Liberian Agribusiness Leader Cytirus K. Kerbay Named Among 100 Influential African Women

By: Matthias F. Larbeindee | Contributing Reporter

Monrovia, Liberia |Dec. 31, 2025 | Liberian agribusiness executive Cytirus K. Kerbay, Chief Executive Officer of WONYEA AGRO INC, has been named among the 100 Influential African Women, in recognition of her leadership in sustainable agriculture, women’s economic empowerment and inclusive growth across the continent.

Reacting to the honor, Kerbay described the recognition as both humbling and motivating. “I am deeply honored by this recognition. It strengthens my commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture and expanding opportunities for women and youth to thrive and lead Africa’s development,” she said.

Kerbay becomes the second Liberian woman to receive the continental honor, following former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Organizers said the recognition reflects Kerbay’s growing impact in advancing climate-smart farming, food security and opportunities for women and youth in Liberia and the wider West African region.

The award is aligned with the theme, “Empowering Heritage, Elevating Futures, Uniting African Women for Sustainable Progress,” which focuses on strengthening women’s direct participation in economic and socio-economic activities at national, sub-regional, pan-African and global levels. The initiative also highlights the need to address structural and cultural barriers that have historically limited women’s full participation in Africa’s development.

Kerbay’s recognition was held at a high-level, invitation-only conference which brought together women leaders and a select group of male decision-makers from Africa, Europe and North America. The event featured a welcome address by the chief organizer, a keynote address, technical presentations by experts, and interactive sessions held both in person and virtually. A final communiqué has also been circulated to African governments, regional and international institutions.

At WONYEA AGRO INC, Kerbay has positioned agriculture as a driver of national transformation. Under her leadership, the company has expanded investments in sustainable crop production, agribusiness value chains and climate-smart practices, with a strong focus on empowering smallholder farmers. WONYEA AGRO INC supports women and youth farmers through capacity-building programs, market linkages and the use of organic fertilizers produced from pig manure to help farmers transition from subsistence to commercial production.

Reflecting on her experience, Kerbay emphasized the broader impact of women’s empowerment in agriculture and development. “My journey has shown me that when women are empowered with the right tools and opportunities, they become powerful drivers of food security, economic growth, women financial security, and resilient communities,” she said.

“Mrs. Kerbay’s work demonstrates the transformative power of women’s leadership when given the opportunity to thrive,” the award organizers said, noting that the scheme aims to showcase exemplary African women as role models and mobilize them as a collective force for the continent’s socio-economic renewal.

Before leading WONYEA AGRO INC, Kerbay held senior roles across Liberia’s development and humanitarian sectors. She served as Technical Advisor on FHI 360’s USAID/PEPFAR-funded EpiC Project, overseeing more than US$1.6 million annually in grants to civil society organizations. She has also worked with Population Services International, Helping Hand Liberia and the Liberia National Red Cross Society, managing multi-county programs and complex operations.

Kerbay holds a Master of Science in Public Health from Cuttington University Graduate School, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Stella Maris Polytechnic and a professional nursing diploma from the Tubman National Institute of Medical Arts. She has completed additional certifications in project management, leadership development and community health systems.

WONYEA AGRO INC’s strategy under her leadership aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Zero Hunger, Decent Work, Economic Growth, and Climate Action. Kerbay has said her vision is to build a resilient agricultural ecosystem that balances productivity with environmental sustainability while creating jobs and strengthening rural communities.

As Africa intensifies efforts toward gender equality and inclusive development, Kerbay’s recognition underscores the growing role of women leaders in shaping the continent’s economic future.