By Simeon Freeman
“Why The Boakai/Koung Liberianization Approach Is A Farce.
Over the last few days, Boakai and Koung have met with manufacturers, demanding adherence to the Liberianization laws of 2010. Laws that are flawed by themselves, hence it’s inability to change the dynamics.
We will review the approach in 3(three) parts under 3(three) separate posts to reduce reading length.
Presumably, manufacturers submit to the law and make Liberians distributors of locally manufactured goods. The manufacturers can still control the distribution chain by creating Liberian fronts. Under this approach, few Liberians will be pre-selected to serve as cargo distributors, which will not impact the anticipated outcome of empowering Liberians through goods distribution.
Secondly, the distribution chain is controlled by foreigners – Fulas, Lebanese and Indians. Liberians do not have the resources to rent stores costing more than USD$25,000 annually, let alone the initial deposit to acquire goods. A fully stacked distribution store requires about USD$50,000.
The manufacturers’ pre-selected Liberians will surely supply the existing ecosystem for financial gains. So the pretense of advocating for Liberians is a farce. Bad policies result from novices crafting policies requiring more depth and bandwidth that’s outside their scope.
My next post will advance better policy approaches best suited for the situation.
