Where We Work : Liberia : Partnership

The BRAC programmes in Liberia were launched through a unique partnership with the SEDF, Foundation Open Society Institute, Omidyar Network and Humanity United. In addition to supporting BRAC in Liberia through grant funds, Omidyar Network and SEDF are active investors in the BRAC Liberia Microfinance Company, with a 49% equity stake and representation on its governing board. Of the nine members of the finance company board, five are BRAC representatives, two are from Foundation Open Society Institute, one from SEDF and one from Omidyar Network.

This partnership signifies joint ownership and commitment and is a vote of confidence in BRAC’s approach towards development, as it expands into poor and conflict-ridden countries in West Africa. As co-owners and investors of economic development and social change in Liberia, Omidyar Network and SEDF represent anchor support to BRAC’s nascent operations, thereby creating leverage and attracting additional investment. Most recently, the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) MicroLead Programme provided grant support to the BRAC Liberia Microfinance Company.

Working with the Government of Liberia

Since we started our operations in Liberia in 2008, BRAC has developed very strong ties with the Government of Liberia. Our programmes support the country’s Poverty Reduction Strategy, which is to be implemented between 2009 and 2012 but will extend beyond this period. The Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) aims at reducing poverty in Liberia through the stimulation of rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Some of the collaboration initiatives between BRAC and the Government of Liberia include:

Microfinance: Before starting our microfinance activities, we ensured the approval from and support of the Ministries concerned. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued the Articles of Incorporation and we registered BRAC Liberia Microfinance Company Ltd. with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Health: BRAC obtained permission from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to run the Essential Health Care Programme in the country and collaborates closely with the Ministry by participating in partner meetings and national events and campaigns on TB, malaria, polio and yellow fever. BRAC also collaborates with the county health teams and took part in critical workshops for the development of a national health strategy.

Agriculture, Livestock and Poultry: For our Agriculture, Livestock and Poultry Programme, BRAC ensures maximum involvement and streamlining with the Government of Liberia’s policies by taking part in monthly agriculture coordination meetings and participating in strategic planning workshops for the agriculture sector.

Before starting activities for our Health and Agriculture, Livestock and Poultry Programmes, Articles of Incorporation for the NGO BRAC Liberia were issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the NGO was registered by the Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs and accreditation was given by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Ministry of Agriculture. We provide progress reports to the respective Ministries on a regular basis.

Other Collaboration

BRAC strives to ensure collaboration with key organisations and institutions in its areas of operation to create the greatest possible impact with its programmes. Since the beginning of our operations in microfinance, we have shared our programme knowledge with organisations such as LEAP and Liberty Finance, the Central Bank of Liberia, Access Bank and EcoBank as well as UNDP and UNCDF. For our Agriculture Programme, we consult with CARI, the Central Agricultural Research Institute, which is the only research entity on agricultural matters that is owned and operated by the Liberian Government.