Revitalizing the Private Sector

At the Clinton Global Initiative in September 2006, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf challenged participants to support the efforts of her government to reconstruct Liberia. In particular she requested support for Liberia's private sector which, in her view, had a leading role to play in the area of job creation, revenue generation and overall economic activity.

To take on the challenge, RLJ Companies joined forces with CHF International, the U.S. Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), and the African Development Bank to ensure that Liberia’s private sector becomes an engine of sustainable development. Together they created the Liberian Enterprise Development Finance Company (LEDFC) to address the challenge small- and medium-enterprises are facing, by facilitating access to capital. In addition to credit, Liberian enterprises will also receive business development assistance to ensure that their ideas will have the greatest chance for success. LEDFC hopes to provide for the credit needs of 1,500 Liberian businesses. For more detailed information, visit the LEDFC website, or to apply for a LEDFC loan, click here.