Montserrado Billionaires: Top 10 Richest Men In Montserrado County, Liberia
Montserrado County, situated in the northwestern region of Liberia, is not just the smallest county in land size, but also the most populous and economically vibrant in the country. As the home of Monrovia, the capital city of Liberia, Montserrado serves as the political, commercial, and financial nerve centre of the nation. Naturally, many of Liberia’s wealthiest and most influential individuals either reside or have deep-rooted business interests in this county.
In this comprehensive post, we shine the spotlight on the top 10 richest men in Montserrado County, detailing their net worth, sources of income, and their roles in Liberia’s socio-economic development.
1. Benoni Urey – Net Worth: $33 Million
Benoni Wilfred Urey stands tall as Liberia’s richest man and a key economic player in Montserrado County. Born in Careysburg, a town in Montserrado, Urey’s journey to wealth began in telecommunications. He is the Chairman and largest shareholder of Lonestar Communication Corporation, which is one of Liberia’s leading mobile network operators and a partner of MTN Group.
Apart from telecommunications, Urey has diversified his portfolio into agriculture, real estate, media (through Vision Media Services), and hospitality. A former Commissioner of Maritime Affairs during the Charles Taylor era, he transitioned into the private sector post-conflict and focused heavily on building sustainable businesses.
Urey is also a political figure, having contested for the presidency under the All Liberian Party (ALP). His influence spans across politics, media, and business, making him a power broker in Montserrado.
2. George Weah – Net Worth: $30 Million
George Manneh Oppong Weah is a name that commands respect not only in Liberia but around the globe. Born and raised in Clara Town, Monrovia, Weah made his wealth primarily through football. He played for renowned European football clubs such as AC Milan, Chelsea, PSG, and Monaco.
In 1995, he was crowned FIFA World Player of the Year and also won the Ballon d’Or—the first and only African to achieve this feat.
Weah returned home after his football career and transitioned into politics. He became Liberia’s 25th President in 2018. Although his football earnings were substantial, his wealth has also been sustained through real estate investments, endorsements, and political influence.
His presence in Montserrado is still strong, both as a resident and a politician with widespread grassroots appeal.
3. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf – Net Worth: $27 Million
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first elected female head of state, was born in Monrovia, Montserrado County. A Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Ellen made her fortune through both political leadership and high-level international positions, including stints at the World Bank, Citibank, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
As Liberia’s president from 2006 to 2018, she was instrumental in post-war reconstruction, rebuilding economic institutions and drawing in foreign investment. Her financial portfolio includes real estate, consultancy, and advisory positions on global platforms.
Though technically no longer holding public office, her legacy and economic influence in Montserrado remain formidable.
4. Charles Sirleaf – Net Worth: $12 Million
Charles Sirleaf, son of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, has carved his own path in Liberia’s banking and financial sector. He served as Deputy Governor for Operations at the Central Bank of Liberia.
Despite facing public scrutiny and a few controversies during his tenure, Charles amassed significant wealth through both public sector salaries and private investment ventures.
He is known to have stakes in several local businesses ranging from micro-finance institutions to real estate holdings, especially within Monrovia. His long service in Liberia’s financial sector helped position him among the richest individuals in Montserrado.
5. Robert Sirleaf – Net Worth: $10 Million
Another prominent son of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Robert Sirleaf has been involved in both public service and business. He is best known for his role as the Chairman of the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL), a position that brought him to the centre of Liberia’s energy politics.
Robert has had significant influence over oil block allocations and foreign investment partnerships in the oil sector. Outside government, he runs multiple private businesses and serves as a financial adviser in various capacities.
Although his involvement with NOCAL came with criticism over alleged mismanagement, there’s no denying his financial power and his strong footing in Montserrado’s elite circles.
6. Jewel Howard Taylor – Net Worth: $7 Million
Jewel Howard Taylor, the current Vice President of Liberia, hails from Montserrado and is a powerful figure in both politics and social advocacy. She was previously married to Charles Taylor, Liberia’s former president.
