MONROVIA — The Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank Management Company (YEIB-MANCO) and the Office of Diaspora Affairs (ODA) are exploring a strategic partnership aimed at connecting young Liberian entrepreneurs with diaspora investors, professional expertise and international markets to expand businesses and create jobs.
The discussions, held Thursday, October 8, at the Office of Diaspora Affairs at the Executive Mansion in Monrovia, focused on potential areas of cooperation to strengthen micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), promote Liberian products abroad and improve access to investment and business networks.
The proposed collaboration seeks to leverage YEIB-MANCO’s enterprise development and financing mechanisms alongside ODA’s connections with Liberians abroad to help locally owned businesses expand beyond the domestic market.
Participants included Erasmus Williams, head of the Office of Diaspora Affairs; Emmanuel B. Kollie, the office’s chief administrative officer; Joseph Fatorma Sando, chief executive officer of YEIB-MANCO; Hillary B. David, director for enterprise development; and Marcus B. Zarway, YEIB-AfDB project coordinator.
Diaspora Markets Offer Opportunities for Liberian Products
A major issue discussed was the potential to increase exports of authentic Liberian food products to markets in the United States, Europe and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region.
Participants identified palm oil, gari, dried fish, pepper and other traditional food products as items with potential demand among Liberian diaspora communities.
However, Liberian producers are reportedly missing opportunities to supply these markets, while some products marketed as Liberian abroad are said to originate from countries such as Ghana and Malaysia.
The discussions highlighted the need for local businesses to improve production capacity, packaging, branding and compliance with international quality standards to compete more effectively in overseas markets.
Through the proposed partnership, ODA’s diaspora networks could help connect youth-led enterprises with buyers, distributors, investors and potential business partners abroad.
The initiative could also help businesses establish more reliable supply chains and position authentic Liberian-made products for broader international distribution.
Investment, Training and Business Connections
The two institutions identified several potential areas of collaboration, including diaspora-backed investment and co-financing for youth enterprises, mentorship from diaspora professionals, technical assistance, skills transfer and business-to-business partnerships.
Other proposed areas include export development, market access, trade facilitation and the promotion of Liberian small businesses on international platforms.
The discussions emphasized the potential to connect diaspora capital and expertise with the needs of emerging businesses in Liberia.
YEIB is a government initiative developed with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to support youth entrepreneurship and financial inclusion. Its three core instruments are the Technical Assistance Facility, which provides business development support and capacity building; the Enterprise Investment Facility, which provides investment financing; and the Credit Guarantee Facility, which helps reduce lending risks and improve young entrepreneurs’ access to credit.
ODA, operating under the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs, works to mobilize the expertise, investment and partnerships of Liberians abroad and the wider African diaspora in support of Liberia’s development.
Proposed Link to Diaspora Initiatives
The meeting also explored potential links between the partnership and two ODA initiatives under development: the Diaspora Professional Service Corps (DPSC) and the iLiberia Platform.
The DPSC is intended to connect diaspora professionals with skills and expertise needed in Liberia, while the iLiberia Platform is designed to facilitate information sharing, matchmaking and connections between Liberians at home and abroad.
Participants also discussed the upcoming 2026 Diaspora Annual Return, which ODA is organizing with government institutions, business leaders, cultural organizations and international partners.
The event could provide an opportunity for eligible Liberian businesses to showcase their products and innovations while engaging directly with diaspora investors, professionals and prospective commercial partners.
MoU Proposed to Formalize Cooperation
To advance the discussions, the institutions identified two initial follow-up steps: drafting a memorandum of understanding (MoU) outlining potential cooperation in enterprise development, export guidance and business promotion; and identifying areas where YEIB’s existing programs and budget allocations could align with ODA’s activities.
The proposed alignment is intended to improve coordination and cost-effectiveness as the institutions explore ways to support youth-led businesses.
Although the discussions represent an initial step toward formalizing the partnership, the institutions have yet to announce a finalized agreement or specific implementation timeline.
If formalized, the collaboration could provide young Liberian entrepreneurs with improved access to financing, professional mentorship and international markets. Its impact will depend on the eventual terms of the agreement, the resources committed and the mechanisms established to help businesses meet export requirements and secure overseas buyers.