• US aid cuts have ended an ongoing $US100+ million-dollar program, which was providing free treatment and drugs for thousands of pregnant women
• Experts fear this will worsen Liberia’s already rising maternal and infant mortality rates  

By Nukanah Kollie with New Narratives

ALALA, Bong County — There is joy, excitement, smiles and relief for Tetee Suah as she plays with her newborn daughter, just a day old, in the maternal waiting room of the Palala Clinic in Bong County. At 43, Suah is at an age where pregnancy and childbirth can be more risky. She is grateful for a safe delivery.

“I feel good,” says Suah, speaking Liberian English. “I give birth. I na sick. I alright in my body and I eating. My baby sucking. The people give me medicine there.”

Health officials here say Suah’s safe delivery was helped by funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded program known as the Fixed Amount Reimbursement Agreement or FARA. Launched in February 2011 to help tackle Liberia’s extremely high maternal and infant mortality rates –among the worst in the world – the program provided more than $US100 million directly to the government in the following years for hospitals, clinics and health facilities across the country to strengthen maternal, neonatal, and child health care services. It provided malaria medication and mosquito nets to protect pregnant mother and babies. In 2020 USAID committed an additional $US6.1 million to boost healthcare delivery in initially in Bong, Lofa and Nimba counties but then expanded to Margibi, Grand Bassa, Grand Gedeh, River Gee and Grand Cape Mount counties.

In March FARA funding ended, a victim of incoming US President Donald Trump’s decision to cut nearly all international aid. Medical officials here now fear for future deliveries of medicine and other support.

Mr. Augustin Ngafuan, Liberia’s finance and development planning minister, has said the government is still assessing the full impact of the US government funding cuts – USAID alone contributed $US150 million in 2024 – and US cuts to the World Health Organization and other international multilateral organizations will also hurt Liberia.

The minister told a retreat with the international community last month that the full annual costs of the cancelled projects would be nearly $300 million. That’s equivalent to about 35 percent of the government’s $800 million yearly budget. Government allocations to the health sector had already increased by nearly 20 percent to $US91 million in the 2025 national budget. Experts said diverting government funds to health will require painful cuts in other areas.

In an email response to questions, Catherine Cooper, the chief medical officer, said the finance minister is taking the lead and “is analyzing and strategizing on how domestic funding can mitigate this effect on the overall health system.”

Here in Bong County, money disbursed under the project is still supporting about 48 health facilities including CB Dunbar, Phebe and Bong Mines hospital, according to Dr. Jefferson Sibly, the county health officer.

“We are still doing the project in a way that it will benefit us,” says Dr. Sibly in an interview. He is worried about the messaging going out to expecting mothers that they should stay away from clinics and give birth at home without the possibility of intervention by trained professionals. “We continue to preach for institutional deliveries. Those things that carried our records back like allowing people to deliver in their homes, we are completely against that.”

Dr. Silby is worried about the long-term consequences of the US aid cuts.

“In about six months, we will feel the impact,” Dr. Silby says. “There will be impact. You talk about money to support a project, and you cut it off, it’s a lot of stress even if you have to look for means to support these projects.”

But some experts question just how successful the FARA intervention has been. The project was started to try to bring down Liberia’s maternal and infant mortality. At the time 632 mothers were dying out of every 100,000 births. Twelve years later that number had climbed to 652. The Ebola crisis caused a large spike in 2014-2015 but the number has stayed above where it was when the project started in 2011. That contrasts with the rest of Sub-Saharan African where the number has fallen steadily over the same period.

In the period since the last World Bank data in 2020 experts say the numbers have been growing as facilities for mothers in rural areas have been starved of funding. Front Page Africa reporting in 2024 detailed the lack of medicine, food and bedding in maternal waiting rooms and the poor standard of facilities at birth clinics in rural areas.

