SMI-L supports sustainable, market-driven growth and job creation through the facilitation of economic linkages between national and international buyers and local suppliers. In particular, SMI-L integrates local SMEs into the supply chains of international and national buyers by providing valuable information to buyers about where and how to find quality local suppliers and building the capacity of local SMEs to meet buyers’ standards to win contracts.

Current Activities

•  Tender Distribution Service collects and publishes online tender announcements from various types of buyers, then disseminates the information to suppliers on the SMI-L Supplier Directory via SMS and email by location and sector.
•  Training courses, including training local suppliers on how to understand the basic aspects of contracting and working with international buyers.
•  Business linkage events, which facilitate networking and establish business contacts between concessionaire companies, international development organizations and local suppliers.

Accomplishments to Date

• Facilitated 621 contracts worth over $75 million USD.
• Created 3,751 full-time equivalent positions.
• Provided training to 1,228 businesses, included 924 female-owned and managed businesses.

Planned Outcomes

• SMI-L will produce a final market overview report that provides a comprehensive overview of the Liberian business landscape.
• SMI-L will transition some of its current activities to local partners and developing a business plan to profitably sustain other services beyond March 2017.