The Ministry of Commerce has begun decentralizing business registration services, bringing the Business Registry closer to entrepreneurs in Bong County, and reducing the need for business owners to travel to Monrovia. The Ministry launched its digitization, and decentralization project for the Business Registry in Gbarnga, marking a step to expand access to government business services beyond the capital.
The initiative is designed to make business registration more accessible, efficient, and convenient for entrepreneurs operating outside Monrovia.
At the launch, Deputy Commerce Minister for Administration, Tarnue N. Jeke said, the project will remove some of the logistical challenges faced by business owners seeking to formalize their operations. Jeke said, entrepreneurs in Bong County would have access to personnel who can assist them with registration, and related services locally, rather than requiring them to make costly trips to Monrovia. The Ministry is meanwhile working with local authorities to support the implementation of the program, and ensure that businesses in the county can benefit.
Jeke said, the decentralization effort is already being introduced in seven of the 15 counties, with plans to expand it to all counties.
The initiative could particularly benefit small businesses, and entrepreneurs, who face financial, and logistical difficulties travelling to the capital to complete administrative procedures.
By bringing registration services closer to businesses in rural communities, government hopes to encourage more entrepreneurs to register, and participate in the formal economy.
Director General of the Liberia Business Registry, Patience Randal, said, personnel have already been assigned to support the program.
Madam Randal said, the Registry is collaborating with the Ministry’s Senior Inspector in the county, David Mentua, to coordinate the delivery of services.
The decentralization program forms part of broader efforts to modernize government services through digital technology while expanding access outside Monrovia.
For entrepreneurs, the project could mean shorter journeys, lower costs, and quicker access to business registration assistance. The Ministry says its objective is to create a system in which entrepreneurs can access essential government business services within their own counties.
The rollout in Bong County therefore, represents more than a local administrative change. It is part of a nationwide push to shift business services away from a Monrovia-centred model, and make government support more accessible to businesses.
