Liberia:- As ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) forges ahead with its transformative Phase II Expansion, the company is reinforcing its commitment to Liberian talent by investing in world-class leadership development. In a bold step toward building high-impact local leadership, four of AML’s top Liberian professionals have completed the prestigious LEAD CONNECT High Impact Leadership Program at Columbia Business School Executive Education in New York City, USA.
The program’s latest Liberian graduates are:
- Rebecca Kwabo-Buegar, Head of Human Resources and Development
- Jallah Selmah, General Manager, Mines
- Garmondyu Crusoe, General Manager, Port
- Mulbah Gbozee, Rail Maintenance Manager
Their successful participation in the globally respected program represents a major milestone in AML’s drive to cultivate a new generation of Liberian corporate leaders prepared to lead complex operations and drive innovation in the mining sector and beyond.
“At ArcelorMittal Liberia, we believe our people are our greatest asset, and we are proud to invest in their growth,” the company shared in a post on its official Facebook page.
AML emphasized that this achievement reflects its unwavering dedication to building a strong leadership pipeline by empowering Liberians with the skills, global exposure, and strategic insight necessary to inspire teams and create lasting impact.
Inside the Columbia Leadership Experience
Columbia Business School’s LEAD CONNECT program is internationally renowned for equipping senior executives with the tools to lead in fast-moving, high-stakes environments. The immersive course combines strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, change leadership, and decision-making frameworks to strengthen participants’ leadership capacity.
Participants engage in rigorous experiential learning through simulations, group projects, and one-on-one coaching with Columbia faculty and global industry experts. They are trained to lead through transformation, influence without authority, and align execution with long-term strategy.
For the four Liberian professionals, the experience offers far more than academic enrichment — it provides a global perspective on transformational leadership that they are now applying across AML’s critical departments: from mining operations and infrastructure maintenance to workforce development and community engagement.
A Broader Vision: Investing in Liberia’s Human Capital
ArcelorMittal Liberia’s investment in these leaders is part of a much larger and long-standing commitment to developing Liberian talent across its operations. Over the years, AML has invested millions of dollars in building the technical and managerial capacity of Liberians to assume key roles in its iron ore mining, logistics, rail, and port infrastructure.
A prime example is the ArcelorMittal Liberia Training Academy (AMLTA) in Yekepa, Nimba County, a modern institution that has trained hundreds of young Liberians in mechanical, electrical, and mining trades. Many graduates of the academy have gone on to secure permanent employment within AML and other national sectors.
In addition to local training, AML has awarded over 99 international scholarships for Liberians to pursue degrees in mining engineering, metallurgy, and business administration in China, South Africa, and the UK. These programs aim to close the skills gap in industries where Liberia has historically depended on expatriate expertise.
AML also operates a fully equipped Elementary, Junior, and Senior High School in Yekepa, providing free quality education to children of employees and nearby communities. The school features modern science labs, libraries, and highly qualified teaching staff, all supported by AML’s corporate funding.
Setting a National Example for Talent Development
The participation of Rebecca Kwabo-Buegar, Jallah Selmah, Garmondyu Crusoe, and Mulbah Gbozee in the Columbia Business School program is not just a personal career milestone; it is a powerful symbol of what’s possible when the private sector is committed to inclusive national development.
As ArcelorMittal Liberia rolls out its ambitious Phase II Expansion, including new investments in ore processing, rail rehabilitation, and port upgrades, having well-prepared Liberian professionals in leadership roles is key to ensuring the sustainability, efficiency, and shared prosperity of its operations.
By equipping Liberians with the knowledge, global exposure, and confidence to lead at the highest levels, AML is not only building a stronger company, but it is helping build a stronger Liberia.
