Final Report for the USAID Sustainable Marketplace Initiative Liberia (SMI-L) Program
Launched in 2012, the USAID-funded Sustainable Marketplace Initiative - Liberia (SMI-L) has promoted inclusive economic growth by reducing obstacles to local procurement, facilitating economic linkages between national and international buyers, and creating jobs in local SMEs. This report on Building Markets’ SMI-L program details how the initiative strengthened the Liberian economy by helping local businesses win 647 contracts worth over $92 million and creating 4,382 jobs. The report details offered business services like verification, an online supplier directory, training and mentorship, business linkages, market research, and “buy local” promotion. Continuous data collection and market analysis enabled the program to adapt to changing conditions and exceed targets in key performance indicators, significantly contributing to Liberia’s workforce and private sector development.