Annual contribution accounts for approximately 15 percent of IMO’s operating budget as Liberia reaffirms commitment to safe, secure and sustainable international shipping.

LONDON, United Kingdom — Liberia has paid £5,946,633 (approximately £5.95 million) in annual assessed contributions to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), reinforcing its position as the organization’s largest financial contributor and one of the leading voices in global maritime governance.

Liberia’s Maritime Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr., presented a symbolic cheque for the amount to IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez during a ceremony in London on November 6, 2026.

Commissioner Lighe said the timely payment underscores Liberia’s commitment to the IMO, its institutional programs and the continued development of international shipping.

As the world’s largest ship registry, Liberia contributes approximately 15 percent of the IMO’s annual operational budget through its assessed financial contributions.

Speaking during the presentation, Lighe emphasized that Liberia considers its financial obligations to the organization a serious national responsibility, particularly given its influence in the international maritime industry.

“Liberia takes its obligations to the IMO as a serious national obligation. As a global maritime leader and Category-A member of the IMO Council, we remain firmly committed to fulfilling our responsibilities promptly and supporting the Organization’s vital mission of advancing safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally sustainable international shipping,” he said.

Receiving the symbolic cheque, Secretary-General Dominguez expressed appreciation to the Liberian Government for meeting its financial obligations on time and maintaining its longstanding commitment to the organization.

Dominguez also recognized that Liberia’s contribution to the IMO extends beyond financial support, highlighting the country’s active participation in the organization’s technical working groups, committees and Council deliberations.

He described Liberia’s representation as effective, efficient and highly engaged, noting its important role in advancing the IMO’s mandate and strengthening international maritime cooperation.

Liberia has consistently maintained an influential presence within the IMO, reflecting the country’s strategic importance to international shipping through its extensive ship registry.

Commissioner Lighe was accompanied at the presentation ceremony by Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the IMO, Ambassador Robert Wilmot Kpadeh; Alternate Permanent Representative, Dr. Harry Conway; and other officials of the Liberia Permanent Mission to the IMO.

The latest payment further reinforces Liberia’s standing as a responsible flag State, a dependable international maritime partner and a major contributor to global maritime governance.

Vice President Jeremiah Koung secures commitment from Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on market access for Liberian cocoa, coffee and dried chili peppers, while Beijing pledges continued development support and encourages Chinese investment.

By Gerald C. Koinyeneh

MONROVIA — China has expressed readiness to increase imports of agricultural products from Liberia, including cocoa, coffee beans and dried chili peppers, as the two countries explore ways to expand trade, attract investment and strengthen economic cooperation.

The commitment was conveyed by Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang during bilateral discussions with Liberia’s Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung Sr. in Shanghai on November 5, according to a press release from the Office of the Vice President.

Vice Premier Ding identified the submission and approval of eligible Liberian exporting companies as the next practical step toward accessing the Chinese market. He explained that agricultural products such as dried chili peppers, coffee beans and cocoa from African countries, including Liberia, had been granted access under existing market arrangements.

He encouraged Liberia to submit a list of companies interested in exporting these products to China for the necessary approval procedures, after which successful applicants could begin trading.

The discussions followed Vice President Koung’s participation in the opening of the Ninth China International Import Expo, where he called for greater efforts to translate China’s zero-tariff policy into increased exports, domestic processing and employment opportunities for Liberians.

Ding also expressed China’s willingness to strengthen agricultural trade facilitation with African countries and encouraged Liberia to take advantage of the China International Import Expo and other commercial platforms to connect local producers with Chinese buyers.

Welcoming the opportunity, Vice President Koung identified rubber, cocoa, coffee and other agricultural products as priority areas for expanded trade cooperation.

He emphasized that Liberia wants foreign investment to go beyond the export of raw materials by creating opportunities for domestic processing, skills development and employment.

“Our objective is to create jobs, develop Liberian skills, and retain more value within our economy,” Koung said.

He invited Chinese businesses to explore investment opportunities in Liberia’s special economic zones, particularly in rubber processing, agro-processing and light manufacturing.

In response, Vice Premier Ding said China would encourage more Chinese companies to invest in Liberia and called for continued support to facilitate their operations.

He also identified iron ore mining as an important area of bilateral cooperation, expressing China’s readiness to strengthen policy coordination to ensure that investments generate greater benefits for both countries.

China Outlines Additional Development Support

Beyond trade and investment, the Chinese Vice Premier reaffirmed Beijing’s willingness to support Liberia’s development priorities through ongoing and proposed infrastructure and technical assistance projects.

Ding outlined continued cooperation involving the Congo Town overpass bridges, diagnostic laboratory facilities, agricultural machinery, government vehicles and road-related assistance.

He further disclosed that Chinese working teams would visit Liberia to assess proposed projects involving broadcasting facilities and the renovation of the Capitol Building.

China also pledged to continue providing scholarships and training opportunities for Liberian professionals as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s human resource and technical capacity.

Vice President Koung welcomed the assistance but stressed the importance of incorporating training, maintenance and technical support into development projects to ensure their sustainability.

He also highlighted reliable and affordable electricity as a major national priority, identifying opportunities for cooperation in solar energy, battery storage, hydropower and rural electrification.

Other areas raised by the Liberian delegation included clean water, healthcare delivery, digital connectivity and vocational training.

To move the discussions from commitments to implementation, Koung proposed the designation of focal persons and the identification of a shortlist of priority projects for further engagement between the two governments.

He assured the Chinese delegation that Liberia’s Embassy in Beijing and relevant government institutions were prepared to work with their Chinese counterparts to advance the proposed initiatives.

Liberia Seeks China’s Support at UN Security Council

The discussions also addressed cooperation on international affairs, particularly Liberia’s upcoming presidency of the United Nations Security Council in December.

Vice Premier Ding congratulated Liberia on its forthcoming presidency and expressed China’s readiness to maintain close communication and cooperation with Monrovia.

Vice President Koung, in turn, thanked China and other international partners for supporting Liberia’s election to the Security Council for the 2026–2027 term.

He outlined Liberia’s priorities during its tenure, including strengthening the participation of women and young people in peace and security initiatives, addressing the connections between climate change, conflict and natural resources, promoting regional security, and advancing Security Council reform and peacekeeping.

Koung also solicited China’s continued support for Liberia’s December presidency.

Both officials reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Liberia-China strategic partnership and translating diplomatic engagements into practical economic and development benefits for their respective populations.

The meeting was held at the Xijiao State Guest Hotel in Shanghai and attended by Shanghai Mayor Zhu Zhongming; Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Miao Deyu; Liberia’s Ambassador to China, Dudley McKinley Thomas; and Executive Chairman of the Liberia Special Economic Zones Authority, Prince A. Wreh.

