-At National SME Conference
MONROVIA, Liberia – In a powerful address at the Liberian SME Conference, Ambassador Juli Endee issued a compelling call to action, framing the empowerment of women entrepreneurs and strategic global engagement as the twin pillars for national economic transformation.
Speaking before an audience that included His Excellency President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Honorable Minister of Commerce and Industry Madalene Dagoseh, heads of SMEs, and development partners, Ambassador Endee declared that investing in women-led businesses is not merely an issue of fairness, but a proven strategy for accelerating national growth.
“Empowering Women Entrepreneurs is not only a matter of equity – it is a catalyst for economic transformation,” Endee stated. “When women are given the opportunity to lead in business, they drive economic growth. They create jobs, stimulate innovation, and contribute significantly and directly to Liberia’s Gross Domestic Product.”
Ambassador Endee outlined a multi-faceted argument for concentrated support for women in business. She positioned women entrepreneurs as central agents in poverty reduction, noting that their economic success uplifts entire families and communities, creating a multiplier effect on living standards.
Highlighting a strategic advantage, Endee emphasized that women bring diverse perspectives to the economy, leading to innovative products and solutions that cater to a broader market. “Diversity is not just a value – it is a competitive advantage,” she asserted.
Furthermore, she pointed to women entrepreneurs as magnets for investment and critical role models. “Their ventures attract capital and foster development,” Endee said. “And as they succeed, they inspire and mentor the next generation, creating a ripple effect of empowerment.”
The Ambassador concluded this portion of her speech with a direct appeal: “By supporting women entrepreneurs, Liberia can unlock untapped economic potential… This is not just about empowering women, it is about empowering Liberia.”
Shifting focus to international markets, Ambassador Endee passionately advocated for Liberia’s consistent and confident participation in world exhibitions and trade fairs. She described these events as “gateways to opportunity, growth and transformation,” far more than mere gatherings.
“As demonstrated outside this conference hall,” Endee noted, referencing exhibition booths at the event, “these platforms allow us to showcase Liberia’s products, services, and culture to a global audience.” She argued that such visibility is crucial for attracting buyers, investors, and partners to expand market reach and strengthen domestic industries.
A key benefit, she outlined, is economic diversification. “For many years, our economy has relied on traditional exports. Engaging in international exhibitions opens doors to new sectors… that reduce dependency and build resilience,” Endee explained.
She also underscored the value of networking at these global forums, where connections can lead to knowledge exchange, strategic partnerships, and enhanced competitiveness for Liberian businesses.
Ambassador Endee united both themes in a final vision for a proactive and inclusive economic future. She urged stakeholders to “commit today to creating the policies, partnerships, and platforms that will allow women entrepreneurs to thrive” and to “seize these [global] opportunities with confidence and determination.”
Her message framed Liberia’s path to prosperity as intrinsically linked to internal empowerment and external engagement. “Together,” she concluded, “we can ensure that the future of Liberia is one where every citizen, whether man or woman, has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from our nation’s growth.”
The speech was met with resounding applause, setting a focused agenda for the conference’s subsequent discussions on SME development, trade policy, and gender-inclusive economic planning.
The annual Liberian SME Conference brings together policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors, and international partners to strategize on strengthening the small and medium enterprise sector, a critical component of Liberia’s economy.