Jewel has held several roles in government, including serving as Deputy Governor of the National Bank and as a Senator for Bong County before becoming Vice President. Her wealth is attributed to salaries from public service, real estate, and investments in private enterprise.
She owns properties in and around Monrovia and has been active in promoting women’s rights and empowerment through her private foundation. Her influence in Montserrado is both political and economic.
7. Binyah Kesselly – Net Worth: $5 Million
Binyah Kesselly, former Chairman of the National Port Authority (NPA), played a crucial role in overseeing the management of Liberia’s key seaports. With Liberia being a maritime hub in West Africa, managing port operations is a lucrative responsibility.
Under Kesselly’s leadership, the NPA improved port infrastructure and expanded commercial operations, boosting government revenue. His earnings stem not only from his role in public service but also from consultancy, logistics, and business ventures that supply port operations.
He remains active in Liberia’s maritime and logistics sectors and is known to own various assets in Monrovia.
8. Nathaniel Blama – Net Worth: $4 Million
Nathaniel Blama made headlines as the head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Liberia. He was involved in overseeing environmental policies and sustainable development initiatives.
Though his role was not initially seen as high-income, Blama is known to have benefited from international donor partnerships, consultancy roles with global NGOs, and environmental impact project management.
He owns property in Montserrado and runs a few small businesses, including an eco-consulting firm that collaborates with international environmental agencies.
9. Alexander B. Cummings Jr. – Net Worth: $3 Million
Alexander Cummings is a respected businessman and political figure, born in Monrovia. He built his career internationally, eventually rising to become the Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at Coca-Cola Company.
His earnings from the corporate world were substantial, and upon his return to Liberia, he formed the Cummings Africa Foundation, focusing on education and entrepreneurship. In politics, he heads the Alternative National Congress (ANC), one of the opposition parties.
Cummings has invested in Liberian startups and real estate projects, particularly in Monrovia. His wealth, although moderate compared to others on this list, is impactful because of his philanthropic commitments and clean reputation.
10. Samuel Dokie – Net Worth: $2 Million
Samuel Dokie, a lesser-known but highly influential businessman in Liberia, rounds out our list. He is the Chairman of Dokie & Son Inc., a company with interests in construction, supply chain, and importation of goods.
His business has secured several government contracts over the years, and he is believed to have strong ties with high-ranking government officials. Dokie has built his wealth steadily through hard work and strategic investments.
Though he operates mostly behind the scenes, his economic presence in Montserrado is undeniable, with properties and businesses across Monrovia and surrounding communities.
Summary Table: Top 10 Richest Men in Montserrado County, Liberia
Rank | Name | Net Worth (USD) | Primary Source of Wealth |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Benoni Urey | $33 Million | Telecommunications, Real Estate |
2 | George Weah | $30 Million | Football, Politics |
3 | Ellen Johnson Sirleaf | $27 Million | Politics, International Roles |
4 | Charles Sirleaf | $12 Million | Banking, Investments |
5 | Robert Sirleaf | $10 Million | Oil Sector, Private Business |
6 | Jewel Howard Taylor | $7 Million | Politics, Real Estate |
7 | Binyah Kesselly | $5 Million | Port Management, Logistics |
8 | Nathaniel Blama | $4 Million | Environmental Consultancy, Real Estate |
9 | Alexander B. Cummings Jr. | $3 Million | Corporate Management, Philanthropy |
10 | Samuel Dokie | $2 Million | Construction, Government Contracts |
Final Thoughts
Montserrado County is truly the heartbeat of Liberia, and the men on this list are some of the key individuals driving its economy, politics, and business environment. These wealthy elites have not only achieved financial success but have also shaped national policies and influenced the lives of everyday Liberians.
While some of them built their wealth through international exposure, others rose from within Liberia’s challenging but opportunity-filled landscape. What they all have in common is ambition, strategic positioning, and resilience.
As Liberia continues its journey toward economic recovery and development, these men—whether directly or indirectly—will continue to be central to that narrative.