Other members of the Liberian delegation included Samuel Nagbe, Executive Director of the Rural Renewable Energy Agency; Deputy Chief of Staff for Administration Macdonald Metzger; Press Secretary Richmond Neufville; and J. Wesley Washington, Minister Counselor at the Liberian Embassy in China.

Dukuly announces direct Maersk shipping to Monrovia, extended port operations, plans to clear stranded containers and $280 million investment initiative as businesses demand urgent relief from mounting costs and prolonged shipping delays.

MONROVIA — National Port Authority (NPA) Managing Director Sekou A. Dukuly has announced a series of measures to address congestion, prolonged cargo delays and rising port-related costs at the Freeport of Monrovia, following protests by Liberian businesswomen and importers demanding urgent government intervention.

By Gerald C. Koinyeneh

Speaking at a press briefing at his office at the Freeport, Dukuly acknowledged that the port is operating below its required capacity, leaving hundreds of containers stranded and imposing additional financial burdens on importers.

He disclosed that approximately 700 containers have remained at the port for more than 30 days, describing the situation as unacceptable for a country whose economy depends heavily on maritime trade.

Among the immediate interventions, Dukuly announced that shipping giant Maersk has agreed to bring vessels directly to Monrovia, a move intended to reduce transit times and additional costs associated with transshipment through other West African ports.

Previously, some cargo shipments destined for Liberia were routed through regional ports before being transferred onto smaller vessels for delivery to Monrovia. The arrangement has contributed to prolonged shipping schedules and additional handling requirements.

The direct-shipping arrangement is expected to shorten delivery times and reduce logistical complications for importers. However, its actual impact on shipping costs and delivery schedules will depend on the frequency of direct services and effective implementation.

Dukuly also announced plans to clear approximately 700 containers that have remained at the port for extended periods, suspend ongoing berth repairs to allow two vessels to berth at a time, and extend working hours to improve cargo handling.

He said the NPA is exploring the possibility of granting additional free days to importers facing mounting demurrage and storage charges because of delays.

In a further proposal aimed at addressing the financial consequences of the congestion, Dukuly said the NPA could engage the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) and commercial banking institutions to provide short-term relief to affected businesses.

He proposed microeconomic support measures, including easing loan repayment obligations and extending repayment periods for importers whose capital remains tied up in goods they have been unable to retrieve from the port.

According to Dukuly, such engagement could help reduce the financial pressure on businesses while the NPA works to resolve the operational challenges.

The proposal comes amid complaints from importers who say they rely heavily on commercial bank loans, often secured against their homes and other personal properties, to finance their businesses. Prolonged shipping delays, combined with demurrage, storage fees and accumulating loan interest, have reportedly threatened their ability to sustain operations.

On infrastructure, Dukuly disclosed that capital dredging at the port is expected to begin within two to three weeks. The exercise is intended to improve navigational depth and allow larger vessels to access the port, potentially increasing its cargo-handling capacity.

He also said APM Terminals, the port’s terminal operator, has ordered additional equipment expected to arrive in Liberia soon to strengthen cargo-handling operations.

The NPA is further opening an unpaved section of the port yard to accommodate additional containers and create more space for incoming vessels.

Beyond these immediate interventions, Dukuly said the authority is working with the Liberia Revenue Authority, Ministry of Commerce, CTN, MedTech and other stakeholders to automate port operations.

The proposed system would allow Import Permit Declarations and other documentation processes to be completed online, reducing physical transactions, administrative bottlenecks and delays in cargo clearance.

In another major announcement, Dukuly disclosed that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has established the Inter-Ministerial Concessions Committee, which he said has attracted approximately US$280 million in direct capital investment for the port.

The investment is expected to support efforts to modernize the Freeport of Monrovia and strengthen its competitiveness as a regional maritime and commercial gateway. However, details of the investment, including its financing structure, implementation timeline and specific projects, were not immediately provided.

Business Community Demands Government Intervention

The announcements follow growing frustration among Liberian importers, particularly women-owned businesses, over prolonged shipping delays, port congestion and escalating demurrage, storage and administrative charges.

On Tuesday, representatives of the China Business Women United with One Voice and the Consortium of Liberia Importers petitioned the National Legislature and the NPA, warning that the situation is threatening the survival of local businesses.

Reading the petition on behalf of the business community, advocate Sriya Musu Momolu said shipments originating from Asia and China are reportedly taking between six and seven months to reach the Freeport of Monrovia.

She explained that many importers depend on commercial bank loans, often secured with personal homes and other properties, to finance their businesses. Extended shipping timelines, she said, have left their capital tied up for months, making it difficult to repay loans, meet rental obligations and fulfill tax responsibilities.

The petition also highlighted problems associated with expired Delivery Orders, which require importers to pay renewal fees and additional administrative charges before retrieving their goods.

The businesswomen argued that importers should not be forced to shoulder demurrage and other penalties for delays beyond their control.

They called for a legislative inquiry into shipping companies over transit delays and surcharge structures. They also demanded that shipping lines and terminal operators waive reissuance fees and demurrage charges arising from expired Delivery Orders.

Other demands include mandatory shipping arrival timelines, streamlined container-clearance procedures, enforcement of the Liberianization Policy to protect local businesses from unfair foreign retail competition, and the development of a long-term national logistics policy.

Receiving the petition on behalf of the Legislature, Montserrado County District No. 8 Representative Prince Toles pledged to bring the concerns before his colleagues for consideration.

Toles, who identified himself as a fellow businessperson, described the grievances as concerning and emphasized the need for swift legislative and administrative intervention.

Pressure Mounts on Port Authorities

The protest and petition have placed renewed pressure on the NPA and other government institutions to demonstrate that the country’s principal commercial gateway can effectively handle the demands of importers and shipping companies.

The Freeport of Monrovia is central to Liberia’s import-dependent economy, serving as a major entry point for food, fuel, construction materials, machinery and other essential commodities.

Prolonged delays can increase the cost of doing business as importers incur additional storage, demurrage, transportation and administrative charges. Such expenses can ultimately be passed on to consumers through higher prices in local markets.

While Dukuly’s proposed interventions could improve cargo movement and reduce delays, their effectiveness will depend on timely implementation, adequate equipment, improved coordination among government agencies and greater transparency in port operations.

For the protesting importers, the immediate concern remains the cost of retrieving goods already stranded at the port and the financial pressure accumulated during months of shipping delays.

MONROVIA – APM Terminals Liberia, terminal operator at the Freeport of Monrovia, says it recognizes the pressure that current congestion of the port infrastructure and shipping delays are placing on importers, the business community and consumers.

