Meet the Judges: Industry Leaders Share Insights

Published: February 28, 2026
8 min read
Judging Panel, Awards Process, Expert Insights
5 Esteemed Judges

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

Chair of Judges

Dr. Maria Johnson

Former Minister of Commerce
Background:
25+ years in business development and economic policy
Focus Areas:
Strategic growth, market expansion, corporate governance
Qualifications:
PhD in Economics, Harvard Business School Executive Education
"I look for businesses that demonstrate not just current success, but sustainable growth potential and meaningful community impact. The best nominations show how success creates positive ripple effects."
Innovation Expert

James T. Roberts

Tech Entrepreneur & Mentor
Background:
Founder of 3 successful tech startups, Startup Liberia mentor
Focus Areas:
Innovation, digital transformation, scalability
Qualifications:
MIT Innovation Fellow, 15+ patents in digital solutions
"Innovation isn't just about technology—it's about solving real Liberian problems in creative ways that create sustainable value. Show me how you're thinking differently."
SME Specialist

Sarah Mensah

Women in Business Liberia Founder
Background:
Built her business from $500 to $5M annual revenue
Focus Areas:
SME development, women entrepreneurship, financial management
Qualifications:
MBA in Entrepreneurship, UN Women Business Mentor
"Small businesses are the backbone of Liberia's economy. I'm looking for those with strong foundations, clear vision, and the resilience to grow. Show me your journey, not just your destination."
Sustainability Expert

Dr. Samuel Cole

Environmental Economist
Background:
UN Sustainable Development Consultant for West Africa
Focus Areas:
Sustainability, environmental impact, green innovation
"True business success includes environmental stewardship. I evaluate how businesses balance profit with planet, creating solutions that benefit both Liberia's economy and environment."
Finance Specialist

Patricia Barclay

Chief Investment Officer
Background:
18 years in investment banking and financial analysis
Focus Areas:
Financial performance, investment readiness, risk management
"Numbers tell a story. I look beyond revenue to understand the financial health, scalability, and investment potential of businesses. Strong financial foundations support sustainable growth."

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

Weight: 25%

Innovation

Unique approaches, creative solutions, and market differentiation

Weight: 20%

Community Impact

Job creation, skills development, and local economic contribution

Weight: 25%

Sustainability

Environmental responsibility and long-term viability

Weight: 15%

Leadership & Team

Quality of management, team development, and culture

Weight: 15%

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

1

Nomination Period

February 1 - March 15, 2026

All nominations must be submitted through the official LBA portal by midnight on March 15.

2

Initial Screening

March 16 - 20, 2026

Technical committee verifies eligibility and completeness of all nominations.

3

Judges Evaluation

March 21 - April 10, 2026

Panel judges independently review and score nominations based on established criteria.

4

Deliberation & Selection

April 11 - 20, 2026

Judges meet to discuss top nominations and finalize award recipients.

Ready to Impress Our Judges?

Use these insights from our expert judges to craft a compelling nomination that showcases your business excellence.

Deadline: March 15, 2026 | Early bird submissions get priority review

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.