In continuation of efforts aimed at fostering stronger partnership against corruption and increasing awareness amongst the people about the menace, the National Integrity Forum (NIF) today held a one-day dialogue with officials and members of the Liberian business community.

Held at the Royal Grand Hotel in Sinkor today, June 23, 2022, the forum brought together officials and members of the Chamber of Commerce, Liberia Business Association, Liberia Marketing Association, Petty Traders, government, international partners and donor among others.

Two panel discussions were held under the topics: “Rebranding the Liberian Business Climate for Economic Growth and Development,” and “Formalization of Informal Markets: Opportunities and Challenges”.

Participants frankly outlined hindrances confronting the business community, especially local businesses. They were also afforded the opportunity to proffer recommendations and a roadmap was developed for improvement.

Established in 2010, the National Integrity Forum is a multi-stakeholder group that seeks more collaborative effort of integrity institutions in government, civil society and business. It seeks to assist in the fight against corruption through capacity building, sensitization, dialogue and other well-meaning efforts to rectify the unbearable effects of corruption and promote a culture of integrity in Liberia.

Members of the NIF include: The Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC), the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), Governance Commission (GC), Liberia Extractives Industries Transparency Initiative (LEITI), General Auditing Commission (GAC), National Elections Commission (NEC), Ministry of Justice (MOJ), Law Reform Commission (LRC), Accountability Lab Liberia and the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL).

With funding from the Government of Sweden through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), the NIF is being supported by CENTAL under its National Integrity Building and Anti-Corruption (NIBA) Program. NIBA seeks to, among other things, empower citizens with relevant pieces of information to demand for and take actions against corruption in Liberia.