In partnership with the National Port Authority and other port stakeholders, APM Terminals Liberia is implementing measures to increase terminal capacity instantly, improving the movement of containers and supporting a more efficient flow of cargo through Liberia’s main trade gateway.

“We acknowledge the congestion at the port and the impact it is having on our customers and businesses in Liberia. Our immediate focus is on improving the areas within our responsibility, particularly terminal capacity and the movement of containers through and out of the port.’’– Rachid Baho, Managing Director Some of the concrete measures taken from the terminal are to free up space by transferring hundreds of longstanding import containers from the full import area to another area of the Port to free up space to receive new import containers,  removing buildings inside the terminal and converting the space to container stacking areas, as well as develop yard space, which is currently unpaved.

The impact of some of this work will have an effect within one week while others will deliver additional capacity in the coming months.

It is important to underline that for the long-term solutions – a collaborative reply to the issues from all stakeholders involved is needed, says Rachid Baho.  

“Sustainable improvement requires coordinated action across the entire port community to solve the problem with containers not getting out of the terminal fast enough to create space for new cargo coming in,” he explains.

A GROWING PORT UNDER PRESSURE

Liberia’s container trade has grown significantly, with current volumes approaching 200,000 TEU annually – equal to about 30 per cent container volume growth within two years.

APM Terminals Liberia says that growth is positive for the economy and has to date invested USD 15 million in new container equipment, as e.g. reach stackers and other container handling equipment.

But growth needs to go hand in hand with a full ecosystem that is up to speed to handle the volumes in order not to create constraints to the supply chain.  

The National Port Authority has publicly acknowledged the increasing pressure on the Freeport as the number and size of vessels serving Liberia grow.

NPA has announced plans for dredging and further expansion of the port’s capacity.

Against this backdrop, APM Terminals Liberia says improving the movement of containers out of the terminal after discharge is equally critical to restoring sustainable cargo flow.

“We have already committed to further investments than the ones already implemented this year – for instance in a third mobile harbor crane and additional terminal equipment to arrive in the new year. And we have a clear interest in always keeping the flow in the terminal fluent. However to put it simply, if you keep filling a container yard without making clear plans for how to empty is again – it is like filling a parking garage with cars and no one coming to drive away again: you will end up with no empty spaces left and new drivers coming will have to wait outside. We must solve the underlying issues together for the long-term.”

In other words, containers occupy valuable yard space until they are cleared and collected. If imports leave the terminal more slowly than new containers arrive, congestion builds and available capacity falls.

APM Terminals Liberia estimates that at least 250 import containers need to leave the terminal each day to maintain a sustainable flow.

However, only about 170 import containers are delivered on average daily, creating a huge imbalance in the terminals discharge capability vs number of containers taken by consignees daily.

The current dwell time going from 7-8 days in 2025 to 15-16 days in 2026 has effectively reduced the storage capacity in Freeport of  Monrovia by almost 50%.  Addressing all the touchpoints in the process of handling containers is therefore crucial for the future cargo flow – this includes vessel scheduling, terminal handling, customs and inspection, documentation, trucking and the timely collection of containers by importers.  

APM Terminals Liberia therefore says it will continue working with the Government of Liberia, the National Port Authority, Liberia Revenue Authority Customs, shipping lines, Customs Brokers, Trickers Union, Consignees and other members of the port community to address the immediate situation.

BIG SURGE INTO WEST AFRICA CREATES DELAYS IN MONROVIA 

To understand the full context of the issue, Liberia is currently handling, it is important to look at the journey each container takes before it reaches Freeport of Monrovia from, e.g. China.  

Much of Liberia’s containerized cargo currently connects through major West African transshipment hubs that currently experience similar pressure with waiting time for vessels.

Congestion at those hubs can lead to missed connections, cargo accumulation and disruptions to vessel schedules before cargo reaches Liberia.

This distinction is important as public discussion around shipping delays continues.

Recent reports before the Legislature have referred to containers spending more than 30  days at sea before berthing in Monrovia.

Therefore, APM Terminals actively works with shipping lines to mitigate the issue of transshipment and has now confirmed a new direct service with A. P. Moller – Maersk to minimize the exposure of transshipment congested-delays.

“It will be a significant improvement for Monrovia that from January 2027, APM Terminals Liberia and Maersk has joined forces to make Monrovia the first port call for the W5A-service.’’

APM TERMINALS EXPANDING CAPACITY

Alongside efforts to improve container evacuation, APM Terminals Liberia is increasing capacity within the terminal. Measures underway include: • Creating additional container stacking capacity • Developing additional yard space • Adding a third Mobile Harbour Crane • Adding three Reach Stackers and two Empty Container Handlers; and • Adding five Terminal Trucks and two Spreaders These measures are intended to provide additional operating space and equipment capacity as Liberia’s container volumes continue to grow.  

This will allow Liberia-bound cargo on the service to be discharged directly in Monrovia rather than being transshipped through Abidjan. I believe this will improve reliability and reduce the risk of delays happening elsewhere in the system,” says Rachid Baho.  

BUILDING CAPACITY FOR LIBERIA’S GROWING TRADE 

While the immediate priority is to improve cargo flow and ease congestion, the longer-term priority is ensuring that the Freeport has the marine infrastructure, terminal capacity, equipment and supporting processes required to accommodate Liberia’s future trade growth.

Planned direct service, additional equipment, expanded terminal capacity and the NPA’s wider port infrastructure initiatives are complementary steps toward building a more reliable and resilient gateway for Liberia.

APM Terminals Liberia remains committed to working with the Government through the National Port Authority, customers and the wider port community to address the present challenges and strengthen the Freeport of Monrovia as Liberia’s principal gateway to international trade.

MONROVIA – Public Works Minister Roland L. Giddings has announced that the Government of Liberia has completed 164 kilometers of primary and community roads, establishing a target to construct and pave 700 kilometers of roads by 2029. Speaking Tuesday, November 3 at the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing at the Information Ministry in Monrovia, Minister Giddings said the government is preparing to intensify road construction activities nationwide, with construction companies expected to commence major works on several primary roads.

By Augustus D.R Bortue-augustusd.rbortue@frontpageafrica online.com

The initiative, the Works Minister stated,  also includes plans to pave streets in county capitals and other urban centers, including Kakata, Buchanan, Gbarnga, Greenville, Tubmanburg, Harper, Robertsport and Barclayville, among others.

He  pointed out  that road construction and related infrastructure projects are underway across the country, including the construction of approximately 14 bridges.

According to him, these interventions are intended to improve transportation and connectivity, enhance access to agricultural communities and feeder roads and stimulate economic growth.

The Minister reiterated that road construction and maintenance remain key priorities of the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. in keeping with the President’s commitment to improving the country’s road network.

