By By: Staff Writer
Monrovia — For over two and a half decades, Liberian businessman William DeWalt has built a name for himself in the country’s clearing and forwarding industry, rising from a company employee to the owner of a thriving logistics enterprise.
DeWalt entered the shipping sector in 2000, gaining hands-on experience before launching his own firm, Lemu’s Clearing and Forwarding Services. Through persistence, disciplined management, and targeted investments, he has grown the company into a Liberian-owned business that serves local individuals, corporate clients, and international partners.
According to DeWalt, his entire career has been in the private sector. He said he has never held a government position, and that the expansion of his business has been funded solely through personal capital and bank loans, not public funds.
To scale operations, he obtained commercial loans worth US$1.55 million from Ecobank Liberia and the International Bank (IB), using personal assets as collateral. DeWalt stated that the funding allowed the company to expand capacity, streamline services, and generate more jobs for Liberians.
Workforce welfare, he said, remains central to the company’s operations. Lemu’s Clearing and Forwarding Services routinely assists staff with medical needs, including direct support for treatment during health emergencies. DeWalt credited employees for their commitment and professionalism, calling them key to the company’s long-term success. He pledged to continue fostering a safe, respectful, and productive work environment.
DeWalt also emphasized the role of private enterprise in national development. He argued that Liberia’s economic progress will depend on a strong private sector, with local entrepreneurs leading job creation, investment, and expanded opportunities.
Going forward, he said his focus remains on strengthening his businesses, maintaining high-quality clearing and forwarding services, and contributing to Liberia’s economic growth through responsible leadership and continued private investment.
