Former Liberian Commerce Minister Amin Modad has responded to the country's recent $1 billion revenue milestone, urging the government to prioritize investments in key sectors. Modad argues that while the achievement is significant, it must be accompanied by public scrutiny and a clear plan for how the revenue will improve citizens' lives. He emphasizes that the government's focus should shift from collection figures to strategic investments that drive economic growth and benefit Liberians.
Modad identifies youth development, healthcare, education, infrastructure, entrepreneurship, production, and affordable business financing as key priorities for the government. He warns that Liberia's numerous development needs cannot be addressed simultaneously and that disciplined choices are required to ensure effective use of resources. Modad's position joins accountability with opportunity, advocating for a balance between giving the government room to deliver and strengthening public accountability.
The former minister attributes skepticism about the revenue milestone to years of unfulfilled promises and governments that collected revenue without transforming people's lives. He cautions against both uncritical celebration and automatic rejection of the achievement, urging a measured recognition of the government's accomplishment. Modad argues that the central value of increased domestic revenue is the additional fiscal space it provides the government to invest in strategic sectors.
Modad emphasizes that Liberia's youthful population is the country's greatest national asset, with approximately 68 percent of the population comprising young people. He calls for deliberate investments in healthcare, quality education, vocational and technical training, digital skills, entrepreneurship, and apprenticeships to prepare young Liberians for productive roles in the economy. Such investments, he argues, are essential to Liberia's long-term economic growth and national stability.
The former minister also urges the government to empower Liberian entrepreneurs to take greater ownership of the national economy. He argues that the government alone cannot create enough sustainable employment for the country's growing workforce and that a thriving private sector is essential. Modad calls for patient and affordable capital to support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, rather than simply short-term commercial loans.
Modad notes that many Liberian businesses struggle under high interest rates, short repayment periods, collateral requirements, and restrictive lending conditions. He advocates for mechanisms for responsible refinancing and restructuring of bad loans to prevent viable businesses from collapsing. The former minister emphasizes that an economic strategy that protects essential social services, develops young people, and strengthens Liberian participation in the economy is crucial.
Modad's comments come as the government seeks to convert the $1 billion revenue milestone into tangible benefits for citizens. He argues that fiscal progress must produce jobs, incomes, stronger services, and economic security, and that public accountability and transparency are essential to achieving these goals. The former minister's priorities reflect a focus on sustainable economic growth and development that benefits all Liberians.
Key points
- Former Commerce Minister Amin Modad urges the government to prioritize investments in youth development, healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
- Modad emphasizes the need for disciplined spending, stronger public accountability, and deliberate investments to sustain economic growth.
- The former minister calls for patient and affordable capital to support Liberian entrepreneurs and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.