He explained that funding is being mobilized through government resources and support from international development partners to advance ongoing and planned projects.

Minister Giddings mentioned that major road projects across Nimba, Bong, Grand Gedeh, River Gee, Lofa, Maryland, Gbarpolu, Bomi, Margibi and Grand Cape Mount Counties are expected to resume, with completion targeted within established timelines and in accordance with applicable technical and international standards.

He emphasized that the deployment of the Government’s heavy-duty road equipment, commonly referred to as the “yellow machines,” is expected to strengthen road rehabilitation and maintenance efforts nationwide, particularly following the rainy season.

On the Roberts International Airport (RIA) road project, Minister Giddings disclosed that construction has resumed and is progressing steadily, with completion expected in 2027.

He also raised concerns regarding aspects of the project’s implementation under the previous administration, particularly the working arrangements and payment terms, stressing the importance of transparency, adherence to established procurement procedures and value for public money in the execution of infrastructure projects.

The Minister also reported that road construction and maintenance activities have generated more than 40,000 job opportunities for Liberians, while creating additional opportunities for Liberian-owned companies to participate in the sector.

He outlined the Government’s ongoing efforts to improve road infrastructure, strengthen connectivity, and support economic development throughout Liberia.

As part of the broader infrastructure agenda, additional road sections are expected to be constructed with asphalt pavement beginning this dry season, subject to project readiness and implementation schedules.

At the same time, Public Works Minister Giddings has sharply criticized former Finance and Development Planning Minister Samuel Tweah over claims that the former Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC)-led Government secured funding for and financed all major road construction projects across Liberia.

Tweah, speaking to supporters of the CDC, reportedly asserted that  the CDC’s   administration secured funding and paid for all major roads in the country.

Minister Giddings dismissed the statement as untrue and misleading, arguing that it does not reflect the actual circumstances surrounding Liberia’s road infrastructure development.

Minister Giddings challenged the former minister’s account and accused the previous administration of misrepresenting its achievements in road construction.

The minister said the current administration is now dealing with the challenges inherited from its predecessor and remains committed to addressing the road construction situation.

He also urged former government officials to refrain from what he characterized as misleading public statements while the ongoing construction process continues.

The exchange between Giddings and Tweah has renewed public debate over the management of road infrastructure projects, government spending and the responsibility of successive administrations to deliver sustainable development.

The disagreement also highlights the need for transparency regarding project financing, contractual obligations, disbursements and actual construction progress.

Road infrastructure and electricity remain among Liberia’s most pressing development challenges, affecting transportation, commerce, public services and the daily lives of citizens.

Poor road conditions continue to create difficulties for communities, particularly those outside Monrovia, where access to markets, schools and health facilities remains a major concern.

Many Liberians believe that road development should not be treated as the achievement or failure of a single administration, but rather as a collective national responsibility requiring continuity, accountability and effective management of public resources.

They argue that political leaders should prioritize development over partisan exchanges and provide evidence to support claims about infrastructure achievements.

Liberians are looking for completed roads and reliable infrastructure, not political accusations without clear evidence and accountability.

GANTA, Nimba County — Lofa County University President Dr. Isaac P. Podah has said  the institution’s rapid growth is expanding access to higher education in rural Liberia but placing increasing pressure on its finances, workforce, transportation and infrastructure.

By Franklin Doloquee

According to Dr. Podah, enrollment has risen from between 500 and 600 students when he assumed leadership about two years ago to approximately 3,000 students across the university’s two campuses.

He said the expansion represents important progress, but warned that the institution needs stronger financial support to sustain its operations and retain qualified lecturers.

Dr. Podah spoke to reporters in Ganta during a two-day workshop for public higher education institutions organized by the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Held under the theme: “Strengthening Higher Education Governance and Quality Assurance Through Leadership Collaboration and Institutional Standardization,” the workshop brought institutional leaders together to discuss governance, educational standards and the development of public universities.

“I think things are going well. I’m extremely impressed about the activities here,” Dr. Podah said, describing the exchange as valuable to efforts to strengthen higher education in underserved areas.

For Lofa County university (LCU,) he explained, the challenge is not simply to increase enrollment, but to ensure that the institution has the personnel, facilities and operational support needed to serve its growing student population.

Enrollment Growth Expands Access

Dr. Podah identified the university’s annex in Fessibu Town, Zorzor District as a major part of its expansion.

The annex was established to bring higher education closer to young people in lower Lofa County, particularly those in Zorzor, Salayea and surrounding communities who face financial and transportation barriers to studying in Voinjama.

By extending its presence beyond its main campus, the university is seeking to reduce the distance prospective students must travel to pursue a degree.

University officials anticipate strong demand from communities served by the annex. However, operating in two locations also brings additional responsibilities. The administration must coordinate academic activities, support staff and maintain services across both campuses while working within its available resources.

Dr. Podah said the distance between Voinjama and Fessibu makes the two-campuses arrangement necessary, even as it creates logistical challenges for the institution.

Funding Fails to Keep Pace

Despite the increase in enrollment, Dr. Podah said financial support has not kept pace with the university’s expanding responsibilities. He identified budget constraints as Lofa County university (LCU’s ) most pressing challenge and said at least L$4 million would help the institution manage its operations.

The funding pressure affects several connected areas, including staff compensation, transportation and infrastructure. As the student population grows, the university faces the task of expanding access without weakening the academic and administrative services on which students depend.

Dr. Podah said the administration continues to engage national authorities over the institution’s needs, including through discussions with the Ministry of Finance and lawmakers during budget hearings.

Transportation Difficulties Hamper Operations

Transportation remains another major concern, particularly for travel between Voinjama and Fessibu and for official engagements in Monrovia.

Dr. Podah said the university has a limited number of vehicles. According to him, the vice president does not have an official vehicle, while the vehicle assigned to the president has deteriorated.

The shortage complicates efforts to coordinate activities across the two campuses. It also affects administrators who must travel to central government offices, including the Civil Service Agency and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning to address personnel and financial matters.

“Our human resources, finance and computer staff all have to come [to Monrovia], even me. I have to be all around the place,” he said. “So it’s a serious problem.”

His account highlights the competing demands on the university’s transportation resources: supporting campus operations within Lofa County while also maintaining the administrative engagement required in the capital.

Low Salaries Drive Lecturers Away

Dr. Podah also warned that low salaries are undermining the university’s ability to retain qualified instructors. He said more than three lecturers have already left, including some who moved to Cuttington University and other institutions. Others, he added, have indicated that they may resign unless their compensation improves.

“We lost some to Cuttington University, we lost some to [other universities], and some are still asking that they want to leave,” he said. “They have genuine concerns.”

