MONROVIA, LIBERIA – This year, four distinct individuals have charted new paths for Liberia, through the revitalization of its foreign policy, delivering stable electricity and a groundbreaking model of compassionate enterprise. They have provided meaningful answers to the challenges and opportunities of 2025. In recognition of their indelible impact, WomenVoices Newspaper awards our 2025 Personalities of the Year honor to Her Excellency Sara Frances Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Upjit Singh Sachdeva, the philanthropist and industrialist, Mr. Mohammed M. Sherif, Managing Director, Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), and Madam Kou Meapeh Gono, Superintendent of Nimba County
By Jerromie S. Walters/wjerromie@womenvoicesnewspaper_i2sktp
HER EXCELLENCY SARA FRANCES BEYSOLOW NYANTI: ARCHITECT OF A DIPLOMATIC RENAISSANCE
The corridors of power in Monrovia and New York echoed with a significant victory for Liberian diplomacy in 2025. Under the strategic direction of Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Liberia secured a coveted seat as a Non-Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2026-2027 term. This achievement, announced after intense global lobbying, signals Liberia’s return to the highest tables of international peace and security decision-making after decades.
Minister Nyanti, a career international development expert and former United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, brought her formidable global network to bear on the campaign. The success is seen as a testament to both her personal credibility and the renewed confidence the international community places in Liberia’s post-conflict trajectory. The Security Council seat is expected to provide the nation with unprecedented leverage in global affairs.
Parallel to this multilateral triumph, the Foreign Ministry sealed a major bilateral agreement in December. Minister Nyanti finalized a landmark $124 million Memorandum of Understanding with the United States State Department. The U.S. government hailed the pact as a pioneering model for development cooperation in West Africa, focusing on governance and economic growth.
On Thursday, December 11, 2025, another milestone was reached at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Minister Nyanti, alongside the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, signed a historic Host Country Agreement. This agreement designates Liberia as the permanent home for the new ECOWAS Youth Development Center, an institution poised to shape the future of youth empowerment across the region.
For ordinary Liberian citizens, the ministry delivered a tangible benefit through consular negotiations. After successful talks with U.S. authorities, the validity period for B-1, B-2, and combined B1/B2 visas for Liberian applicants was extended from one year to three years. This change, which took immediate effect, eases travel burdens for businesspeople, students, and families.
Domestically, Minister Nyanti initiated a sweeping reform of diplomatic passport administration. She ordered a full recall of all extant diplomatic passports to root out illegal issuance and misuse. A stringent, guideline-driven reissuance process is now underway. Furthermore, the foundational Foreign Service Manual underwent its first comprehensive review and update in years to modernize Liberia’s diplomatic practice.
The ministry reported steady progress on economic diplomacy initiatives throughout the year. Policy work advanced on a proposed visa-on-arrival regime aimed at boosting tourism and trade. Efforts continued to ensure Liberia maintained robust and effective diplomatic representation in key partner nations abroad.
Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti’s performance has been consistently rated highly. Multiple media outlets, including WomenVoices Newspaper, have graded her as the top-performing cabinet minister in President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration. Her blend of global stature and assertive national advocacy has redefined the Foreign Ministry’s role.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced an ambitious agenda to overhaul the Liberian Foreign Service. Central to this plan is a drive to professionalize the service to more vigorously promote and protect national interests globally. The ministry intends to deepen existing bilateral relationships while forging new ties in strategic regions.
A core pillar of the strategy is to methodically leverage Liberia’s newfound geopolitical capital, especially its UNSC seat, to attract political support and direct investment. Minister Nyanti has pledged to use Liberia’s position within ECOWAS and other bodies to shape regional agendas. The focus on citizen-centric services, including consular protection and diaspora engagement, remains a stated priority.
DR. UPJIT SINGH SACHDEVA: THE PHILANTHROPIST CAPITALIST
In the heart of Margibi County, a different kind of transformation is unfolding, spearheaded by a man who first arrived in Liberia in 1987. Dr. Upjit Singh Sachdeva, known universally as “Jeety,” has built a business empire spanning trading, pharmaceuticals, real estate, and rubber production. But in 2025, his most profound impact has been as the new owner of the historic Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC).
