Councilwoman Wala Blegay to Lead Maryland–Liberia Trade Mission Focused on Investment, Jobs, and Economic Growth

Councilwoman Wala Blegay to Lead Maryland–Liberia Trade Mission Focused on Investment, Jobs, and Economic Growth

WASHINGTON, D.C., October 20, 2026 – In a significant step toward strengthening economic ties between Liberia and the State of Maryland, Prince George's County Councilwoman At-Large Wala Blegay will lead a high-level Maryland–Liberia Trade Mission from October 29 to November 5, 2026, bringing together government leaders, business executives, entrepreneurs, and development partners committed to expanding trade, investment, and workforce opportunities between the two regions.
During a meeting held at the Embassy of Liberia with His Excellency, Ambassador Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh Blegay said the mission is intended to move beyond diplomatic agreements and produce tangible partnerships that support economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development in both Liberia and Maryland.
"We are bringing businesses with specific proposals and looking to create partnerships that generate lasting opportunities for both Liberia and Maryland," Blegay said. "Our focus is on developing relationships that lead to real projects, job creation, and long-term economic growth."
According to Minister Counselor for Press and Public Affairs, Al-Jerome Anastas Chede Sr., the delegation will include representatives from government, business, technology, agriculture, healthcare, tourism, environmental services, and workforce development sectors. Participating organizations are exploring opportunities in agricultural production and exports, waste management and recycling, telecommunications and cybersecurity, healthcare training, tourism development, mining, and youth entrepreneurship.
Among the mission participants is LIBHANA Produce, led by Ahamadu M. Sirleaf, which is seeking partnerships in agricultural production, fruit processing, cold storage, packaging, and exports, particularly in Liberia's mango and pineapple industries. Working alongside LIBHANA is The Troutman Management LLC, led by Clement T. Troutman, which will explore agricultural supply chains and trade opportunities between Liberia and Maryland.
Environmental sustainability is another key focus. U.S. Refuse LLC, led by Kirk Goode, plans to assess opportunities in waste collection, recycling, environmental services, and workforce training, with discussions centered on developing a pilot project in Monrovia.
The mission will also examine opportunities in technology and innovation. Femdel LLC, led by Gbenga Oyedele, is pursuing partnerships in broadband expansion, telecommunications, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and smart-city infrastructure. Meanwhile, the Juxtopia Group and JUICE Network, under the leadership of Dr. Jayfus Tucker Doswell, are exploring healthcare technology, nursing workforce development, and STEM entrepreneurship programs for Liberian youth.
Tourism and cultural exchange initiatives are being promoted by Clear Kayak Liberia and Kairos Kids Collection, represented by Kubahki "Kuki" Vincent Osei. The group is proposing a Maryland–Liberia Youth, Culture & Tourism Exchange program designed to connect young people, diaspora families, and tourism stakeholders in both regions.
Additional participants include MOI-JEY LLC, led by Daniel Moijueh Jr., which is exploring responsible mining, mineral processing, technical education, and export logistics, and The Image Consulting Group, headed by Wunmi Duyile, which is seeking business development, procurement, trade, and workforce training opportunities. Duyile's Legacy Premier Foundation is coordinating and administering the trade mission.
The government delegation is expected to include Prince George's County Council Chair Krystal Oriadha, Council Member Edward Burroughs III, and Akilah S. Alleyne, Ph.D., from the Maryland Office of the Secretary of State's International Affairs team, along with supporting staff.
Dr. Conteh welcomed the group on behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., and Foreign Minister Sara-Beysolow Nyanti. He expressed gratitude to Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Secretary of State Susan Lee for the signing the Maryland-Liberia Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on June 24, 2026. Dr. Conteh pointed out that it was time to put the MOU into action and derive tangible results. He assured the delegation that organizers and focal persons are working with Liberian officials to arrange meetings with the President of Liberia, legislative leaders, and key ministries responsible for agriculture, commerce, finance, energy, health, education, youth development, tourism, telecommunications, and environmental protection.
Meetings are also being sought with the National Investment Commission, Liberia Revenue Authority, National Port Authority, Liberia Chamber of Commerce, universities, healthcare institutions, and local business leaders.
Blegay emphasized that the mission's success will be measured by the partnerships and opportunities it generates rather than immediate investment commitments.
"Our goal is to connect the right people and institutions, identify viable projects, and create a pathway for continued collaboration after the delegation returns," she said.
The mission has the potential to support agricultural development, technology modernization, tourism growth, healthcare training, environmental improvements, and job creation in Liberia while opening new markets and partnership opportunities for businesses in Maryland, particularly Prince George's County. As Liberia continues to position itself for greater economic expansion and private-sector investment, the Maryland–Liberia Trade Mission represents a promising opportunity to convert shared history, strong diaspora connections, and mutual interests into meaningful and lasting economic partnerships.

Al-Jerome Anastas Chede Sr.
Minister Counselor
Press and Public Affairs
Embassy of Liberia
Washington D.C.
USA
press@liberiaembassyus.org
aljay312000@yahoo.com
+1612-239-8051 (Cell)
+1 202-723-0437 (office)