Liberia Business Awards 3.0

The Kernel Fresh Journey

J-Palm Liberia (JPL) was founded with a visionary mission: to produce premium consumer goods while empowering local communities. Through their innovative "Kernel Fresh" brand, they have transformed how sustainable palm oil production creates value across Liberia's agricultural sector.

National Impact & Achievements

• Community Empowerment: Fostered hundreds of jobs and empowered smallholder farmers through ethical supply chains
• Premium Products: Developed beauty essentials and clean energy products under the "Kernel Fresh" brand
• Sustainable Model: Pioneered ethical palm oil production that protects biodiversity and supports local ecosystems
• National Footprint: Built a strong distribution network across Liberia, promoting Liberian-made products
• International Recognition: Honored by African Development Bank Group for sustainable enterprise development

Philosophy for Progress

Post-Award Recognition

• Featured as one of Africa's Top 10 Business Heroes (2019)
• Recognized by the African Development Bank Group for sustainable development impact
• Expanded product lines to international markets
• Increased smallholder farmer partnerships by 150%
• Launched community training programs in sustainable agriculture

Future Vision

As Liberia continues to rise, J-Palm Liberia stands as a shining example of how innovation, sustainability, and social impact can coexist — driving real change from the ground up. Their vision is to become West Africa's leading sustainable consumer goods company by 2030.

The Pan-African Vision

In the fast-evolving digital economy, Annita is redefining what's possible for Liberian entrepreneurship. Founded by Christopher O. Fallah, this groundbreaking platform integrates e-commerce, fintech, AI, and business tools — designed to help MSMEs cut costs, scale faster, and compete globally.

International Recognition Journey

• African Union Recognition: Selected as African Union Enterprise Africa Network Fellow
• Advanced Training: Received specialized training from WIPO on intellectual property protection
• UNDP Partnership: Enhanced operations and leadership through UNDP Africa programs
• Cross-Border Credibility: Integrated with Afreximbank MANSA Due Diligence Platform
• Historic Milestone: Selected as Liberia's first and only startup showcased at the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) under the AU Youth Startup Program

Achievements & Honors

• Finalist for Startup Ecosystem Builder Champion of the Year at Africa Startup Ecosystem Builders Summit & Awards (ASEB 2025)
• Selected for 2025 African Funding Readiness Fellowship with Oak Nation Entrepreneurial Foundation
• Featured in multiple Pan-African innovation forums and publications
• Built partnerships across 5 African countries
• Empowered 500+ MSMEs through digital transformation

Aligned with Africa's Agenda 2063

Annita embodies Africa's Agenda 2063 vision — empowering young entrepreneurs with the tools and partnerships needed to industrialize, innovate, and trade across borders. Through Annita, Christopher has shown how vision, resilience, and innovation can rewrite the narrative of African entrepreneurship.

Future Vision

Today, Annita stands as Liberia's digital bridge to Africa, connecting MSMEs, markets, and opportunities — proving that true innovation starts right here at home. The platform aims to onboard 10,000 African businesses by 2027 and expand to 10 additional African countries.

The Professional Development Revolution

In a country where access to quality professional training has often been limited, Gonet Academy is changing the narrative. Founded by Mohammed Kerkulah and scaled by Growth Accelerator Liberia with UNDP support, the Academy has become a national model for career development, mentorship, and innovation.

Structured Cohort-Based Learning

• Comprehensive Curriculum: Equips professionals with practical knowledge, digital skills, and leadership tools
• Mentorship Program: Connects students with industry leaders and successful entrepreneurs
• Real-World Projects: Hands-on learning through business simulations and community projects
• Digital Skills Focus: Training in essential digital tools, online marketing, and e-commerce
• Networking Opportunities: Access to alumni network and industry partnerships

Impact & Growth Journey

• Cohort 1 to 12: Successfully trained and certified hundreds of emerging leaders
• 500+ Graduates: Professionals empowered across multiple disciplines
• Fostered Entrepreneurship: 40+ businesses launched by alumni
• Employability Enhancement: 85% of graduates report career advancement within 6 months
• Community Impact: Alumni projects benefiting local communities across Liberia

Cohort 13 & Future Vision

As Cohort 13 prepares to begin, Gonet Academy's commitment to continuous growth and inclusive education remains stronger than ever. The Academy continues to evolve its curriculum based on market demands and technological advancements.

Testimonials

National Development Impact

Gonet Academy's story reflects Liberia's potential — proof that when vision meets consistency, education becomes the foundation for national progress. Each cohort represents a new wave of transformation — empowering students to add value to their careers and contribute meaningfully to national development.

The Journey

Green Farms Liberia started as a small family-owned farm in 2018 with just 5 acres of land. Through innovative farming techniques and sustainable practices, they have expanded to over 500 acres across three counties, becoming one of Liberia's leading agricultural producers.

Impact & Achievements

• Increased crop yield by 300% through sustainable farming methods
• Created employment opportunities for 150+ local community members
• Partnered with international markets for export of organic produce
• Implemented farmer training programs benefiting 500+ local farmers
• Reduced environmental impact through organic farming practices

Post-Award Growth

Since winning the Agriculture Business of the Year award in 2024, Green Farms Liberia has experienced remarkable growth:

• 40% increase in partnership inquiries
• Secured $2M in additional funding for expansion
• Expanded export operations to 3 new countries
• Launched "Green Future" initiative to train young farmers

Future Vision

Green Farms Liberia aims to become West Africa's leading organic agriculture hub by 2030, with plans to expand to 1,000 acres and establish a state-of-the-art agricultural research center.

Innovation Journey

TechHub Liberia emerged as a response to the growing need for digital solutions and tech talent development in Liberia. Starting with just 3 developers, they have grown into a leading technology innovation hub driving digital transformation across various sectors.

Key Innovations

• Developed Liberia's first comprehensive e-government platform
• Created mobile payment solutions for rural communities
• Built custom ERP systems for local businesses
• Developed educational technology platforms for remote learning
• Pioneered AI-powered agricultural advisory services

Training Impact

Through their Tech Academy, TechHub Liberia has trained over 500 young Liberians in software development, data science, and digital skills, with 85% of graduates securing employment in the tech sector.

Post-Award Achievements

• Secured partnerships with 3 international tech companies
• Expanded operations to 2 new counties
• Launched Liberia's first tech incubator program
• Increased client base by 200%
• Received $1.5M in venture funding

Future Roadmap

TechHub Liberia aims to establish West Africa's most advanced technology innovation center by 2027, focusing on artificial intelligence, blockchain, and renewable energy technologies.

From Local to Global

Liberian Gold Coffee began with a vision to showcase Liberia's premium coffee beans to the world. Starting with small-scale farming in Nimba County, they have transformed into Liberia's leading coffee exporter, bringing Liberian coffee to international markets.

Export Milestones

• First Liberian coffee company to export to European markets
• Established supply chains to 15+ countries worldwide
• Achieved international quality certifications (Fair Trade, Organic)
• Developed unique coffee blends for different international markets
• Implemented sustainable packaging solutions

Community Impact

Liberian Gold Coffee works directly with 500+ local coffee farmers, providing training, fair prices, and sustainable farming practices that have increased farmer incomes by 150%.

Post-Award Expansion

• Expanded export operations to 8 new countries
• Increased production capacity by 300%
• Secured $3M in export financing
• Launched 3 new premium coffee product lines
• Estigned partnerships with international coffee chains

Future Vision

Liberian Gold Coffee aims to make Liberian coffee a globally recognized premium brand by 2030, with plans to establish coffee tourism experiences and launch coffee processing training centers across Liberia.