A 2024 United Nations (H6) joint mission visited the country to highlight the “urgent need for action to combat the high burden of increasing maternal and newborn deaths in the country,” revealing that 1100 women and 8510 newborns die annually during childbirth. The H6 is a partnership of six United Nations agencies: UNAIDS, UNFPA, UNICEF, WHO, UN Women, and the World Bank, working together to improve the health and well-being of women, children, and adolescents. The delegation blamed the rise in deaths on “lack of quality care during childbirth and antenatal care, among other factors.”

Dr. Anshu Banerjee, H6 Mission Team Lead and WHO’s Director of the Department of Maternal, New-born, Child, and Adolescent Health and Ageing, urged the government to prioritize access to healthcare services, reduce high out-of-pocket costs for health services, improve health infrastructure, and enact legal frameworks to address gender-based violence, female genital mutilation, child marriages, and teenage pregnancies, among other issues.

It is possible that without USAID funds things could have been even worse. Women here don’t want to find out. They say they don’t trust the government to replace lost funding.

“When it stops, plenty people will die,” said Suah. “So, we begging them that program not stop. We want talk to the American government, say they not stop that program for us. Let them help the people.”

Fatu Brown, 20, is another mother taking advantage of the free health services here. Five months pregnant with her first child, she is afraid of what the cuts could mean for her and her baby.

“We will die, our children will die,” said Brown. “We are begging them. They must not stop it for us. It can help the body, help the baby. Malaria medicine, it can help pregnant women too. The mosquito net can make it so we can’t get malaria.”

Hospitals and clinics across the country are bracing for potential shortages of essential medications.

“This shutdown creates a noticeable gap,” said Dakermue A. Kollie, a healthcare expert working with the FARA project in the Bong County Health Team. “The U.S has supported us with malaria drugs, family planning commodities, and maternal healthcare. If this support stops completely, it will be a serious gap, especially since the Liberian government will take time to adjust. We have to find ways to fill the gap, but that will take time.”

The cuts present more challenges to security and social cohesion for the government at a time when poverty is rising in rural areas according to Cllr. Tiawan Gongloe, a veteran human rights lawyer and rival presidential candidate in the 2023 election.

“The government has to change now because health services are so important,” said Cllr. Gongloe. “It’s about the safety and survival of the people, which should be the number one priority of any government.”

Since the aid cuts, the government has cut salaries, allowances, gas slips, and foreign travels of cabinet officials. Cllr. Gongloe is one of many who have called on government officials and legislators to cut their salaries as well. Liberian lawmakers are among the highest paid in the world, despite having one of the smallest economies.

“It doesn’t make any country have sympathy for us,” says Cllr. Gongloe “It is a misapplication of resources, and we have to change it. They are extremely irresponsible and insensitive to the suffering of the people.”

For women in rural areas of the country like Tetee, Fatu and Lydia, the cuts have brought fear and stress. Though she is a long way from the United States and the ear of its president, Lydia has a message for the man she blames for her situation. “Donald Trump should stop what he is doing,” she pleads.

Additional reporting by Anthony Stephens. This story is a collaboration with New Narratives as part of the West Africa Justice Reporting Project. Funding was provided by the Swedish embassy in Liberia. The donor had no say in the story’s content.

MONROVIA – Several aggrieved employees of Democracy International’s Elections and Democracy Activity (EDA), a project funded by the United States government in Liberia, have raised alarms over what they describe as an alleged scheme to deprive them of their rightful salaries and benefits following the suspension of funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

By Obediah Johnson

The EDA project is among several initiatives affected by the U.S. government’s decision earlier this year to pause all foreign assistance programs under USAID for 90 days—a policy instituted shortly after President Donald Trump’s return to office.

The EDA initiative, a US$17 million, five-year project, is aimed at strengthening electoral systems, civic participation, and democratic values in Liberia. The program was in its fourth year when the Trump administration announced the blanket suspension of all USAID-funded projects.