Since taking over the 17-square-mile plantation from Socfin on August 26, 2024, Sachdeva’s management has faced the formidable task of addressing decades of accumulated grievances. The plantation had been an epicenter of tension, marked by violent protests over retirement benefits and labor practices under previous management.
The challenges manifested dramatically on January 28, 2025, when SRC reported an arson attack on its facilities in the early morning hours. The incident highlighted the volatile atmosphere the new management inherited. WomenVoices reporters, conducting a ground investigation in Weala, found a complex web of frustrations, particularly among former employees not reinstated after the transition.
In response to the instability, the government deployed enhanced security to the area to protect the investment. While some local accounts pointed to lingering dissatisfaction, a distinctly new narrative began to emerge from within the plantation communities as the year progressed.
At the SRC High School, the changes became visibly clear. Lemu Singbeh, a student, expressed relief over vastly improved sanitation and water facilities. Ophelia T. Davis, Vice Principal for Administration, listed a series of upgrades: comprehensive school renovations, new perimeter fencing, and the critical introduction of a daily feeding program.
“Since businessman Upjit Singh Sachdeva… took over, there have been lots of changes,” Davis stated. The school, now with 780 students, charges minimal fees to workers’ children. Students like Enoch Joah and Daniel N. Saye noted stricter academic standards and a better physical environment compared to the past administration.
Esther Peters, another student, highlighted the feeding program’s impact, noting it even attracted children from outside regular school hours. The plantation hosts three separate schools, all of which are reported to have seen similar improvements.
The transformation extended to healthcare. The SRC Health Center, which had been closed for four months, reopened in October 2024 under Medical Director Dr. Malik. The renovated facility now offers 24/7 care, treating prevalent conditions like malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis for minimal fees, with free care for plantation workers.
Dr. Malik reported the resumption of weekly coordination with traditional midwives to improve community health outcomes. While needs remain, such as for an ambulance and expanded medication, the center’s revival marked a major step forward for thousands of residents.
Perhaps the most visible sign of change is in housing. Across the plantation’s two residential camps, 14 new two-bedroom apartments are nearing completion, with many already occupied. A beneficiary expressed widespread sentiment: “The new administration is doing its best. We were crying for better buildings, improved hospitals, and schools—now we see everything happening.”
Sachdeva’s influence in 2025 stretched far beyond the plantation. His legendary daily food distribution for the underprivileged and incarcerated continued unabated in Monrovia. His business acumen was recognized with his appointment to the Board of the nascent Margibi University by President Boakai in April.
In a poignant full-circle moment, his lifelong service to diplomacy was again recognized. On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti received Dr. Sachdeva in her office in his new capacity as the Honorary Consul General of the Slovak Republic.
Minister Nyanti congratulated him on the appointment and commended the Slovak government for strengthening ties with Liberia. She emphasized enhanced cooperation in trade, investment, and tourism. Sachdeva pledged to work diligently for Slovakia’s interests while fostering mutually beneficial partnerships.
Dr. Sachdeva, who served as Honorary Consul General of India for over 25 years, continues to sit on the boards of trustees of the University of Liberia, Cuttington University, Booker Washington Institute, and the AME Zion University. He is a recipient of numerous “Consul General of the Year,” “Businessman of the Year,” and “Humanitarian of the Year” awards from Liberian media.
His story, from assisting in a timber business to building a multi-national empire, is interwoven with Liberia’s own. He famously stayed during the civil wars to help evacuate hundreds, and his Sikh turban has become a familiar symbol of both philanthropic commitment and cross-cultural bridge-building.
KOU MEAPEH GONO: THE ARCHITECT OF A NEW NIMMA
In a year defined by transformative leadership, Madam Kou Meapeh Gono, Superintendent of Nimba County, stands tall as a paradigm of dynamic and results-oriented governance. Appointed by President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, Sr., in 2024, Superintendent Gono has not only shattered a 13-year gender barrier as the first woman to lead Nimba since 2011 but has also rapidly redefined the very potential of county administration. Her 2025 tenure, marked by sweeping infrastructure projects, strategic international diplomacy, and unprecedented national recognition, solidifies her place among Liberia’s most impactful personalities of the year.