The departures add to the institution’s staffing pressures at a time when enrollment is rising. Retaining experienced lecturers is therefore central to the administration’s effort to sustain academic services across both campuses.

Dr. Podah said university officials are appealing to affected instructors to remain while the administration pursues additional government support. LCU is seeking what he described as a salary “top-up” to address disparities in compensation within the public higher education sector.

He said the university intends to continue raising the matter with the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and lawmakers.

University Clarifies Registration Requirements

Addressing concerns about student payments, Dr. Podah denied that the university had threatened to dismiss students who had not met their financial obligations. Instead, he said students with outstanding obligations would be unable to access their grade sheets or complete registration until those matters were resolved.

He distinguished those administrative restrictions from dismissal, explaining that the university’s position concerned access to academic records and registration services rather than the removal of students from the institution.

Dr. Podah said scholarship providers had responded positively and that the situation was improving. However, he did not provide a figure for the number of students whose obligations had been settled or the number still affected.

Decentralization Remains a Priority

Despite the financial and logistical difficulties, Dr. Podah defended the decision to operate in both Voinjama and Fessibu.

He said the university must respond to the needs of communities across Lofa County, including young people in Zorzor and Salayea who may otherwise struggle to access higher education.

The expansion, he indicated, is intended to make university education more accessible beyond the institution’s main location. Sustaining that access, however, will require resources to support both campuses rather than enrollment growth alone.

Dr. Podah said local leaders, including officials from Lofa County, are supporting the institution. He also downplayed concerns about political representation, arguing that attention should remain on the university’s development rather than the number of officials from any particular area.

“They are supporting the college. They are doing their best,” he said.

Appeal for Sustained Government Support

Dr. Podah said LCU is working through the association of university presidents to present its challenges to national authorities and advocate for greater support.

He expressed cautious optimism about the institution’s direction, but emphasized that continued government assistance will be essential to retain lecturers, improve transportation, strengthen infrastructure and sustain services for its growing student population.

For Lofa County University (LCU), the immediate task is to match its expansion with the resources needed to support it. The increase in enrollment reflects growing demand for higher education in Lofa County; the university’s ability to meet that demand will depend on how effectively its funding, staffing and operational challenges are addressed.

Meanwhile, the President of the Lofa County University urged the Government of Liberia to increase teachers’ salaries at the institution.

He is also seeking an additional US$650,000 to support infrastructure development at the university. Dr. Podah said the salary increase is necessary because several lecturers have upgraded their qualifications, including earning master’s degrees, but continue to receive salaries that do not match their qualifications.

He warned that low pay is causing the university to lose qualified lecturers to other institutions. He further appealed for increased budgetary support to improve campus infrastructure, hire additional lecturers and sustain the university’s growing operations.

MONROVIA – Customs officials and Regional Intelligence Liaison National Contact Points from across West and Central Africa have convened in Liberia for the 17th Joint Annual Meeting of National Contact Points of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Regional Intelligence Liaison Offices (RILO), with a focus on strengthening intelligence sharing, regional cooperation, and coordinated enforcement against smuggling and other forms of transnational crime.

 Hosted by the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) through its Customs Department, the weeklong meeting is taking place at the Farmington Hotel in Margibi County under the theme, “Intelligence and Regional Cooperation in Support of a Vigilant Customs Administration Committed to Protecting Society.”

 The meeting, the first to be hosted in Liberia, is expected to strengthen intelligence exchange among participating customs administrations, improve coordination of regional enforcement operations, and deepen partnerships with law enforcement institutions and regulatory agencies. More than 40 delegates representing Customs administrations from 17 countries across West and Central Africa are attending the forum.

 Opening the meeting on Monday, Amadou Tidiane Cisse, Director General of RILO West Africa, described the forum as a critical platform for strengthening cooperation among customs administrations across the region. He commended the Liberia Revenue Authority for hosting the gathering and emphasized the importance of intelligence sharing in disrupting criminal networks.

Cisse noted that seizures involving narcotics, counterfeit medicines, and protected wildlife represent more than enforcement statistics, as such interventions directly contribute to protecting communities and public safety.

“When intelligence is shared and connected across borders, we are able to identify trafficking routes, dismantle criminal networks, and target the individuals responsible for illicit trade,” he said.

 He highlighted the vital role of National Contact Points in collecting, analyzing, and disseminating intelligence to relevant authorities capable of taking enforcement action. He also encouraged participants to develop practical recommendations, assign clear responsibilities, and establish effective follow-up mechanisms to ensure that decisions reached during the meeting are implemented.

 Delegates are expected to review recommendations adopted during the previous RILO meeting in Bamako, Mali, while examining issues relating to intelligence exchange, data quality, regional operations, and the effective use of the WCO Customs Enforcement Network (CEN) and CENcomm platforms.

Customs Commissioner Calls for Intelligence-Driven Enforcement

Liberia’s Commissioner of Customs, Saa Saamoi, underscored the urgent need for stronger regional intelligence-sharing and coordinated border enforcement, warning that criminal organizations continue to exploit weaknesses in national systems and delays in information exchange.

 He noted that customs administrations worldwide face increasing pressure to improve revenue collection, facilitate legitimate trade, and combat illicit activities amid growing trade volumes, technological advancements, expanding e-commerce, and increasingly sophisticated criminal networks.

 “The reality is that customs administrations must respond to growing trade volumes, rapidly evolving technologies, expanding e-commerce, and increasingly sophisticated criminal networks,” Saamoi said.

 He identified common forms of customs fraud, including cargo misdescription, undervaluation, origin fraud, document falsification, concealment of prohibited goods, and diversion of transit cargo.

 Saamoi stressed the importance of balancing trade facilitation with effective enforcement controls, particularly through improved risk assessment and the identification of high-risk consignments.

 “We must make faster clearance decisions without compromising our controls. We must reduce unnecessary physical examinations while improving our ability to identify high-risk consignments,” he stated.

He further emphasized that the effectiveness of intelligence cooperation should be measured by operational results rather than the volume of information exchanged.

“Intelligence collected but not analyzed has limited value. Intelligence analyzed but not shared in a timely manner loses its operational relevance,” he added.

 Saamoi urged National Contact Points to serve as active links between national intelligence units, risk-management teams, frontline Customs officers, and regional counterparts. He also encouraged greater use of CEN, CENcomm, and other intelligence-sharing platforms to strengthen regional enforcement capabilities. “Our borders may separate our national jurisdictions, but they do not separate the criminal networks that exploit them,” he said.

WCO Calls for Greater Regional Operational Cooperation

Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chair of the WCO West and Central Africa Region, Ibrahim Njoya called on customs administrations to move beyond reactive enforcement and adopt proactive, intelligence-driven approaches capable of identifying emerging threats and evolving trafficking methods.

