MONROVIA – In a bid to strengthen Liberia’s economic framework and expand opportunities for local entrepreneurs, the Economic Action Movement of Liberia (TEAM-PATEL) has launched a nationwide advocacy campaign calling for the passage of the Liberia Business Development Authority (LBDA) Act.
The proposed legislation, first submitted to the National Legislature in March 2023, is expected to take center stage during a petition planned for January 7, 2026, as part of efforts to push lawmakers to act on the long-pending bill.
According to TEAM-PATEL, the campaign seeks to mobilize the business community, civil society, and the media around what it describes as an urgent national priority—local job creation and the empowerment of Liberian-owned businesses. The group argues that the LBDA Act would provide an institutional framework to support domestic enterprises and create a more balanced and inclusive economic environment.
If enacted, the LBDA Act is expected to address several critical economic challenges, including:
- Job Creation: Expanding employment opportunities for Liberians, particularly within small and medium-sized enterprises;
- Support for Local Businesses: Strengthening the capacity and competitiveness of Liberian entrepreneurs;
- Economic Reform: Establishing a Fast-Track Economic Court to address unfair business practices and commercial disputes efficiently;
- Combating Exploitation: Introducing measures to curb corruption and ensure greater compliance by foreign companies in hiring Liberians.
“The LBDA Act represents a historic turning point for Liberia’s economic future,” a TEAM-PATEL representative said, describing the legislation as a necessary intervention to reverse long-standing structural imbalances in the economy.
The organization has also appealed to media institutions nationwide to take an active role in educating the public about the proposed law. TEAM-PATEL urged media outlets to host discussions, publish explanatory content, and amplify the voices of Liberian workers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders affected by current business practices.
“This is not merely a political campaign; it is a national economic survival effort,” the group emphasized, stressing that the passage of the LBDA Act would help prioritize Liberians in the workforce and promote fairness across the business sector. As the January 7 petition date approaches, TEAM-PATEL expressed optimism that sustained collaboration among the media, the private sector, and civil society will generate the momentum needed to advance the legislation, laying the groundwork for greater economic justice and long-term stability in Liberia.
