-On Reserved Businesses
By Sampat JMB Kpakimah
KAKATA, Margibi County – The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with the Ministries of Justice and Labor, has officially launched a Joint Institutional Collaboration to assess and enforce provisions for reserved businesses under the Liberia Investment Act of 2010.
The launch ceremony took place in Kakata, Margibi County, on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, drawing representatives from the Liberia Business Registry (LBR), Ministry of Labor (MOL), Ministry of Justice (MOJ), Liberia Immigration Services (LIS), Liberia Standards Authority (LiSA), Liberia Business Association (LiBA), transport unions, petty traders’ associations, religious and community leaders, marketers, development partners, and local citizens.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Magdalene Ellen Dagoseh, described the initiative as a major step toward strengthening Liberia’s economy, protecting Liberian-owned businesses, and fostering inclusive economic participation for citizens.
Minister Dagoseh noted that Micro, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) remain the backbone of Liberia’s economy through job creation, livelihood support, local production, and poverty reduction. She stressed that protecting business areas legally reserved for Liberians is not merely a regulatory process but a national development priority.
The Minister explained that the Liberia Investment Act of 2010 reserves specific business activities exclusively for Liberian citizens to empower local entrepreneurs, strengthen local ownership, and enhance Liberian participation in the economy. However, she acknowledged that weak enforcement, poor coordination, and limited compliance mechanisms have undermined the law’s effectiveness over the years.
Minister Dagoseh added that the Government will intensify the assessment, monitoring, and enforcement of reserved business provisions across the country, with this new Joint Institutional Collaboration.
She praised President Joseph Nyumah Boakai for his strong political will and commitment to implementing the Liberianization Policy under the Investment Act.
Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung was also commended for supporting initiatives aimed at empowering Liberian-owned businesses and strengthening local economic participation.
Minister Dagoseh clarified that the initiative is not intended to discourage foreign investment, reiterating that Liberia remains open to investors who respect the country’s laws, create jobs, and partner responsibly with Liberian businesses.
She emphasized that effective enforcement requires stronger inter-agency cooperation, information sharing, and accountability. The Commerce Minister also acknowledged the contributions of the Liberia Business Registry, Liberia Standards Authority, Liberia Business Association, community leaders, transport unions, marketers, petty traders, and religious institutions. Minister Dagoseh urged businesses nationwide to cooperate fully with assessment and enforcement teams, stressing that compliance is necessary to ensure a fair and orderly business environment.
Following the official launch, authorities conducted a joint inspection exercise across several business establishments in Kakata City. Officials from the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Labor, and other partner institutions moved from shop to shop, assessing compliance with commerce regulations and labor laws.
During the inspection, several businesses were found in violation of labor standards and commerce regulations. Violations included failure to provide leave benefits, nonpayment of overtime compensation, denial of adequate break periods, excessive working hours without proper time off, and salaries below national labor standards. Businesses found in violation were immediately issued citations and summoned for further investigation and corrective action.
Speaking during the exercise, Labor Minister Cooper Kruah described the conditions faced by some workers as unacceptable and contrary to Liberia’s labor laws. According to Minister Kruah, many employees interviewed during the inspection revealed they had been working full-time for extended periods without leave, overtime pay, proper breaks, or fair wages.
Minister Kruah disclosed that the Government has begun documenting the names and details of affected workers to ensure they receive the compensation owed to them.
“All these workers affected, we have already taken their names and particulars. We will calculate the rightful amount they are supposed to receive, and as directed by President Boakai, they are going to be paid,” Minister Kruah stated.
He further assured workers that they would be protected from intimidation or dismissal for speaking out about labor abuses. “I can assure them that they are safe and will not be fired for speaking up,” he added.
Minister Kruah warned that any employer refusing to comply with the Ministry’s directives would be considered in violation of Government regulations and would face legal consequences.
The joint inspection exercise forms part of the Government’s broader enforcement campaign to ensure compliance with Liberia’s labor and commerce laws while protecting the rights and economic interests of Liberian workers and businesses.
Let me know if you’d like a shorter version for print or a simplified version for radio or social media.