Gono’s initial appointment was met with the scrutiny that often greets change-makers. Some questioned her perspective, shaped by international experience, while her advocates saw it as the precise catalyst needed to modernize Nimba. One year later, the results have silenced doubters and ignited a county-wide renaissance. Her leadership, characterized by action and transparency, has fostered a new era of collective optimism, turning skepticism into widespread acclaim for her visionary and inclusive approach to development.
The cornerstone of her 2025 agenda was the strategic mobilization of a $4.2 million development fund, secured in collaboration with the Nimba Legislative Caucus and county council. This financial engine has fueled a comprehensive infrastructure revolution, systematically upgrading critical facilities from postwar conditions to prewar standards. Under her meticulous oversight, these projects are transforming the county’s physical and social landscape, targeting roads, healthcare, and education to directly uplift resident’s lives and stimulate sustainable local growth.
Her commitment to foundational development is evident in strategic constructions across Nimba. This includes the building of modern early childhood schools in Sanniquellie and Bahn to bolster national education goals, and the landmark renovation of the historic 1959 Administrative Hall. Furthermore, her administration has spearheaded the rehabilitation of key government facilities in Tappita, Saclepea, Buutuo, and Yarwinmenssor, while also securing land for a “Nimba Lodge” in Careysburg to establish a dedicated county hub in Monrovia.
Beyond bricks and mortar, Superintendent Gono’s influence has earned her a prestigious national platform. In August 2025, she was unanimously elected and inducted as the Chairperson of the Superintendent Council of Liberia. This peer-endorsed elevation is a powerful testament to her respected governance model, positioning her as a de facto standard-bearer for effective county leadership across the nation.
This recognition was further cemented when she was honored with Liberia’s prestigious Golden Image Award and named 2025 National Superintendent of the Year. This dual accolade marks her as the first post-war superintendent to receive such a national title, a historic win for both her leadership and for Nimba County, celebrating her exceptional demonstration of impactful and transparent governance.
Demonstrating a global mindset, Superintendent Gono has proactively placed Nimba on the international stage. She led a strategic, gender-inclusive delegation to Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, fostering connections in innovation and sustainability. In a groundbreaking move for local media, she included a Nimba-based journalist in the delegation, underscoring her commitment to press freedom and capacity building.
Her diplomatic foresight culminated in a historic all-women delegation to COP30 in Belém, Brazil, highlighting Nimba’s commitment to climate action and gender equality. This trip was not merely symbolic; it directly paved the way for a tangible, game-changing partnership with French hydropower firm Hydroneo for a potential 20MW hydroelectric plant in Yekepa.
This visionary agreement, facilitated by Liberia’s Ambassador to France, promises to revolutionize energy access, create jobs, and drive economic growth in the mining region. It perfectly encapsulates Gono’s leadership philosophy: leveraging international engagement to secure direct, sustainable investments that address local needs and propel long-term prosperity.
In summary, Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono’s 2025 journey is a masterclass in transformative leadership. By seamlessly integrating robust local development with savvy international diplomacy, she has not only advanced Nimba County but has also provided a replicable blueprint for national progress. Her work, driven by equity, transparency, and an unwavering focus on results, rightfully earns her a celebrated spot as one of Liberia’s Personalities of the Year—a leader who is not just managing a county, but architecting its future.
Mohammed M. Sherif, Managing Director, Liberia Electricity Cooperation (LEC):
In an effort to revitalize Liberia’s critical energy infrastructure, President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, Sr., appointed Mr. Mohammed M. Sherif as Managing Director of the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) in 2025. This strategic appointment was made with a clear and urgent mandate: to strengthen the corporation, return it to its statutory purpose, and fundamentally transform its capacity to deliver reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to the Liberian people.
His selection signified a turning point, placing the nation’s energy future in the hands of a seasoned expert with a demonstrable record of success in both national and regional energy projects. Mr. Sherif brought to the role an exceptional and highly relevant professional pedigree within the energy and development sectors. His expertise spans energy management, strategic planning, and large-scale infrastructure development.