In a statement released to FrontPage Africa on Thursday, April 24, and signed by their spokesperson, Varnetta Freeman Johnson, the aggrieved employees said they have been “left in the dark” regarding their employment status and compensation, alleging deliberate efforts to withhold their due payments.

“In the wake of the abrupt shutdown of several USAID-funded projects across Liberia, employees of Democracy International’s Elections and Democracy Activity (EDA) are raising serious concerns over unpaid salaries and benefits. We consider this a calculated attempt to deny us our rightful entitlements under Liberian labor laws and DI’s own policies,” the statement said.

The employees accused DI management of insisting that severance, retirement, and remaining contract payments—outlined in the organization’s updated employee handbook—would only be made upon explicit approval from USAID, a condition the workers described as “unusual and unfair.”

They further alleged that DI has refused to engage in genuine negotiations and has instead imposed its position unilaterally.

“The EDA project employed dozens of skilled Liberians in both technical and support roles. Today, many of these individuals are struggling financially, feeling abandoned by institutions that once championed transparency, accountability, and fairness,” the statement continued.

According to the workers, they were forced to choose between two proposed payment options—terms they considered unjust and unnecessary. They decried the lack of communication, transparency, and support, particularly following the unannounced departures of EDA Chief of Party Antonetta Hamandishe and Deputy Chief of Party Askari Jafari on the evening of April 17.

“We reported to the office on April 18 to finalize asset disposition and retrieve personal items, only to be informed by the landlord that the Chief of Party and her deputy had already left the country. Even some members of the senior management team (SMT) were unaware of their departure,” the employees claimed.

The employees also pointed out that this issue appears isolated to Democracy International, noting that counterparts working under other USAID-funded projects, such as DAI, Mercy Corps, Winrock, and PSI, have reportedly received full benefits and salary coverage for the duration of their contracts.

“This situation at DI raises broader concerns about donor responsibility, organizational accountability, and the treatment of local staff during funding transitions and project closures,” the statement read.

The aggrieved employees are now publicly calling on Democracy International to settle all outstanding salaries through September 2025 and disburse terminal benefits without delay. They are also urging USAID and its local mission to ensure transparency and oversight in the closure of projects, ensuring obligations to local staff are met.

Meanwhile, the workers have appealed to the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Labor, to intervene in the matter.

“We believed in the work. We still do. But justice begins at home—and right now, we are simply asking for fairness, dignity, and the pay we deserve,” they concluded.

As of press time, authorities of Democracy International and the EDA project have not responded to the allegations raised by the aggrieved employees.

Monrovia – Two former employees of RTI International, a U.S. government contractor operating in Liberia, have accused the organization of violating Liberian labor laws by refusing to honor fixed-term contracts and pay benefits owed following the premature termination of their project.

By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, gerald.koinyeneh@frontpageafricaoline.com

Jefferson Krua, who served as a Value Chain Marketing and Competitiveness Specialist on the USAID-funded Food Security Nutrition and Resilience (FSNR) activity, alleges that RTI International has failed to pay him and another colleague the salaries and benefits they are owed under Liberian labor law. Krua was on a one-year fixed-term contract set to end in June 2025, but the project was abruptly canceled by the U.S. government.

“Despite the early termination of the project, the law is clear — RTI International is obligated to pay us until the end of our contract,” said Krua. “This includes salaries up to June 9, 2025, pro-rated 13th month pay, and any accrued unused annual leave.”

FrontPage Africa reached out to Mr. Michael Tewolde Ghebrab, Chief of Party at RTI International–Liberia, for comment. However, as of the time of publication, there has been no response to our inquiries. Emails sent to Mr. Ghebrab went unanswered.

Since taking office, U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has canceled hundreds of USAID projects around the world as it dismantles USAID, which it accuses of wastefulness and of advancing liberal causes. Liberia has seen dozens of projects canceled by USAID, the West African country’s largest development partner.

