Liberia's Richest Person (2021): Benoni Urey — Business, Banking & Politics

Benoni Urey (b. 1957, Grand Kru County) is widely cited as Liberia's wealthiest individual as of 2021.

Business Empire (Urey Group of Companies)

• Lonestar Cell MTN: Majority stake in Liberia's largest mobile operator (MTN Group partner).
• Urey Transport: Logistics, heavy equipment, fuel distribution.
• Urey Petroleum: Fuel import/storage — critical infrastructure.
• Real estate & hospitality: Commercial/residential properties, Monrovia hotels.
• Media: Investments in radio/print.

Financial Sector Role

• Chairman, Liberia Bank for Development & Investment (LBDI) — largest commercial bank (assets ~$300M).
• Board member: Central Bank of Liberia (former), other financial entities.

Political Profile

• All Liberian Party (ALP) founder (2017) — presidential candidate 2017 (4th, ~6%), 2023 (withdrew, endorsed Boakai).
• Commissioner, Maritime Affairs (Taylor era, 1997–2003) — controversial: UN sanctions panel linked registry revenue to arms procurement.
• Philanthropy: Urey Foundation — education, health, youth programs in Grand Kru & Monrovia.

Wealth Context

• No verified public net worth (Liberia lacks billionaire-tracking transparency).
• Estimates: $50–150M range (Forbes Africa, local analysts) — based on Lonestar valuation, LBDI stake, assets.
• Liberia's economy: ~$4B GDP; 50%+ below poverty line. Wealth concentration extreme.

Caveats

• "Richest" claims rely on visible assets — hidden wealth (offshore, cash, concessions) unknowable.
• Other contenders: George Weah (president, former footballer, assets opaque), Cecelia Cuffy-Brown (businesswoman), Indian/Lebanese merchant families (long-established, low profile).
• Post-war Liberia: wealth often tied to concession access, political proximity, import monopolies.

Benoni Urey is the most visible, institutionally embedded wealthy Liberian. Whether he's absolutely #1 depends on what's counted—and what's concealed.