Economic justice advocates are intensifying pressure on Liberia’s media community to help rally public support for a January 7, 2026 petition demanding passage of the long-delayed Liberia Business Development Authority (LBDA) Act, a proposed law they say is vital to addressing unemployment and restoring Liberian participation in the national economy. The call is being led by the Economic Justice Campaign, spearheaded by the Economic Action Movement of Liberia (TEAM) through the Patriotic Entrepreneurs of Liberia (PATEL Inc.).
The coalition accuses the National Legislature of prolonged inaction on the bill, which was submitted in March 2023, but has yet to be passed. In a statement issued Monday, January 5, 2025, the group appealed to the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) and media practitioners at home and abroad to elevate public discussion around the bill, describing the LBDA Act as a “national economic survival tool” aimed at reversing years of economic exclusion.
According to the coalition, the proposed law would give priority to Liberian-owned businesses, safeguard local workers, and limit what it calls the growing dominance of foreign interests and the influx of foreign labor into jobs that Liberians are qualified to perform.
However, TEAM argued that passage of the LBDA Act would spur job creation, strengthen local entrepreneurship, and reduce corruption and exploitation within the business sector.
According to the group, the bill also proposes the creation of a Fast-Track Economic Court to address unfair business practices and enforce labor and investment regulations, particularly among foreign-owned enterprises.
“This is not a political or partisan campaign. It is a fight for economic dignity and fairness in a system that has, for too long, marginalized Liberians in their own economy,” the statement said.
The coalition is also urging radio stations, newspapers, television outlets, and online platforms to host discussions with TEAM leaders, grant airtime and interviews, and amplify the voices of Liberian entrepreneurs and workers ahead of the January 7 petition, which organizers say is expected to draw wide participation from across the business community.
As pressure mounts on lawmakers, TEAM warned that continued delays in passing the LBDA Act could deepen unemployment and economic exclusion, while approval of the law could help lay the groundwork for job creation, national stability, and inclusive growth driven by Liberians themselves.
