Get to know the distinguished panel of experts who will evaluate nominations for Liberia Business Awards 3.0. These industry leaders bring decades of experience and unique perspectives to ensure the most deserving businesses receive recognition.
Our Esteemed Panel of Judges
Dr. Maria Johnson
25+ years in business development and economic policy
Strategic growth, market expansion, corporate governance
PhD in Economics, Harvard Business School Executive Education
James T. Roberts
Founder of 3 successful tech startups, Startup Liberia mentor
Innovation, digital transformation, scalability
MIT Innovation Fellow, 15+ patents in digital solutions
Sarah Mensah
Built her business from $500 to $5M annual revenue
SME development, women entrepreneurship, financial management
MBA in Entrepreneurship, UN Women Business Mentor
Dr. Samuel Cole
UN Sustainable Development Consultant for West Africa
Sustainability, environmental impact, green innovation
PhD in Environmental Economics, Oxford University
Patricia Barclay
18 years in investment banking and financial analysis
Financial performance, investment readiness, risk management
CFA Charterholder, MSc in Finance
Judging Criteria & Evaluation Framework
Our judges evaluate nominations based on a comprehensive framework designed to identify truly exceptional businesses that contribute to Liberia's economic development.
Business Performance
Financial stability, growth metrics, and revenue sustainability
Innovation
Unique approaches, creative solutions, and market differentiation
Community Impact
Job creation, skills development, and local economic contribution
Sustainability
Environmental responsibility and long-term viability
Leadership & Team
Quality of management, team development, and culture
Expert Tips for a Winning Nomination
Be Specific About Your Achievements
"Numbers tell a powerful story. Instead of saying 'we grew,' tell us 'we increased revenue by 150% in 18 months while creating 25 new jobs.' Specificity builds credibility."
— Dr. Maria Johnson, Chair of Judges
Show, Don't Just Tell
"Don't just tell us what you do—show us why it matters. Include testimonials, case studies, or visual evidence of your impact. A picture of your team in action speaks volumes."
— James T. Roberts, Innovation Expert
Authenticity is Key
"We want to see the real impact you're making. Share challenges you've overcome, lessons learned, and how you've adapted. Authentic stories resonate more than polished perfection."
— Sarah Mensah, SME Specialist
Judging Process Timeline
Nomination Period
March 1 - May 30, 2026
All nominations must be submitted through the official LBA portal by May 30 at 5:59 PM.
Initial Screening
June 1 - 15, 2026
Technical committee verifies eligibility and completeness of all nominations.
Public Voting
June 1 - July 30, 2026
Public voting runs alongside jury evaluation. Each vote counts toward final score.
Jury Evaluation
June 1 - July 30, 2026
Panel judges independently review and score nominations based on established criteria.
Final Deliberation
August 1 - September 30, 2026
Judges meet to discuss top nominations and finalize award recipients.
Awards Ceremony
December 19, 2026
Winners announced at the grand awards ceremony at 6:00 PM.
Ready to Impress Our Judges?
Use these insights from our expert judges to craft a compelling nomination that showcases your business excellence.
Nominations Open: March 1 - May 30, 2026
Note: All judges have signed confidentiality agreements and will recuse themselves from evaluating any nominations where they have personal or professional conflicts of interest. The judging process is independently audited to ensure fairness and transparency.