He recalled recommendations from the 2025 RILO meeting in Bamako, Mali, which encouraged customs administrations to expand their use of Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT), Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and tracking and tracing technologies to strengthen intelligence gathering and improve operational effectiveness.

 Njoya also commended the Liberia Revenue Authority for involving national security and law enforcement agencies in the meeting, describing inter-agency collaboration as essential to addressing transnational criminal activity.

He disclosed that only 17 of the region’s 24 Customs administrations participated in the recent CRIFAX 11 regional operation and called for broader participation in future operations. “The effectiveness of regional intelligence cooperation depends on the active participation of all member administrations,” he said.

Security Agencies Advocate Stronger Inter-Agency Collaboration

Representing the Government of Liberia and the Joint Security apparatus, Prince B. Mulbah, Deputy Director General for Administration of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), warned that increasingly interconnected criminal networks require a coordinated, whole-of-government response.

 Mulbah identified the trafficking of Kush and tramadol, illicit financial flows, arms smuggling, counterfeit pharmaceuticals, and environmental crimes as major threats confronting countries across the region.

He stressed that intelligence generated by Customs authorities must be shared across law enforcement institutions to support coordinated investigations and enforcement operations.

“The sources of customs are the sources of the police. The sources of the police are the sources of the Drug Enforcement Agency. The sources of drug enforcement are the sources of our nations,” he said.

He also highlighted persistent challenges, including porous borders, limited forensic capabilities, delayed intelligence sharing, and corruption, emphasizing the need for well-trained, disciplined, and ethical security personnel.

Strengthening Regional Intelligence Networks

The meeting has brought together representatives from 17 countries, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cabo Verde, the Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, the Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Liberia, among others.

The RILO network forms part of the WCO’s global customs intelligence architecture, providing a platform for intelligence exchange, risk analysis, operational coordination, and capacity-building among member administrations.

 Through the Liberia meeting, participating administrations are expected to develop recommendations aimed at strengthening regional intelligence cooperation, improving enforcement capabilities, and enhancing collective responses to cross-border criminal activity.

The gathering underscores the growing importance of regional partnerships in addressing security threats that transcend national boundaries. Its lasting value, however, will depend on the ability of participating administrations to translate commitments into timely intelligence-sharing, coordinated enforcement operations, and measurable results in the fight against illicit trade and transnational crime.

MONROVIA – The Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Emmanuel King Urey Yarkpawolo, said laboratory tests found no detectable toxic heavy metals in samples of TalwaGrow Organic Compost, as the product was formally launched at the Fiamah facility in Monrovia.

By Selma Lomax, selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com 

Dr. Yarkpawolo spoke on Wednesday at the launch of TalwaGrow Organic Compost, held at the composting facility located within the compound of the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) in Fiamah. The event brought together officials of the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC), LWSC, Novasphere, and Talwa Sanitation & Alternative Energy, the private company that operates the facility.

Policy in action

The EPA chief described the launch as a demonstration of what Liberia’s Solid Waste Management Policy can achieve when put into practice. He said the initiative shows how an everyday environmental challenge can become an opportunity for cleaner communities, healthier soils, and private-sector enterprise.

In fulfillment of that policy, Dr. Yarkpawolo said, the EPA, with support from Novasphere, built the composting facility to help transform organic waste into a useful agricultural resource. Vegetable scraps and other biodegradable materials that would otherwise be discarded can be processed into compost to improve soil condition and support crop production, he explained. Recovering such materials also reduces the volume of waste that must be disposed of.

Lab results

Dr. Yarkpawolo stressed that a product meant for Liberia’s farms must be backed by evidence. He disclosed that the EPA laboratory assessed two compost samples made from market vegetable waste, including cassava leaf stems, palava sauce stems, and potato green stems, mixed with sawdust and water.

According to him, the toxic heavy metals tested for, lead, cadmium, and arsenic, were below detection limits in both samples. “No detectable contamination from these tested metals was found,” he said, describing the outcome as encouraging for the materials examined and for the potential of the initiative.

The EPA boss, however, noted that the results also pointed to room for improvement. To enhance the overall quality of the compost, the agency has advised the operators to raise its nitrogen content by adding more nitrogen-rich organic material, such as leafy green waste.

He said the findings underscore why laboratory testing must remain a permanent part of the production process. Testing, he noted, identifies both encouraging findings and practical steps for improvement. “Our responsibility is to help this facility produce consistent, dependable compost that farmers can use with confidence,” he said.

A partnership model

Dr. Yarkpawolo outlined the roles of each partner in the project. The Monrovia City Corporation provides administrative management of the facility, while the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation hosts it within its Fiamah compound. The EPA provides environmental regulatory oversight and laboratory assessment.

Talwa Sanitation & Alternative Energy, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Samuel T. Duo, operates the facility and is bringing TalwaGrow to the market. The EPA boss thanked Novasphere for supporting the establishment of what he called an important investment. “This initiative depends on partnership,” he said.

The EPA chief urged the partners to maintain proper waste separation and keep unsuitable materials out of the compost stream. He also called on them to implement the recommendations made by the EPA laboratory. According to Dr. Yarkpawolo, a well-managed facility can support sanitation services, create opportunities for Liberian businesses, and return valuable organic matter to the country’s soils.

He congratulated Talwa Sanitation & Alternative Energy, the MCC, and all workers and technical teams supporting the initiative. He urged them to build on the launch with the care and quality control needed to make TalwaGrow a reliable product for Liberia.

Dr. Yarkpawolo also extended appreciation to the Government and People of Canada for providing financial support to the initiative.

Why it matters

Waste management remains a major challenge for Monrovia, where large volumes of market and household waste must be collected and disposed of daily. Composting offers one way to divert biodegradable material from disposal sites and convert it into a product with agricultural value.

The TalwaGrow launch is also significant as an example of the public and private sectors working together under a national policy framework. The government, through the EPA and MCC, provides regulation, oversight, and management. A private company handles operations and marketing. Development partners supply the funding and technical support that make the investment possible.

For farmers, the EPA’s testing is intended to provide assurance that the compost is safe to use. Heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and arsenic are of concern in agricultural inputs because they can build up in soils over time. The absence of detectable levels in both tested samples is therefore a positive early indicator, although the EPA chief was clear that quality control must continue beyond the launch.

With the launch complete, attention now turns to whether the Fiamah facility can consistently deliver compost of reliable quality. The EPA’s advice on increasing nitrogen content, along with continued laboratory testing and strict waste separation, will be central to that effort.

MONROVIA — The Government of Liberia has launched its Third National Action Plan (NAP III) on Women, Peace and Security for 2026–2031, with Gender, Children and  Social Protection Minister Gbeme Horace Kollie challenging government institutions, development partners and civil society organizations to move beyond policy commitments and ensure that the plan delivers tangible results for women and girls across the country.

