Inspired by Liberia’s epic origins and rich cultural diversity, the Hotel will serve as a hub for commerce and collaboration. We combine competitive rates with exemplary service. Our guests enjoy a luxurious and refreshing space where everyone can feel at home.
HISTORY
Two years ago Mr. Robert L. Johnson, Founder and Chairman of The RLJ Companies, attended the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) where he made a commitment to mobilize $30 million for Liberia after hearing President Johnson-Sirleaf speak and appeal to the American private sector for support for her government’s efforts at national reconstruction. President Sirleaf emphasized the need to revitalize Liberia’s private sector, so that it could become an engine of development, especially as it concerns job creation, skills enhancement and revenue generation.
This commitment led to the creation of the RLJ Liberia Enterprise Development Finance Company (LEDFC). The LEDFC is comprised of a partnership among The RLJ companies, the U.S. Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and CHF International, and together it makes loans to small and medium businesses in Liberia of between $25,000 and $1 million. To date, LEDFC has lent nearly two million dollars to businesses in a variety of sectors and will soon make a second series of loans.
These loans have supported a women’s micro-enterprise cooperative, they have led to the creation of a bus company now serving Monrovia and the loans have supported the development of several hotels, guest houses and restaurants. Future loans will focus on manufacturing sectors and agriculture. LEDFC is providing a critical role in making debt financing affordable and available in Liberia to companies that create jobs, provide services and generate sustainable revenues.
During a subsequent visit to Liberia, Mr. Johnson saw a new business opportunity to a build a hotel. The opportunity was apparent, since there had been no new hotel construction in 20 years and the number of professional and business visitors was increasing rapidly. Mr. Johnson teamed up once again with OPIC to build an 76-room villa style hotel on 13-acres of beautiful ocean front property in the Paynesville section of Monrovia – The RLJ Kendeja Resort & Villas.
In March 2009, the hotel will be open for business. On March 7th, The RLJ Kendeja Resorts & Villas will serve as the host venue for the International Colloquium on Women’s Empowerment, Leadership Development, International Peace and Security hosted by President Johnson-Sirleaf.