term economic development.