By Patience M. Jones

Speaking Friday at the Belle Casa Hotel Conference Hall in Monrovia during the official launch of the five-year national framework, Minister Kollie warned against treating the document as another government policy that would be celebrated at its launch and subsequently abandoned without meaningful implementation.

She emphasized that the success of the Third National Action Plan would depend on political commitment, adequate resources, effective coordination and the active participation of women, particularly those in rural communities.

The launch, organized by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection in collaboration with UN Women and development partners, brought together government officials, diplomats, civil society organizations, women’s peacebuilding groups, youth representatives and members of the media.

The event also coincided with activities commemorating the 26th anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, which recognizes the importance of women’s participation in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, conflict resolution and post-conflict recovery.

Addressing participants, Minister Kollie expressed confidence that Liberia’s new action plan would receive stronger government support, particularly following President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s expressed commitment to the initiative ahead of its international launch in New York.

According to her, the President had demonstrated overwhelming commitment to the plan, raising expectations that its priorities would be integrated into the government’s national development processes rather than remain on paper.

“I’m confident that the government does not see this as another paper that we’ve developed and are going to put down. It’s going to be integrated into our development processes in a more intentional way,” Minister Kollie said.

She disclosed that discussions surrounding the plan’s implementation had extended to government budget considerations, expressing appreciation to officials of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning for their commitment during budget discussions.

The Gender, Children and Social Protection  Minister specifically acknowledged the support of government officials who, according to her, demonstrated an understanding of the importance of financing the plan.

She stressed that the resources and commitments required to implement NAP III must translate into practical interventions that improve women’s participation and strengthen peace and security throughout Liberia.

Minister Warns Against Poor Coordination and Weak Implementation

While acknowledging the political commitment surrounding NAP III, Minister Kollie identified coordination among implementing institutions as a major factor that could determine whether the plan succeeds or fails.

She cautioned that overlapping responsibilities, weak collaboration and the failure of institutions to recognize their shared objectives could undermine the implementation process.

According to her, all institutions and organizations involved must understand their respective responsibilities and work collectively toward achieving the objectives outlined in the national framework.

“Sometimes we overlap. Sometimes, for some reasons, we forget the common goal. But I want to encourage all of us, because we are all actors in the room, let’s make sure that the role we are to play is played in a more responsible way,” she stated.

She further called on the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection as the lead government institution, to ensure that all relevant actors are engaged throughout the implementation process.

Minister Kollie also emphasized the need to develop a clear first-year implementation programme to establish immediate priorities, guide institutional responsibilities and provide a practical roadmap for achieving the plan’s objectives.

She argued that launching the document without clearly identifying the activities to be implemented, the institutions responsible and the expected results could weaken the entire process.

The Minister maintained that implementation must be deliberate and inclusive, warning that poor execution would ultimately prevent the government and its partners from achieving the intended outcomes.

Rural Women Must Not Be Left Behind

Beyond government institutions and national-level commitments, Minister Kollie placed particular emphasis on ensuring that NAP III reaches women at the grassroots level.

She warned against limiting the implementation of the plan to ministries, diplomatic institutions and national-level stakeholders while excluding rural women, cross-border women and community-based structures that are equally important to peacebuilding.

According to her, the plan must reach women across Liberia’s 15 counties, including those whose contributions to peace and community development are often overlooked.

She stressed that women in rural communities must be informed about the plan, understand its provisions and participate meaningfully in decisions affecting their lives.

“This plan should not be something like the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Defence, and it ends there,” she emphasized.

The Minister further challenged the technical team and implementing partners to ensure that women at the community level are not excluded from the process or informed about activities only after decisions have already been made.

She called for greater transparency, timely communication and inclusive consultations, particularly when institutions are preparing to undertake activities in communities.

Minister Kollie noted that Liberia’s international recognition for its contributions to the Women, Peace and Security agenda must be reflected in the actual experiences of women within the country.

She observed that while other nations increasingly look to Liberia as an example because of its peacebuilding experience and leadership, the government must ensure that the realities confronting women at home reflect the country’s international reputation.

The Minister also commended Liberian women for their longstanding contributions to peacebuilding and acknowledged the work of consultant Goma and the technical team involved in developing the action plan.

She praised their dedication, expertise and commitment, recognizing the considerable effort required to bring the document to completion.

UN Women Says Success Depends on Implementation

Meanwhile, UN Women Deputy Country Representative Yemi Falayajo described the launch of NAP III as both a significant national achievement and an opportunity to renew Liberia’s commitment to advancing women’s leadership and participation in peace and security.

Speaking following the official launch, Falayajo commended the Government of Liberia, particularly the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, for its leadership in developing the national framework.

She acknowledged Minister Kollie and her team for demonstrating commitment to advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda, adding that UN Women had supported the process from its early stages.

According to Falayajo, the launch represents an important milestone in Liberia’s contribution to the global Women, Peace and Security agenda, particularly as the country commemorates 26 years since the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325.

She noted that Liberian women have consistently demonstrated courage, leadership and perseverance in promoting peace, emphasizing that women should not be viewed merely as beneficiaries of peace initiatives but as essential partners in building and sustaining peace.

“Liberian women have demonstrated, through courage, leadership and perseverance, that women are not only beneficiaries of peace, but indispensable partners in building and sustaining it,” Falayajo said.

However, she cautioned that the true value of the new action plan would not be determined by the ceremony or the document itself but by the changes it produces in the lives of women and girls.

She identified meaningful participation in decision-making, opportunities for young women to assume leadership positions, sustained support for women peacebuilders and improved peace and security in communities across all 15 counties as important measures of success.

Falayajo also stressed the importance of making the plan accessible and understandable to ordinary Liberians, noting that its provisions must be localized and communicated so communities can understand their roles and contributions.

She welcomed the emphasis on national ownership and shared responsibility, explaining that government institutions, civil society organizations, development partners, the United Nations, women and young people all have important roles to play in translating the plan’s commitments into practical outcomes.

Development Partners Pledge Continued Support

Falayajo reaffirmed UN Women’s commitment to working alongside the Government of Liberia, women’s organizations, civil society groups and development partners to support the implementation of NAP III.

She also recognized the contributions of international partners, including the governments of Ireland and Sweden, the European Union and the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), for their financial and institutional support toward advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda in Liberia.

She praised the partners for not only providing financial assistance but also actively participating in discussions and contributing to the process.

The UN Women Deputy Country Representative further acknowledged the technical team and individuals whose efforts contributed to the development and successful launch of the action plan.

She called on all stakeholders to maintain the momentum generated by the launch and move from commitments to measurable results.

