PHOTO: Mawine G. Diggs, Minister of Commerce & Industry
By Hon. Sylvester K. Pewee, Assistant Minister for Public Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, R.L.
As the second female National Independence Day Orator, under the astute leadership of His Excellency Dr. George Manneh Weah, Hon. Amb. Mawine G. Diggs brings to bare elongated years of experience as an academician, educator, public policy specialist and a revered public servant currently serving the Government and people of Liberia as the Honorable Minister of Commerce & Industry.
She possesses solid academic credentials as a Candidate for PhD in Higher Education Leadership at the National American University, a Master’s Degree in Education with specialization in Counselor Education from the Clemson University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Environmental Policy from the Roanoke College, Salem, Va.
In her current role, she leads the creation of comprehensive policies for commerce and international trade which continues to facilitate private sector growth and innovations, while erecting standards that protect all consumers; thereby revitalizing the economy. Her dedication to ensuring high standards of commodities produced, imported and exported in Liberia has enabled her to focus on the promotion, and development of industrial enterprises, support to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), the establishment and regulation of commodities and trade standards, the collection, evaluation and the publishing of data pertaining to commerce and industry; as well as the improvement of the economy through commerce and the strengthening of the Intellectual Property regime.
As Chairperson on the Council of Ministers of the Africa Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) and Chair of the G7+ WTO Ascension Group, Amb. Diggs continues to advise the Government of Liberia on policies regarding our support for candidates vying for United Nations Trade Entities, World Trade Organization, World Intellectual Property Organization, Regional Trade Organizations and Continental Trade Organizations. She also serves on the Board of Directors of several Public Corporations and State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), and has on two occasions chaired the President’s Cabinet in consultation with the Vice President while His Excellency was out of the country.
Before ascending to her current role, Amb. Diggs served as Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where she headed the administration Division, ensuring adherence to organizational structures, compliance with the Civil Service and other HR policies and, planning and executing the annual budget in line with the PFM law amongst others. She further ensured that foreign missions were fully supported and functional with the relevant logistics to perform their duties, while at the same time attracting an aura of facelift and workforce efficiency.
Still at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she acted as Minister on several occasions, while at one time as Special Presidential Envoy on behalf of the President of the Republic of Liberia, H.E. George M. Weah to the Republic of Nigeria to present a Special Message to President Mohammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Prior to her role at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Diggs served as Director General of the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) where she was primarily responsible for the accreditation of universities, colleges and other higher learning institutions, ensuring compliance with appropriate standards and regulations.
While preparing to return to the Motherland in her quest to render national service, Amb. Diggs served as President and Chief Academic Officer (CAO), Eastern Campus, Wayne Community College District, Detroit Michigan where she was engaged with planning, organizing, coordinating, developing, directing, administering and evaluating student services and instructional programs, services, resources and activities for approximately 24,000 credit and non-credit students. She further provided leadership in areas involved in the delivery and administration of comprehensive programs and executed a budget of US$15,000,000 and supervised 750 full time and part-time employees at the college.
In recognition of her selfless services to the state, society and the global community of nations, Amb. Diggs has received several awards including: the 40 Under 40 Award of the American Association for Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC); the Wayne County Community College District Outstanding Service Award; the Michigan Chronicle Women of Excellence Award and The White House Communication Agency Certificate of Appreciation.
As ‘feminist in chief’ and a savvy leader with extra intuitive brilliance for performance and competence, the selection of Amb. Mawine G. Diggs by His Excellency President Weah as the 175th National Independence Day Orator is the best decision that will bring out the truest voice, value and ambiance of the celebration. Congratulations, Amb. Mawine G. Diggs, 175th Nat’l Independence Day Orator, R.L.