MONROVIA, Liberia — Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has urged the Liberian government to build integrity, discipline, and public confidence in order to attract credible investors rather than becoming a destination for illicit businesses and drug traffickers.
By Patience M. Jones
Speaking Wednesday at the opening of the National Conference on Women’s Financial Inclusion at the Ministerial Complex in Monrovia, Sirleaf said Liberia must strengthen its business environment and governance if it hopes to attract genuine investment capable of driving economic growth.
“If you want more banks to open and if you want investment to come, they have to have confidence in our government,” Sirleaf said. “We need a government that investors can respect, rely on, and trust. Otherwise, we become a place for bad businesses and drug dealers instead of legitimate investors.”
The former Liberian leader made the remarks during the conference organized by the Africa Women Leaders Network (AWLN) Liberia Chapter under the theme, “Catalyzing Access, Unlocking Enterprise, Advancing Liberia.”
She commended former Foreign Affairs Minister Marjon Kamara and the AWLN Liberia team for organizing the conference, describing the initiative as an important platform to address the financial challenges faced by Liberian women, particularly market women, farmers, and small business owners.
Sirleaf praised Liberian women for their resilience and strong repayment record when accessing loans, noting that women have consistently demonstrated responsibility in managing borrowed funds.
“The record is clear,” she said. “When women borrow from the banks, women pay. That is why financial institutions have confidence in women.”
She encouraged women entrepreneurs to continue building their businesses through proper financial planning, responsible borrowing, and effective pricing strategies to ensure sustainable growth.
Throughout her address, Sirleaf emphasized that discipline and confidence remain the two critical principles needed for Liberia’s national development.
According to her, Liberian women already demonstrate remarkable discipline by waking up early every day to prepare goods, travel to markets, and support their families despite numerous economic hardships.
However, she stressed that the same level of discipline must also be demonstrated by public officials and government institutions.
“We need a government to be disciplined,” Sirleaf declared. “Those responsible for managing our markets, implementing policies, and protecting our citizens must carry out their responsibilities with discipline and respect for the people.”
She also called on local authorities to create safer trading environments for market women and street vendors, particularly young people who sell goods along busy roads and highways.
Beyond discipline, Sirleaf said Liberia must restore confidence in its institutions by implementing policies that support businesses, improve infrastructure, and create an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive.
She noted that many farmers and small business owners struggle because poor roads, limited markets, and weak infrastructure discourage production and investment.
“We have to build confidence in every aspect of our national endeavor,” she said. “People must believe that if they invest, farm, or start a business, they will have the opportunity to succeed.”
Sirleaf urged the government to strengthen its reputation for transparency, accountability, and good governance, emphasizing that only a credible and trustworthy government can attract quality investors while ensuring Liberians benefit from economic opportunities.
“We must tell investors to bring their money, do business, and invest in Liberia,” she said. “But our country must also receive its fair share, and our people must have confidence that the government will always do the right thing.”
