Monrovia — Prince Desea Tambah Sr., Liberia’s Deputy Minister for Technical Services at the Ministry of Public Works, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who, an established American publisher of biographical reference works documenting the professional achievements and contributions of individuals across various fields.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh
In a press release published on its website on October 14, 2026, the publication highlighted Tambah’s accomplishments in civil engineering, transportation development and public infrastructure, tracing a career that spans government service, international development and engineering practice in the United States and West Africa.
The recognition places a spotlight on Tambah’s professional trajectory, including his work on major transportation projects and his current responsibility for providing technical oversight of public infrastructure development in Liberia.
Among the notable assignments highlighted in the publication is his service as task manager for the construction of the Senegambia Bridge in The Gambia. The landmark project established the first permanent road crossing over the Gambia River, strengthening transportation links between The Gambia and Senegal.
Marquis Who’s Who, also known as A.N. Marquis Company, is known for publishing biographical directories and maintaining online databases featuring individuals whose careers span government, business, science, education, law, medicine, engineering and other professional fields.
Its publications have included Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in the World and Who’s Who in Science and Engineering, among other titles.
Beyond the American publisher’s recognition, Tambah has received professional honors in Liberia and the United States for his contributions to engineering and infrastructure development.
He was named Engineer of the Year for 2025–2026 by the Engineering Society of Liberia and previously received the same distinction for 2013–2014 from the Association of Liberian Engineers–USA Inc.
In February 2026, the Engineering Society of Liberia also presented him with its Engineering Service Award.
From Major Regional Projects to Liberia’s Infrastructure Agenda
Tambah assumed his current position as Deputy Minister for Technical Services at the Ministry of Public Works in 2024. In that capacity, he provides strategic and technical oversight for the planning, design, construction and maintenance of public infrastructure throughout Liberia.
His responsibilities include supervising more than 100 technical professionals and supporting the implementation of infrastructure projects in accordance with established engineering standards.
Before returning to public service in Liberia, Tambah spent 11 years, from 2013 to 2024, as a transport engineer in the Transport and Urban Development Department of the African Development Bank Group.
During his tenure, he provided technical expertise in transportation engineering, particularly in roads, bridges and related civil works, contributing to development projects in Liberia, Sierra Leone and The Gambia.
His role in the Senegambia Bridge project stands out among his professional assignments because of the bridge’s importance to regional connectivity and cross-border transportation.
He also played a leading role in developing the road corridor linking Harper in Maryland County to River Gee County in southeastern Liberia, contributing to efforts to improve transportation access within the country.
Before joining the African Development Bank, Tambah worked as a civil and highway engineer with the Illinois Department of Transportation in Springfield, Illinois, from 2009 to 2013.
He previously served as a civil engineer with the Architectural and Engineering Unit at United Nations Headquarters in New York from 2008 to 2009. He began his professional career as an associate project engineer with Commonwealth Edison Company in Oak Brook, Illinois, from 2007 to 2008.
His experience across these institutions has exposed him to transportation planning, infrastructure management and the technical demands of delivering public works projects in different settings.
Engineering, Business and Academic Credentials
Tambah’s professional background is supported by academic qualifications in civil engineering, construction and transportation engineering, finance and economics.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Master of Science in Construction and Transportation Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology.
He later obtained a Master of Business Administration in Finance in 2021 and another MBA in Economics in 2023 from Cuttington University in Liberia.
During his graduate studies, he received a Certificate of Excellence from the Construction Management Association of America in 2010.
The combination of engineering and business education has provided a foundation for his work at the intersection of technical design, project implementation, financial considerations and public-sector management.
Tambah is affiliated with the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Engineering Society of Liberia, the Institute of Transportation Engineers and the National Society of Black Engineers. He is also a Fellow of the Engineering Society of Liberia.
Mentoring Liberia’s Future Engineers
In addition to his work in government and international development, Tambah has contributed to engineering education in Liberia.
He has taught civil engineering courses at Stella Maris Polytechnic University, including transportation engineering, sharing practical knowledge and professional experience with students preparing to enter the field.
His teaching and supervision of technical professionals reflect an emphasis on developing local engineering expertise and strengthening institutional capacity.
Liberia continues to face significant infrastructure needs, including road rehabilitation, improved transportation links and the maintenance of public facilities. Developing a skilled local workforce remains essential to ensuring that investments in these areas deliver sustainable benefits.
At the Ministry of Public Works, Tambah’s oversight of technical professionals provides opportunities to mentor engineers while supporting the implementation of the country’s infrastructure priorities.
Beyond Professional Achievements
Tambah has also supported philanthropic and community initiatives aimed at assisting vulnerable and underserved populations.
His contributions have included responding to requests from residents, nonprofit organizations and communities encountered through infrastructure development projects, particularly where urgent social and community needs arise.
He has attributed aspects of his professional development to persistence, humility and a commitment to continuous improvement, drawing inspiration from his father’s advice never to become complacent.
Looking ahead, Tambah intends to continue supporting the transformation of Liberia’s road network and broader public infrastructure. He also plans to pursue a doctoral degree focusing on infrastructure policy.
In the longer term, he hopes to apply his combined experience in engineering, finance, economics and policy through consulting and service with leading international development organizations.
The recognition by Marquis Who’s Who adds to the professional distinctions Tambah has accumulated over the course of his career, which has taken him from engineering practice in the United States to international infrastructure projects and a senior technical role in Liberia’s government.
His career has focused on transportation development, engineering capacity-building and public service, areas that remain central to Liberia’s efforts to improve connectivity and strengthen its public infrastructure.
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