RTI International operated two USAID-funded projects in Liberia – the US$20 million Food Security Nutrition and Resilience activity (FSNR) and the US$24 million Transforming the Education System for Teachers and Students in Liberia activity (TESTS). Both projects were shut down by the Trump administration.

Krua and his colleague have threatened to take legal action against RTI International in pursuit of their benefits. They alleged that since their plan to legal action, the organization has resorted to intimidation and pressure tactics to force them into backing down. They accused the company of initially withholding their March salaries and only paid after they contacted the company’s senior vice president for Human Resources in the U.S. “They even reneged on a promise to allow staff to keep work laptops after project closure — a benefit extended to others — simply because we demanded our rights,” Krua said.

The employees also argue that RTI International’s alleged noncompliance not only harms workers, but robs the Liberian government of income. “These benefits include taxes owed to the state. By refusing to pay us, RTI is also avoiding paying tens of thousands of dollars in payroll and income taxes,” Krua noted.

It is not clear why RTI International is allegedly denying the legal benefits of its fixed-term staff when other USAID projects are complying with Liberian law. Inquiries were made at other USAID-funded projects where employees confirmed that those projects have complied with labor regulations and are paying their former employees who were hired on fixed-term contracts appropriately.

In email communication between the company’s senior leaders and the aggrieved staff, RTI International cited “force majeure”, a legal concept that refers to an event that is unforeseeable, unavoidable, and beyond the control of the parties involved in a contract. Typically, it can excuse both parties from fulfilling their obligations.

The aggrieved workers say this is a stance that has been reiterated by RTI International’s in a failed mediation conference after the two former staff asked the Labor Ministry to intervene.

However, the aggrieved workers contend RTI International’s force majeure claim is unusual, given that the company is donating assets, including four Toyota Landcruisers that were purchased over three years ago for US$35,000 each. Those assets are being distributed to organizations that RTI International has no legal obligation to provide those donations to, unlike its legal obligations to the two employees, they argued.  They added that all USAID contractors submit reimbursement requests to the U.S. government for necessary and lawful expenses that come as a result of doing their job.

When the U.S. government decided to cancel all USAID projects, it came with the understanding that they would be responsible for paying for any lawful costs associated with the closure. In addition, the U.S. Supreme Court has already ruled that the U.S. government must pay contractors for work it obligated them to.

The aggrieved former employees say RTI International is simply trying to avoid meeting its legal responsibilities in Liberia and is depriving honest working Liberians of benefits to which they are entitled and the Liberian government of much-needed revenues. 

Krua argues that the company’s actions are part of a broader effort to minimize expenses and maximize profits at the expense of Liberian workers and institutions.

“This is not just a violation of our rights. It is an exploitation of the system — a way for RTI to enrich itself while sidestepping responsibilities,” he said.

MONROVIA – The Liberian government, through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, has begun enforcing stricter expenditure controls to curb wasteful spending, following the suspension of funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to several key sectors.

By Obediah Johnson, obediah.johnson@frontpageafricaonline.com

Speaking before the Liberian Senate on February 25, Finance Minister Ngafuan outlined measures the government is taking to manage fiscal challenges caused by the suspension of USAID support. 

The cuts affect vital sectors including health, education, agriculture, and security. “We have started tightening fiscal rules, and I’ve written to all heads of spending entities to prioritize their expenses and tighten their belts,” Ngafuan stated. 

He also disclosed that the government is working with the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) to digitize revenue collection and increase domestic resource mobilization.

Ngafuan confirmed that the government is taking careful steps to avoid sending negative signals to the market, while simultaneously filling gaps left by the suspension of USAID support. He assured the public that Liberia would continue to navigate these fiscal challenges with a focus on long-term sustainability.

Minister Ngafuan also addressed the issue of vehicle purchases for public officials, reminding government agencies that the Budget Law of 2024 limits vehicle costs for public officials to US$45,000. 

He pledged to address reports that the Civil Service Agency (CSA) had set a new threshold of US$60,000.

