Madam Leelai M. Kpukuyou, a notable business leader and former Secretary-General of the Liberian Business Association (LBA), has expressed her aspiration to be appointed as Liberia’s next Minister of Commerce following the resignation of Amin Modad. Known for her involvement with several prominent international organizations in Liberia, such as the United Nations Development Program, the United Nations Mission in Liberia, and the World Bank, Madam Kpukuyou has garnered a significant amount of support for her candidacy. Most recently, she has received endorsements from influential groups, including the Bong County Legislative Caucus, reflecting her strong local presence and commitment to advance commerce in the country.
In a recent appearance on the Super Morning Show on the state-controlled ELBC, Madam Kpukuyou acknowledged the Bong women legislative caucus’s backing and articulated her determination to attract the president’s attention for the ministerial position. Kpukuyou emphasized her qualifications, which are backed by 18 years of experience in business and consultancy roles, including her position as a consultant to Liberia’s Foreign Minister. Additionally, she holds a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor’s degree in management and sociology, complemented by various certifications in project management and international trade. Her extensive academic and professional background positions her as a viable candidate to address the pressing needs of Liberia’s commerce sector.
Madam Kpukuyou has an impressive track record of contributions to the empowerment of women and entrepreneurship, having received numerous awards for her work in these areas. Recognized as one of West Africa’s top women entrepreneurs and CEOs, her influence extends across the region, reinforcing her commitment to economic development and trade facilitation. Furthermore, she led a Tripartite delegation commissioned by the United Nations Development Program, engaging with significant regional and international entities like the World Trade Organization and the African Union, showcasing her ability to operate on international platforms effectively.
Currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the African Youth and Women Empowerment Initiative, Madam Kpukuyou is focused on harnessing the potential of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Liberia. As part of her vision for the Commerce Ministry, she intends to decentralize commercial services across the country to enhance accessibility for local businesses. She has articulated plans to conduct consultations nationwide to understand better the challenges faced by SMEs, aiming to streamline business registration processes that currently necessitate rural Liberians’ travel to the capital, Monrovia. This strategy could significantly alleviate some of the operational hurdles that businesses encounter, ultimately boosting local economies.
During her radio interactions, Madam Kpukuyou received positive feedback from listeners who expressed strong support for her nomination as Minister of Commerce and Industry. Callers emphasized the importance of her proposed reforms and urged President Boakai to consider her for the role. This grassroots support highlights the community’s desire for impactful leadership in the commerce sector and indicates broader public sentiment toward her capabilities and vision for economic rejuvenation in Liberia. As she seeks to solidify her footing as a frontrunner for this crucial ministerial position, her ability to engage with citizens and stakeholders will be essential in shaping her strategy.
In conclusion, Madam Kpukuyou’s bid for the role of Minister of Commerce represents not only her personal ambitions but also a significant potential for transformative change within Liberia’s economic landscape. Her extensive experience, academic credentials, and commitment to empowering marginalized communities position her as a formidable candidate for the commerce portfolio. As she continues to rally support across various sectors, her vision for decentralizing commerce and fostering a more inclusive economic environment could serve as a catalyst for revitalizing Liberia’s business ecosystem, ultimately contributing to national growth and stability.
