Businesswomen Cry for Rescue

MONROVIA, November 3, 2026: A group of Liberian businesswomen is expected to converge on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, November 3, to petition the Legislature for urgent intervention over mounting challenges they say are threatening the survival of Liberian-owned businesses.

Operating under the banner of the Consortium of China Importing Businesswomen United, the traders are calling for government action to address prolonged import delays, high bank charges, excessive taxation, weak enforcement of the Liberianization Policy and what they describe as unfair competition from foreign traders.

In a statement ahead of their planned petition, the businesswomen warned that many Liberian-owned enterprises are struggling to remain operational because of rising business costs and delays in the importation of goods.

According to the group, shipments from China, a major source of their merchandise, now take between three and six months or longer to reach Liberia, tying up substantial capital and disrupting business operations.

The traders also complained about high bank interest rates, excessive service charges and short loan repayment periods, which they said have placed additional financial pressure on local entrepreneurs.

They are urging the Legislature to engage the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) and commercial banks to introduce a minimum 90-day grace period before loan repayments begin.

On taxation, the businesswomen called for a review of the existing tax regime, arguing that increasing shipping costs, commercial rents and other operating expenses have made the current tax burden difficult to sustain.

The group further demanded stronger enforcement of the Liberianization Policy, which reserves certain business activities exclusively for Liberian citizens.

They alleged that some foreign traders, particularly Chinese merchants, are importing similar products and selling them at significantly lower prices, making it difficult for Liberian-owned businesses to compete.

“We respectfully urge the Liberian Legislature and relevant authorities to address these concerns with urgency,” the group stated.

The businesswomen warned that failure to address the challenges could force more local businesses to close, resulting in job losses and reduced economic opportunities.

Meanwhile, their planned petition coincides with the Liberian Senate’s decision to summon major port stakeholders over growing complaints about delays in clearing imported goods at the Freeport of Monrovia.

On October 27, the Senate Plenary voted to invite key institutions and service providers to appear before its Committee of the Whole on Tuesday, November 3, following a communication from Gbarpolu County Senator Amara M. Konneh.

Those summoned include the National Port Authority (NPA), APM Terminals Liberia, MEDTECH Scientific Limited, Global Tracking and Maritime Solutions (GTMS), Liberia Revenue Authority Customs Department, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and representatives of the Customs Brokers Association of Liberia.

Senator Konneh raised concerns over persistent delays in container movement and clearance, both at sea and within port facilities, as well as high transaction costs affecting importers.

He urged the Senate to intervene, warning that inefficiencies in port operations are placing additional burdens on businesses and affecting commercial activities.

The businesswomen are expected to present their concerns formally to lawmakers as they seek legislative measures to protect Liberian-owned enterprises and improve the country’s business environment.