Monrovia – In a major boost to Liberia’s trade and public health systems, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., on Thursday officially commissioned the newly constructed headquarters and international-standard laboratories of the Liberia Standards Authority (LiSA).
By Francis G. Boayue
The ceremony, held at the Ministry of Public Works compound on UN Drive, marks a significant milestone in strengthening Liberia’s National Quality Infrastructure. Established under the 2022 LiSA Act as a semi-autonomous institution, the Authority is now fully equipped to carry out standardization, testing, inspection, and certification services—critical components for positioning Liberian goods competitively in the global marketplace.
“Standards Are the Foundation of a Strong Economy”
Delivering the keynote address, President Boakai described the commissioning as more than the opening of a new building, calling it a strategic investment aligned with his government’s “ARREST” agenda.
“Standards are the foundation of a strong economy,” President Boakai told an audience of diplomats, cabinet ministers, and development partners. “This Authority will prevent our local market—long plagued by poor standards—from being flooded with dangerous, low-quality, counterfeit, and unhealthy imports.”
He emphasized that strict enforcement of standards will not only protect consumers but also elevate the credibility of locally manufactured goods.
“Made in Liberia must meet international benchmarks,” the President said, noting that the strengthened standards regime will support Liberia’s commitments under the World Trade Organization (WTO).
“To our farmers and innovators: this institution is your partner,” he added. “As standards rise, opportunities expand—and when opportunities expand, Liberia prospers.”
EU-UNIDO Backed Transformation
In his overview and welcoming remarks, LiSA Director General Hon. Stephen Y. Mambu said the modernization of the Authority was made possible through the Liberia Food Safety Initiative (LiFSI), funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
According to Mambu, throughout 2025 the initiative provided comprehensive support to transform LiSA into an internationally recognized conformity assessment body.
Key interventions included infrastructure Improvements: Installation of hybrid power systems and reliable water supply to ensure uninterrupted laboratory operations.
Technical Upgrades: Modern laboratory fittings and training facilities to enhance testing capacity.
Strategic Development: Formulation of a business plan to connect LiSA to global networks such as Codex and other international standards bodies.
“Silent Backbone of a Modern Economy”
Speaking on behalf of UNIDO, Providence Mavubi, Director of Agribusiness and Infrastructure Development, described the new facility as “the silent backbone of a modern economy.”
“Today, we do more than inaugurate a facility; we celebrate a strategic investment in governance and public health,” Mavubi said. “LiSA will play a central role in ensuring Liberian products meet international requirements while safeguarding the wellbeing of the Liberian people.”
European Union Ambassador Nona Deprez underscored the importance of the launch, noting that it comes just days before the Liberia–EU Business Forum scheduled for February 24–25 in Brussels.
“Reliable standardization and metrology systems are the cornerstone for strong and sustainable business partnerships,” Ambassador Deprez stated.
The EU-backed initiative focuses on five priority value chains: rice, cassava, coffee, cocoa, and fish. The support operates at three levels including Macro Level: Strengthening the national food control system and inspection services.
Meso Level: Upgrading laboratories toward international accreditation and reinforcing food safety education in universities.
Micro Level: Assisting local farmers and cooperatives in complying with safety standards to access competitive markets.
Opening Doors for Liberian Exporters
For years, Liberian entrepreneurs have struggled to export goods due to the absence of internationally recognized local certification services. With the commissioning of the new laboratories, producers now have a domestic partner to help them navigate technical barriers to trade and meet global compliance requirements.
The ceremony concluded with a guided tour of the state-of-the-art facilities, which officials say will immediately begin full-scale testing and certification services.
The launch sends a strong signal that Liberia is strengthening its regulatory systems and positioning itself as ready for business on the global stage.