Additionally, Ngafuan emphasized the need for improved monitoring and reporting by State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) to ensure they meet their responsibilities and obligations.

On Liberia’s debt, Ngafuan revealed that the country’s debt stock totals US$2.5 billion, including US$1 billion in domestic debt. He reassured that the government is working to improve its credibility with financial institutions by paying interest on debts and strengthening partnerships with local banks.

Ngafuan added by stressing the importance of timely passage of the national budget, a responsibility shared by both the Executive and Legislative branches. He affirmed that ensuring timely budget submission would remain a top priority for the Ministry of Finance.

Monrovia – The Mano River Institute for Strategic Studies (MRISS), led by Executive Director George Tenessee Nimely, is calling on the Mano River Union (MRU) countries to diversify their funding sources and shift towards self-reliance after the recent suspension of USAID assistance.

By Selma Lomax selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com

While acknowledging the difficulties posed by the suspension, MRISS views this as an opportunity for MRU countries to reduce their reliance on external aid and strengthen their economies.

Each country has responded to the situation in a manner that reflects its unique development needs. Liberia has launched initiatives to mobilize domestic resources, increase tax revenue, improve public financial management, and implement austerity measures to reduce government spending. Sierra Leone has prioritized private sector development by focusing on infrastructure investments and enhancing access to finance; while Guinea has concentrated on building its institutional capacity, while Côte d’Ivoire has emphasized regional integration as a key strategy for fostering self-reliance.

Despite these distinct responses, MRISS highlights several common themes, including the need to reduce dependency on external aid, strengthen institutional capacity, mobilize domestic resources, and foster private sector development.

To support the MRU countries in achieving self-reliance, MRISS recommends strengthening Domestic Resource Mobilization: Boost tax revenue, enhance public financial management, and attract private sector investment; promoting Private Sector Development: Invest in infrastructure, expand access to finance, and focus on workforce development; postering Regional Integration: Strengthen regional institutions and promote trade and economic cooperation; developing a Regional Development Plan: Create a strategic plan to reduce poverty and promote economic development and engaging with International Partners: Explore alternative funding sources and leverage global expertise and technical assistance.

MRISS believes that these measures will help MRU countries reduce their dependency on external aid and achieve sustainable economic growth. 

The institute says it will continue to monitor the situation and provide further policy recommendations to assist the MRU countries in their pursuit of self-reliance.

Monrovia – A telephone call from Elon Musk to Liberian President Joseph Boakai last July set the pace for the billionaire’s flirtation with the Liberian government as his company, Starlink sought an entry into the small telecommunications market dominated by the French company Orange and the South African giant, Lonestarcell/MTN.

By Rodney D. Sieh, rodney.sieh@frontpageafricaonline.com

Musk is head of President Donald Trump’s Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency (DOGE), with a mandate to stamp out the scourge of improper payments and fraud” to investigate the hundreds of billions of taxpayers’ dollars wasted annually on improper payments and fraud. However, a federal judge last week, extended a block on Musk’s government cost-cutting team from accessing payment systems at the U.S. Treasury Department, while another judge allowed the billionaire’s DOGE staffers to access records at health, labor, and consumer financial protection agencies.

In the call last July, President Joseph Boakai’s government touted the call as strategic, declaring that it provided an opportunity for Mr. Musk to highlight the importance of such engagement which had the potential of building long term mutually beneficial outcomes. During the discussion, Mr. Musk emphasized the significance of the Starlink program, a satellite internet constellation operated by Starlink Services, LLC, with coverage of 80 countries, and articulated his support for advancing initiatives related to education and healthcare.

At the time, the Boakai administration underscored the call as a pivotal moment in advancing international partnerships and leveraging technological innovation for the betterment of Liberia and its citizens.

