Jendema, Sierra Leone – The Building Inclusive Business Ecosystems for Stabilization and Transformation (BI-BEST) Project, has successfully concluded its 5th Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting in the border town of Jendema to review progress made so far, and strategise for the successful completion of the project.

The five-day mission which started with site visits in Koindu and Jendema in Sierra Leone, and Foya and Bo Waterside in Liberia, ended with the PSC meeting which brought together selected key government and private sector stakeholders from both sides of the border to get practical hands-on understanding of the project’s impact in the communities, review project achievements, and strategize for a successful project closure in June 2027.

Officially opening the 5th PSC meeting, the Mano River Union Secretary-General- Amb. Simeon M B Moribah underscored the committee’s vital role in providing oversight and strategic guidance to ensure the project meets its objective of empowering women and fostering economic resilience. He said it was significant that PSC meeting was being held in the community for the first time, as previous PSC meetings were held in the capitals (Monrovia and Freetown). He set the tone for the meeting by mentioning that the meeting will look at the progress made in implementing the recommendations from the 4th PSC meeting held in Monrovia, review the project work plan, and approve the budget for extension.

“The African Development Bank (AfDB) has been one of our major partners in many areas including livelihood protection, infrastructural development, etc. We met with the beneficiaries yesterday, and we learnt that a lot has been gained or learnt from the implementation of this project. An AfDB supervision mission conducted late last year has underscored the need for a no-cost extension until June 2027, that would bring it to a successful completion.” Amb Moribah added

Amb. Moriba also mentioned that the region has been deemed fragile, and with a huge mass of young people not having been de-traumatized after the civil wars, it is prone to socioeconomic and security issues like proliferation of harmful drugs, and even issues of terrorism. He said extra caution is required in handling these issues to ensure we protect the peace and stability of the subregion. He ended by appreciating the Project Steering Committee and the Project Implementation Unit for their support in making the project a success.

Liberia’s Assistant Minister of Trade- Mr. Kelvin Matadi, said he is always excited to be part of the project as he considers it first project in the ministry. He said “trade plays a vital role in our lives and must be given the due attention. The economic growth of women cannot be ignored, especially along our border, as women continue to contribute far more to our societies. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) provides for all African states to harmonize when it comes to free trade. We are excited to be here. Let’s work together and succeed collectively.”

The BI-BEST Project Coordinator, who doubles as the MRU Deputy Secretary-General for Peace Madam Ange Konan Monu, presented a comprehensive overview of the project’s progress, highlighting key achievements from the 2025 work plan.

“The site visit to Koindu and Foya offered an invaluable perspective on the project’s tangible impact. We are now focused on consolidating these gains and ensuring a smooth and sustainable transition. All project interventions including workshops, and significant capacity-building initiatives for women traders and stakeholders across the four project communities of Jendema, Bo Waterside, Koindu, and Foya have transformed the way women conduct business activities” Madam Monu said.

The Director of Trade in Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Trade and Industry said  90% of businesses in SL are in the informal sector, and 70% of these are run/owned by women, underscoring women’s importance in commerce.

“The success stories from past shows more wins than challenges- a clear sign that the project is in the right direction. We look forward to further actions on the recommendations. We also look forward to a succession plan by the two countries, to ensure project gains, even after the project phases out, in order for our women to remain in business. We also look forward to a point where women would grow their business to reach beyond other MRU neighbouring countries. We want to see them utilizing AfCTA and even venturing into other continents.” He said.

Rema Fawaz, the secretary to the Liberia Business Association says on behalf of the Liberian business people and as a woman, she appreciated the BI-BEST Project for all it does, especially as it provides what is needed to soften the ground for women cross-border traders. She asked that the project takes the PSC recommendations into consideration and keep the stakeholders involved.

A key feature of the first day was a series of direct engagements between PSC members and the women beneficiaries in which women outlined their gains so far, while not forgetting their emerging challenges, like intensified search at border due to the excessive smuggling of illegal drugs and other contraband items across borders. These sessions allowed value chain actors in cassava, palm oil, and vegetables from all four project communities to share their experiences, challenges, and successes, further reinforcing the project’s people-centered approach.

The meeting concluded with the compilation and adoption of a list of agreed actions and recommendations, which will guide the PIU in its final project phase. The PSC reiterated its commitment to supporting the PIU in delivering on the project’s promise to empower women cross-border traders for resilient economic growth and enhanced social cohesion within the Mano River Union.

About BI-BEST: The Building Inclusive Business Ecosystems for Stabilization and Transformation (BI-BEST) project is a cross-border initiative implemented by the Mano River Union (MRU) Secretariat for Sierra Leone and Liberia. Funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), through the Transition States Facility (TSF), the project aims to empower Women Cross Border Traders (WCBTs) in the cassava, palm oil, and vegetable value chains at the border points of Jendema/Bo Waterside and Koindu/Foya.

 

 

 

Media Contact:
John Terry
Communications Assistant, BI-BEST Project
Mano River Union Secretariat
32S Fudia Terrace, Spur Loop, Wilberforce,
Freetown, Sierra Leone
Email: jterry@mru.int
Tel:      +232-78-852226/ +231-771-399108