MONROVIA — The Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoCI) has launched a nationwide initiative to digitize and decentralize the Liberia Business Registry (LBR), bringing formal business registration directly to entrepreneurs across seven counties without requiring travel to Monrovia.
The rollout began on Tuesday, August 11, in Kakata City, Margibi County, before expanding to Bong County on August 12 and Nimba County on August 13. The first phase targets seven counties: Margibi, Grand Bassa, Bong, Nimba, Lofa, Grand Gedeh, and River Gee.
Under the plan, the ministry will set up seven fully operational digital sub-offices aimed at registering 4,500 new micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs)—a quota that includes 1,500 women-led enterprises and 1,200 youth-owned businesses.
Speaking at the launch on behalf of Minister of Commerce & Industry Hon. Magdalene Ellen Dagoseh, Deputy Minister for Administration Hon. Tarnue N. Jeke emphasized that the reform removes long-standing geographic and financial barriers for rural business owners.
“Our goal is simple: no entrepreneur should be left behind because of where they live,” Jeke said. “Whether you operate a small shop, an agro-processing business, a transport service, a technology enterprise, or any other business, you deserve a fair opportunity to become part of Liberia’s formal economy.”
Liberia Business Registry Director General Hon. Patience Randall highlighted ongoing structural updates aimed at eliminating red tape and streamlining registration workflows. She urged business owners to use official digital channels directly rather than relying on unverified third-party intermediaries.
Public engagement sessions in Margibi, Bong, and Nimba counties drew local business owners, youth groups, women’s organizations, and community leaders. Residents welcomed the regional hubs as a practical measure to cut administrative costs and accelerate formal economy participation.
Under Minister Dagoseh’s direction, the MoCI plans to continue expanding the LBR digital infrastructure to improve service delivery and broader market accessibility across the country.
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