The billionaire, who heads US President Donald Trump’s Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency (DOGE) is declaring war on Waste in America while slashing US$17 million in aid to Liberia intended to provide tax policy advice. However, an investigation by FrontPageAfrica has learned that an agreement with the Liberia Telecommunications Authority Falls Short of specifics and what Liberia will get in return for a one-year provisional license to operate a high-speed internet program, as Musk’s Starlink is coming Under fire from other African and Caribbean countries for dodging taxes, breaching regulations and hurting competition

Months later, the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) signed a one-year licensing agreement with Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service, in a bid to boost coverage across the country despite concerns that the already tight telecommunications market may be too small for a third major player. According to the LTA, only 30 percent of Liberia’s 5.3 million people currently have access to reliable internet services, according to a statement on the LTA website.

Mr. Abdullah L. Kamara, Chair of the LTA explained after the signing that with the arrival of Starlink, Liberia was aiming to push that number towards 100 percent. “Every village, town, and even your farm can have access to the internet, thanks to the agreement,” said Kamara.

FrontPageAfrica has however, learned that the Starlink team which recently visited Liberia fell short of committing to payment of taxes for its license to operate in Liberia. It is unclear why the LTA did not make the issue a priority for a nation in desperate need of all the money it can get.

Agreement Short on Details, But…

While the LTA announced the issuance of a one-year provisional license to Starlink, which started operations last November, no details of the agreement have been made public. However, when contacted, Jarsea Burphy, the head of communications at the LTA read a portion of the one-year provisional agreement during which time the LTA will study the company’s model.

Burphy says Starlink did make a US$3000 payment for the license which will allow them to liaise with local internet service providers, as well as resellers and retailers. As part of the agreement, the licensee, Starlink, is obligated to furnish the LTA with its quarterly performance every thirty days. The licensee is also obligated to make an annual fee of 0.5 percent for the Universal Access Fund in the same manner the other carriers Lonestarcell MTN and Orange are doing.  The company is also obligated to make an annual spectrum fee of US25,000.

At the time of the signing of the agreement, LTA chair Kamara stated that “the one year is intended for all of us: they, ourselves, and the marketplace to understand the real impact — and then after one year we will issue the continuing license with any amendment that is necessary. Starlink’s entry into the market could be transformative, especially for rural areas with limited connectivity.”

Mr. Dorbor Jallah, Director General of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) acknowledged that the company has registered as a local business, and the LRA is engaged with them regarding their tax obligations although he says they have not yet paid a penny since they commenced the Liberia operations.

DG Jallah explained that the LRA is currently in the process of bringing in a technology that will give the authority real time visibility into the sales and payments of the telecommunications operators (MTN, Orange, Starlink, etc.), the mobile money operators, and gaming operators (betting and gambling). “These are operations we have had very little visibility in the past,” Mr. Jallah told FrontPageAfrica.

In the wake of the agreement between Starlink and the LTA, what is still unknown are the details. Will Musk and his Starlink pay taxes to the Liberian government’s coffers? What would Starlink’s presence mean for the two major players, Lonestarcell MTN and Orange. Both Orange and Lonestar allow customers to pay taxes and fees using mobile money and in turn pay taxes to the Liberia Revenue Authority. In fact, last June, the LTA imposed fines on both Lonestarcell MTN and Orange due to what the LTA described as serious violations and a refusal to submit critical data with significant revenue implications. The violations, according to the LTA, primarily revolved around Floor Price regulations. Both companies allegedly engaged in a price war to offer consumers more minutes per dollar than the market allowed, thus reducing government revenue. The LTA said the violations led to increased network traffic, deteriorating service quality, and declining revenue.

No Taxes Yet, LRA Says

LRA DG Jallah says based on his conversations with Starlink, there is no indication of any form of an unwillingness on Starlink’s part to pay taxes. The LRA DG however notes that the company is still in the process of establishing their local presence. But where it gets sticky is that Starlink has already commenced operation without paying a dime.