Most notably, before his appointment at LEC, he served as the inaugural General Manager of TRANSCO CLSG, where he played a pivotal role in bringing to fruition a landmark regional power interconnection project. This critical infrastructure facilitates electricity transmission across Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea, showcasing his ability to navigate complex, multi-national initiatives—a skill set directly applicable to Liberia’s domestic energy challenges.
The year 2025 will be remembered as a watershed moment for electricity access in Liberia, largely due to Sherif’s leadership. He achieved what many citizens had come to believe was unattainable: delivering stable electricity to a nation that had endured decades of erratic and insufficient power supply.
Sherif re-centered LEC on its mission to meet national demand, ensure financial viability, and systematically upgrade the national grid, thereby restoring public confidence in the utility.
Under Sherif’s watch, LEC executed a multi-pronged strategy to boost generation capacity from both traditional and renewable sources. A key achievement was the repair and recommissioning of Unit 1 at the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant, a cornerstone of Liberia’s energy system. Simultaneously, he oversaw the construction of the country’s first utility-scale solar power plant, a 20MW facility, marking a significant diversification into clean energy and reducing reliance on costly fuel imports.
These parallel projects demonstrated a balanced approach to immediate recovery and long-term, sustainable energy planning. Recognizing that increased generation must be paired with reduced losses, Sherif launched a massive grid modernization campaign. The centerpiece was the rollout of over 300,000 new advanced meters, a crucial initiative designed to combat rampant electricity theft, improve billing efficiency, and enhance the corporation’s financial health. .
Sherif’s vision extended beyond urban centers and traditional grid expansion. Through the landmark Liberia Energy Efficiency and Access Project (LEEAP), commissioned in February 2025 with support from the European Union and the African Development Bank, LEC dramatically improved energy access in critical public sectors. The corporation successfully solarized 88 public health facilities, ensuring these life-saving institutions have uninterrupted power.
Furthermore, the installation of 117 solar-powered streetlights in communities like Harper, Barclayville, and Kanweaken enhanced public safety and extended the benefits of electrification into the night.
Sherif’s effectiveness at LEC is bolstered by his extensive background in national economic governance. He previously served as Chief Economist of the Republic of Liberia, where he was credited with coordinating pivotal projects under the government’s Agenda for Transformation.
His successful leadership of the Macro Fiscal Unit at the Ministry of Finance provided him with an intimate understanding of national budgeting, fiscal policy, and development financing—an invaluable perspective for steering a strategic state-owned enterprise toward commercial viability and developmental impact.
His capacity for high-level diplomacy and resource mobilization has been a consistent asset to Liberia.
Prior to his role at LEC, Sherif provided leadership at numerous international forums, including meetings of the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ) and the Spring and Annual Meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF). His extensive travels on behalf of the Liberian government to high-level conferences were instrumental in securing financial resources and fostering partnerships essential for post-conflict development, skills he now applies to attracting investment for the energy sector.
Sherif’s analytical and technical approach is rooted in a strong academic foundation. He is a graduate of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in Statistics from 1999 to 2002. This formal training in data analysis and quantitative assessment informs his evidence-based management style, allowing him to approach complex problems in grid optimization, demand forecasting, and project evaluation with a disciplined, data-driven mindset.
In summary, Mr. Mohammed M. Sherif stands as a transformative personality of the year 2025 precisely because he delivered tangible, life-altering progress in a sector fundamental to national development. He has provided the LEC with the strategic direction it desperately needed, by merging his deep expertise in regional energy projects with his experience in macroeconomic management and international diplomacy.
PERSONALITIES OF A TRANSFORMATIVE YEAR
In selecting H.E. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Dr. Upjit Singh Sachdeva, Mr. Mohammed M. Sherif and Madam Kou Meapeh Gono as Personalities of the Year, WomenVoices Newspaper recognizes the four parallel forces shaping modern Liberia. One operates in the realm of high-stakes global diplomacy, securing the nation’s voice and extracting tangible benefits from the international community. The other operates on the ground, while the third has done the unexpected in the energy sector with the fourth doing exceptional outside Monrovia.
They have generated measurable results. Together, their work in 2025—from the United Nations headquarters to the classrooms and clinics of Salala and keeping Liberia lighted. They have, in their respective spheres, defined the year’s most consequential efforts to advance the Republic of Liberia.
