Young Liberian businessman Joseph Kollie has ignited a call for youthful Liberians to cultivate the spirit of entrepreneurship in expanding Liberia’s economy.
The head of Eagle Printing Company stated that entrepreneurship narrows the gap of unemployment in any country, a path he wants young Liberians to devote time and energy to.
He made the statement on Monday, September 23, when he was presented with an honor by intellectuals of Carry Street in Central Monrovia.
Joseph asserted that entrepreneurship is a driving force for expanding Liberia’s economy and a way to contribute to national development through potential revenue growth.
Joseph Kollie, known for his zest for youthful engagement, wants young people to develop a strong entrepreneurial mindset to create jobs for themselves and others rather than merely being job seekers.
According to him, young Liberians continue to be used by politicians to achieve their goals, leaving them as a marginalized segment of Liberia’s population.
The entrepreneur, whose honor was awarded based on his contributions in the printing-media sector, thereby creating jobs, believes the economy can be improved if more is invested in entrepreneurship programs.
He wants Liberians to expect the youthful population to divert their attention and take on responsibilities irrespective of financial capital.
He stated that starting small with big dreams and visions, coupled with dedication, is the bedrock of successful entrepreneurship.
“You don’t need to have all the money before you can do business; it is just the mindset,” he said during an interview with Verity Newspaper.
Joseph told this paper, “I don’t see it as necessary for young people with brains and energy to be looking for government jobs or venturing into politics before they can find employment.”
Relatively, it was reported that entrepreneurs of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Liberia have generated a positive development impact despite facing challenges such as limited skills, logistics, and access to finance and markets.
The Executive Director of the International Trade Centre (ITC), Arancha González, made this observation at the opening of the 2nd National MSME Conference and Trade Fair in Monrovia, Liberia, on April 29, 2013.
It was also established that SMEs and entrepreneurship are drivers of economic growth and poverty reduction, with SMEs serving as the biggest source of growth potential in Liberia, making up 80 percent of economic activity in the country and creating employment for over 90 percent of the workforce.