Mr. Jallah says the LRA will do everything possible to ensure that Starlink follows the tax regulations. “We have provided clarifications on their tax obligations, and they are still in consultations with my domestic tax team. With the coming online of the new technology I mentioned previously, we will have full visibility and they will have to pay all their taxes but they have not yet started paying taxes. We are working with them to do their first filing which will bring them into the tax net.”

The tax and regulatory guidelines’ questions are key to Liberia’s relationship with Musk and Starlink, especially amid recent bleak outcomes from the company’s venture in other African countries.

Starlink is already present in Nigeria and in several southern African countries including Botswana, Mozambique, and Zambia. However, Starlink has still not succeeded in deploying its technologies in South Africa, Musk’s home country. 

Last April, Starlink was forced to end its operations in Cameroon because the government of Paul Biya clamped down on the company’s refusal to obtain a license to operate there. The government regulator, the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, which oversees licensing, spectrum allocations and ensures fair competition, declared that Starlink was operating without a license and posed a threat to national security and fair competition.

Although some critics and tech watchers labeled the move as anti-competitive, others argued that the government was out to protect the state telecom monopoly, Camtel.

Musk and Starlink are also facing trouble in the Caribbean Community, including the Island of Antigua. Many are pursuing the company for unpaid satellite internet services.

In fact, the New York Amsterdam News reported last week that Antigua has deliberately limited the growth of Starlink services to the country. Authorities in Antigua say Musk owes the Eastern Caribbean nation money for services rendered to internet users on the island, while Belize says Starlink’s services will only be made available to far-flung areas in the country, limiting its ability to out compete local internet providers. The newspaper noted that both Prime Minister Gaston Browne in Antigua and his chief of staff Lionel Hurst have said the issue has been discussed at cabinet level several times in recent months and there are no plans to let up on demands for Musk to make outstanding payments.

African, Caribbean Nations Raise Tax, Regulations Concern

The Amsterdam News reported that Musk and Starlink have been trying to break into the Caribbean market for the past three years and have had success in Jamaica, Belize, and Antigua. However, the paper notes that Prime Minister Hurst said the technology being used by Starlink makes it difficult to regulate the company and make it comply with local laws. “I don’t think the quantum has yet been determined, but we do know that there are over 100 people that are utilizing Starlink at the moment, and the other telecommunications companies must pay (sales taxes) on the services they provide to consumers,” Hurst told reporters. “Starlink, because of its direct connection with the customer, is not reporting the companies or the persons who are utilizing its services, but we do know that it is operating out of Antigua, and so the government intends to collect the taxes. This is some of the information that we have garnered. The tax is levied at 17%.”

In another Caribbean Island, the oil-rich Guyana says it is considering an application from the company to begin offering services in the oil- and gas-rich nation.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips recently told reporters that “Starlink has an application on file and it’s going through the process. In Belize, authorities have denied Starlink’s application for a full license, limiting them to unserved areas in the Central American nation that is also a Caricom member. Prime Minister John Briceno said loyal companies providing services to the country must be protected, something Liberia failed to do. “We are not giving them an open license, but if a citizen comes and says — and we have been doing that forever — ‘We want a satellite dish,’ you get a permit to do that. If you … live deep in the bush and do not have access to internet service and want to bring it in, they will approve it. I think that is the best compromise,” Prime Minister Briceno is quoted as saying.

The Moroccan government has insisted that Starlink applies to the Agence Nationale de Reglementation des Telecommunications before it can set up in Morocco. Starlink

Starlink has also been working to establish a presence in Senegal, a market it has been eyeing for several years. Its first attempt in 2023 to break into the market turned into a fiasco. Five of its employees arrived in the country to market their satellite connection offer without prior authorization and were arrested on the orders of the Telecommunications Authority. However, relations with the Senegalese government have improved since President Bassirou Diomaye Faye came to power last April, and Starlink now hopes it can obtain a license to launch its activities there this year. This matter was raised during Faye’s visit to the United States last September, during which he met with one of Starlink’s vice-presidents, Michael Nicolls at its premises in California. 

