This year’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Conference, organized by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry—opened this week to what several attendees described as the lowest turnout in ten years.
The annual MSME Conference is considered a flagship platform for empowering micro, small, and medium businesses in Liberia.
It provides training, market access, financial linkages, and networking opportunities, while promoting “Made in Liberia” products and fostering entrepreneurship.
When effectively executed, the conference plays a critical role in driving economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development.
This year’s event, overseen by Commerce Minister Magdalene Ellen Dagoseh, had been expected to be one of the strongest editions yet, especially given the level of financial and institutional backing it reportedly received.
According to sources familiar with the planning process, the 2025 conference benefited significant World Bank support through the LIFT Project, in addition to substantial funding from the Government of Liberia.
Individuals close to the matter allege that more than US$500,000 was budgeted for the planning and execution of the program—an amount that, if confirmed, would make this year’s allocation one of the highest in the event’s history.
For over a decade, the MSME Conference has served as a national platform for entrepreneurs to exhibit Liberian-made products, connect with larger markets, access training, and compete for grants and awards.
It has become an anchor event for visibility and growth within the sector.
However, this year’s edition opened to noticeably sparse participation. Vendors, invited guests, and other stakeholders cited poor planning, weak coordination, and administrative lapses as major contributors to the low turnout. Some exhibitors reported receiving information late, while others said logistical challenges discouraged broader participation.
“It was disappointing,” said one business owner who requested anonymity. “We rely on this conference to expose our products and meet new partners. But the organization this year felt disjointed.”
Stakeholders fear that reduced attendance may undermine the conference’s impact, limiting expected outcomes such as market linkages and access-to-finance opportunities.
Critics argue that the situation raises serious value-for-money concerns given the scale of investment reportedly made.
Economists and MSME advocates warn that the setback could create ripple effects across the sector. “The MSME Conference is not just a ceremonial event—it is a critical platform for strengthening local businesses,” one analyst noted. “Any shortfall in its delivery affects the entire ecosystem.”
Despite its shaky start, the conference is expected to continue through the week, with hopes that attendance will improve and that organizers will take steps to address the issues raised.
