By Edwin N. Khakie
MONROVIA, October 15, 2026 – Acting Commerce and Industry Minister Stephen Marka Yekeson says women account for 75 percent of traders reporting financial constraints in Liberia, highlighting significant barriers to women’s participation in regional and international trade.
Speaking at a one-day executive masterclass organized by the ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians Association (ECOFEPA) at the Capitol Building in Monrovia, Yekeson said findings from consultations on Liberia’s National Trade Policy 2026–2031 revealed persistent challenges facing women traders.
According to him, women also represented 77 percent of respondents reporting logistics difficulties and 68 percent of those citing customs delays and limited market information.
He said these challenges continue to limit women’s access to financing, business expansion and opportunities in formal export markets.
Yekeson disclosed that the government’s proposed National Trade Policy identifies inclusive and green trade as one of its five pillars, including a dedicated Women in Trade Programme designed to improve access to finance, markets, digital technology and public procurement opportunities.
He also highlighted the US$40 million Liberia Investment, Finance and Trade Project, noting that women accounted for 61 percent of credit beneficiaries among nearly 290 small and medium-sized enterprises supported during its first phase.
The Acting Minister urged lawmakers to strengthen implementation of existing legislation supporting women-owned businesses.
He cited the Small Business Empowerment Act of 2014, which reserves 25 percent of public procurement opportunities for Liberian-owned small businesses, including a five-percent allocation for women-owned enterprises.
Yekeson further called on financial institutions and development partners to introduce financing arrangements tailored to women traders while urging authorities to simplify border procedures and address harassment affecting cross-border commerce.
He emphasized that women’s economic empowerment could also strengthen their political participation by providing financial independence and leadership experience.
The masterclass, hosted by Bong County District #6 Representative Moima Briggs Mensah, ECOFEPA’s public relations officer, brought together female lawmakers, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to discuss women’s participation in international trade, exports and political leadership.
Yekeson pledged the Commerce Ministry’s collaboration with ECOFEPA and women’s business associations to monitor implementation of the proposed trade policy.
He said progress would be assessed through measurable outcomes, including improved access to financing, product certification and export contracts.
The initiative forms part of broader regional efforts to increase women’s participation in formal trade and expand economic opportunities under ECOWAS trade arrangements.
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