Falayajo said Liberia should aim to demonstrate practical progress before the next United Nations General Assembly, so that the country can present not only its policy framework but also evidence of successful implementation to other nations.

She urged stakeholders to ensure that NAP III becomes a living document that guides national action rather than a policy framework that remains largely on paper.

From International Recognition to National Results

Liberia’s Third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, covering 2026–2031, is expected to provide a framework for strengthening women’s participation in peacebuilding, decision-making, conflict prevention and security processes over the next five years.

Its launch comes at a time when Liberia continues to position itself as an important voice in the global Women, Peace and Security agenda, drawing on the country’s history of women’s involvement in peacebuilding and its experience in post-conflict recovery.

However, the messages delivered by both Minister Kollie and UN Women underscored a common challenge: translating Liberia’s international reputation and policy commitments into meaningful improvements in the lives of women and girls.

For the plan to achieve its objectives, stakeholders will need to demonstrate accountability, ensure adequate financing, strengthen coordination and create opportunities for women, particularly those in rural and underserved communities, to participate in decisions affecting their security and development.

With the official launch now completed, attention is expected to shift toward the development of an implementation programme that will outline immediate priorities and guide the responsibilities of institutions involved.

The challenge, as highlighted by the Gender, Children and Social Protection  Minister, is to ensure that NAP III does not become another policy document celebrated at a launch ceremony but one that produces measurable results for women across Liberia.

Liberia is growing, but too many Liberians are still not feeling that growth in their daily lives. The World Bank’s Liberia Economic Update 2026, under the theme “Beyond Growth: Addressing Structural Constraints to Job-Rich Growth,” tells a truth that is difficult to ignore: a country can post impressive economic numbers while ordinary people struggle with empty pockets, insecure work, and rising hardship. For Liberia, this is not a theoretical debate. It is the reality behind the headlines—seen in households where prices keep climbing, work remains scarce, and hope is often traded for survival.

By S Zohnjaty Joe Contributing author

According to the World Bank, the economy expanded by 5.1% in 2025, driven mainly by mining, including a 17% rise in that sector. Liberia exported about $1.3 billion in gold, $528 million in iron ore, and $115 million in rubber. On paper, it sounds like progress. But the same report shows the unsettling story behind the numbers: while the economy grows, too many people are left behind. Seventy-eight percent of Liberians are stuck in informal, unpaid, or self-employed work—jobs that rarely provide stability, protection, or decent income. Even more worrying, extreme poverty rose from 34.6% in 2024 to 36.1% in 2025, and government capital investment fell from 8.5% of GDP to 5.7%. This pattern—growth without inclusion—is what economists call jobless growth or enclave growth. In plain language, the mine may be producing and the exports may be rising, but the communities around those mines remain trapped in poverty. Gold may leave Buchanan, yet the road to Buchanan remains broken. That is what “growth without development” looks like in Liberia: statistics moving forward while people remain stuck.

A key issue behind this failure to translate mining wealth into national benefit is how much value Liberia actually keeps from its natural resources. The World Bank estimates that Liberia captures only 15–20% of the fiscal value from mining, far below 50–60% captured in countries such as Botswana, Ghana, and Zambia. This means that for every $100 worth of minerals shipped out of Liberia, the government retains only $15 to $20, while the rest escapes through arrangements that do not properly serve the country. The report also points to significant revenue being lost through incentives—citing roughly $240 million in tax expenditures in 2024 alone, including tax holidays, exemptions, and concessions that behave like sweetheart deals rather than national contracts. Liberia is not poor in resources. The problem is that the deals are not consistently designed to protect Liberia’s future.

There is also a troubling fiscal contradiction at the center of the challenge. The World Bank highlights that capital expenditure dropped from 8.5% to 5.7% of GDP. That decline matters because capital spending is the fuel for the kind of development that creates jobs: roads that connect markets, energy that powers businesses, schools that prepare workers, and public systems that help private enterprise thrive. When capital spending is reduced while other spending remains, a country ends up trying to manage today’s problems rather than building tomorrow’s opportunities. The report notes relative macroeconomic stability—such as inflation moving from 3.1% in February to 5.8% in April, then hovering around 5% by June, along with monetary policy adjustments where the policy rate reached 16% in July amid exchange rate pressures. But stability without investment can become a slow trap. It can keep the economy calm while keeping poverty loud.

The World Bank’s outlook is honest, but it is also a warning. It projects average growth of around 5.3% from 2026 to 2028, assuming no major changes. In reality, that is the ceiling of Liberia’s current growth model. If Liberia wants to truly grow—meaning grow in a way that delivers jobs, income, and resilience—then structural change has to begin now. The report’s recommendations are correct: protect macro stability, but do not do it by starving productive investment; diversify and improve implementation, including enforcing value addition rather than selling raw exports as if that were the end of the story; reform State-Owned Enterprises because fiscal leakage through SOEs can quietly drain public resources; and expand productive opportunities through human capital. With 78% of employment tied to informal work, Liberia cannot afford to delay skills and training. TVET, digital skills, and agribusiness development must be treated as job engines, not as side projects.

This report also has direct relevance for Liberia’s development agenda—especially for initiatives like the water transport project and broader efforts toward inclusive jobs. The message is clear: Liberia cannot rely on mining forever to feed employment. Water transport, particularly when structured through a PPP approach, can create formal work that mining alone cannot provide. It can support captains and crew, ticketing and operations staff, mechanics and maintenance workers, and logistics-linked roles that keep value moving through the economy. It can also reduce costs for farmers and traders by improving access and reliability, while supporting climate-resilient connectivity. But the water transport model will only succeed if Liberia refuses to repeat the mining mistake—allowing most of the value to slip away to private operators while government captures little. Any PPP structure, including models such as 70% operator and 30% maintenance fund, must be protected by transparent revenue tracking, clear reporting, and enforceable accountability. Without that discipline, even well-intended projects can turn into enclaves—systems that look profitable on paper but leave communities no better off.

Ultimately, the second World Bank document—Public Finance Review 2026: From Stabilization to Fiscal Transformation—names the moment accurately. Liberia has stabilized. Now the country must transform. Liberians do not need more growth reports as if reading numbers could fill empty plates. Liberia needs growth that returns value to the nation, expands productive sectors, and places jobs at the center of policy. That means renegotiating mining arrangements to close the fiscal leak, investing the country’s resources in capital projects that create employment, and turning informal survival work into formal, dignified employment.

The bottom line is simple and sharp: the economy may be growing, but children are still hungry. Unless Liberia fixes the fiscal leak—from low retention toward real value capture—and unless informal work is transformed into secure jobs, poverty will continue to rise even when GDP climbs. Growth without jobs is not growth worth celebrating.