The National Investment Commission (NIC), in partnership with the Liberia Chamber of Commerce (LCC), today, January 21^st convened a landmark High-Level Public–Private Dialogue aimed at advancing supplier development and enhancing linkages between concessionaires, large buyers, and Liberian Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).

Held at the LCC headquarters, the event brought together key stakeholders from government, the private sector, and international partners to discuss actionable strategies for strengthening local content, improving procurement transparency, and driving private-sector-led growth.

The dialogue was opened with remarks from Hon. Mamaka Bility, Minister of State Without Portfolio, representing the Presidency. Bility emphasized the government’s commitment to creating sustainable employment opportunities through enhanced local participation in value chains. 

Mr. Joseph Zadrozny, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Liberia, along with representatives from the World Bank and UNDP Liberia Resident Representative, Mr. Aliou Dia, delivered supportive remarks, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in fostering economic resilience and UNDPs unwavering support to the government and people of Liberia. 

In his keynote presentation titled, “Why Supplier Development Matters,” Hon. Natty B. Davis, President of the LCC, highlighted the dual impact of local sourcing of job creation within multinational operations and the growth of Liberian SMEs. Presentations from the NIC and the National Bureau of Concessions (NBC) outlined their respective roles in procurement visibility, investment coordination, oversight, and compliance.

The session concluded with a forward-looking segment focusing on priority actions, governance structures, and timelines for implementation. 

Key agreed outcomes include the establishment of a Supplier Development Program Steering Committee, Cabinet endorsement of a Local Content Policy, and the launch of a Supplier Development Portal. All targeted within the next 90 days.

Mr. T. Nelson Williams, Second Vice President of the LCC, facilitated the proceedings and summarized the outcomes, reaffirming the collective commitment to turning investment into jobs and empowering Liberians to create jobs and not wait for employment.

The Supplier Development Program is a collaborative initiative designed to strengthen linkages between large buyers and Liberian SMEs through improved procurement transparency, supplier readiness support, access to finance, and matchmaking. The program aims to foster a sustainable, Liberian-owned framework for economic growth and job creation.