In the heart of West Africa, Liberia is home to a remarkable group of entrepreneurs whose endeavors have transformed its economic landscape. From telecommunications moguls to socially conscious innovators, these individuals stand at the forefront of Liberia’s business scene. Join us as we explore the stories and successes of the Top 10 Liberian Business People, whose vision and tenacity have left an indelible mark on their nation’s journey toward prosperity.
- Benoni Urey:
- Benoni Wilfred Urey (born 22 June 1957) is an Americo-Liberian businessman and politician, who was formerly the Liberian Commissioner of Maritime Affairs. In 2014 The Economist reported that Urey was Liberia’s wealthiest man.
- Benoni Urey is a prominent Liberian businessman and politician. He is the founder and CEO of Lonestar Communications Corporation, one of Liberia’s largest telecommunications companies. Urey has also been involved in various other business ventures, including agriculture and real estate.
- Opral Benson:
- Chief Opral Benson (born February 7, 1935) is an Americo-Liberian and Nigerian entrepreneur and socialite who holds the chieftaincy title of Iya Oge of Lagos. She was married to Chief T.O.S. Benson from 1962 until his death. Benson, a former university administrator manages a fashion and beauty school in Lagos and was a former director of Johnson’s Products, Nigerian affiliate. In 2012, she was appointed honorary consul of Liberia in Lagos.
- Opral has been a constant figure, in the movement for women’s development on the continent, playing such crucial roles that have not only awakened many women to the imperatives and strategies of advancement
- Clarence Moniba:
- Clarence K. Moniba (born March 15, 1979) is a Liberian politician, author and former actor. He served as the country’s youngest Minister of State without Portfolio. He leads the Liberian National Union (LINU). In 2023, he ran for president in the 2023 Liberian presidential elections, obtaining 5,298 votes (0.29%). Moniba was a professional American football player in the Arena Football League (2001–04). He is the author of The Official Guidebook to a College Football Scholarship.
- Moniba earned his Ph.D from New Mexico State University, where he graduated with a degree in Rhetoric and Professional Communications. His focus was on Intercultural and International Communications. He earned his master’s degree in International Relations.
- Leymah Gbowee:
- Nobel Peace Laureate Leymah Gbowee is a Liberian peace activist, social worker and women’s rights advocate. She is Founder and President of the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa, based in Monrovia.
- While primarily known for her activism and Nobel Peace Prize-winning efforts, Leymah Gbowee has also been involved in entrepreneurial endeavors. She founded the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa, which focuses on empowering women economically and socially.
- Alexander B. Cummings Jr.:
- Alexander Benedict Cummings Jr. (born 7 December 1956) is a Liberian politician, businessman and philanthropist. He is the Standard Bearer of Liberia’s Alternative National Congress. Born in Monrovia Liberia, Cummings studied at Cuttington University College in Liberia before leaving for the United States to further his studies at the Northern Illinois University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Economics. He earned an MBA in Finance from Clark-Atlanta University.
- Cummings is a Liberian businessman and politician. He served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of The Coca-Cola Company before entering Liberian politics. Cummings has been involved in various philanthropic and business ventures.
- Samuel D. Tweah Jr.:
- Samuel Tweah became the Minister of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) in 2017. Prior to becoming Minister, Mr. Tweah served as Senior Advisor to the Executive Director representing The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia Sierra Leone and Sudan at the African Development Bank (AfDB).
- Samuel Tweah is an economist and public servant who has held various high-ranking positions in the Liberian government, including Minister of Finance and Development Planning. He has played a significant role in shaping Liberia’s economic policies.
- Chris Neyor:
- Christopher Z. Neyor is an international energy analyst who is former President/CEO of the National Oil Company of Liberia. He is the current president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Morweh Energy Group, an energy consultancy firm. He spent a decade with the Liberia Electricity Corporation and served as the last Managing Director before the 1989 breakout of the Liberian Civil Wars.
- Chris Neyor is a Liberian businessman and former CEO of the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL). He has been involved in the energy sector and has contributed to Liberia’s efforts to develop its oil and gas industry.
- Danieline Moore:
- Danieline Moore Kamya is a Liberian actress and entrepreneur. In 2007, she became the Miss Liberia USA. She is equally a spokesperson for the Africa Environment Watch. She has been married to Kamya, a long-time partner of hers since 2017.
- She runs chains of luxury fashion boutiques; Nalu Boutique, Nalu Couture and Glitz by Nalu, which is named after her stepdaughter. She is also the founder of D. K. M. Cosmetics and the VIXEN clothing line in Liberia.
- Richelieu Dennis:
- Richelieu Dennis was Born in Liberia, Mr. Dennis came to the United States to attend renowned business school Babson College. When he graduated in 1991, he was unable to return to Liberia because of civil war
- Richelieu Dennis is a Liberian entrepreneur and the founder of Sundial Brands, which manufactures skincare and haircare products. Sundial Brands was acquired by Unilever in 2017. Dennis has been active in promoting entrepreneurship and economic empowerment in Liberia.
- Mamadou Coulibaly:
- Coulibaly is the founder and CEO of the Kassaraté Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests in construction, mining, agriculture, and logistics in Liberia and other West African countries.
- Throughout his career, Mamadou Coulibaly has remained steadfast in his pursuit of excellence and his commitment to driving positive change in Liberia. As a visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist, he continues to inspire others to pursue their aspirations and contribute to the advancement of their communities.
In summary, the Top 10 Liberian Business People epitomize resilience, innovation, and commitment, shaping Liberia’s economic landscape and inspiring future generations. Their diverse ventures have not only driven wealth creation but also facilitated infrastructure development and community empowerment. As Liberia progresses, their legacy serves as a beacon of entrepreneurship and social impact, illustrating the transformative power of business in fostering sustainable development and enhancing the lives of all Liberians.