Even in Senegal, news of Starlink’s interest is causing problems. The company’s interest is not sitting well with Sonatel, the leading semi-public telecoms operator co-owned by the Senegalese state (26.67%) and France’s Orange (42.3%). A handful of senior executives from Sonatel, which also operates in Mali, Sierra Leone, and Guinea, have in recent weeks expressed their concern to the government about Starlink’s impact on their business were it to be established in the country. 

In east Africa, Starlink has been operating in Kenya since July 2023. A year and a half after its arrival, it represents just 1% of the national market but has been growing rapidly since it introduced an aggressive strategy last year driven by lower prices. Unlike Liberia, recent reports suggest that Starlink is expected to pay taxes in Kenya, with the Kenyan government proposing new regulations requiring satellite internet providers like Starlink to pay a significant license fee, which could be considered a form of tax on their operations in the country; this has raised scrutiny about the company’s tax obligations in Kenya. Kenya’s Communications Authority has proposed significantly increased license fees for satellite internet providers like Starlink, potentially amounting to millions of dollars annually.

Kenya, Others Demanding Taxes from Starlink

While Kenyan President William Ruto sees Starlink operations as healthy for competition, the company is being criticized by private players such as internet service provider Jamii Telecommunications. A parliamentary committee is currently looking into the Starlink operations. The parliamentarians want to examine the firm’s commercial practices, in particular its compliance with local tax laws and consumer data protection. Authorities are examining all the parameters while its neighbors, Tanzania, is due to examine a license application from Starlink, which has also announced its plan to set up operations in Uganda and Burundi.

The concerns over Starlink amid tax and regulations concerns come as Musk recently announced on Twitter that he’ll pay more than $11 billion in taxes this year in the US, an amount that could constitute a record payment to the US Internal Revenue Service. A recent report by ProPublica last June said Musk paid little income tax relative to his outsize wealth. But he’s pushed back against that characterization, saying he doesn’t draw a salary from either SpaceX or Tesla, and pays an effective tax rate of 53% on stock options he exercises. He added that he expects that tax rate to increase next year.

The concerns also come amid reports that Musk received millions of dollars from the United States Aid for International Development, a key US development program the billionaire is pushing to shut down. While public records actually show about $1 million in contracts, a Washington Post report from the year 2022 indicated that the USAID spent $3 million on Starlink devices for Ukraine.

The attention to Musk and Starlink comes as the billionaire-led DOGE office set up by President Trump recently cancelled a $17 million project intended to provide tax policy advice to Liberia. Musk took to his X account to announce the move, emphasizing the department’s mission to reduce government waste and increase the efficiency of U.S. federal operations. The cancellation highlights the department’s broader aim of trimming expenditures, which has raised concerns in countries like Liberia that rely on international aid and expertise.

While very little is known about the deal the LTA signed with Starlink, the Boakai administration, which is yet to respond to Mr. Musk’s cancellation of US$17 million to Liberia, faces a daunting task: Allow Musk to have his way or follow the footsteps of other African and Caribbean countries, insisting on adherence to payment of taxes and complying with telecommunications regulations.

MONROVIA – Liberia is facing growing uncertainty following the Trump administration’s suspension of all USAID-funded projects worldwide. The move has triggered widespread concern among government officials, civil society organizations, and citizens, as it threatens critical programs in health, education, media, and governance. Now, with the administration considering a complete shutdown of USAID operations, Liberia is bracing for severe economic and social fallout.

By Gerald C. Koinyeneh | gerald.koinyeneh@frontpageafricaonline.com

A Consequential Decision with Far-Reaching Impact

The U.S. State Department, justifying the suspension, stated that USAID had “strayed from its original mission of responsibly advancing American interests abroad” and suggested reassessing whether U.S. foreign assistance aligns with America’s core priorities.

The decision has sent shockwaves across Liberia, where USAID funds a significant portion of essential services. The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has warned that it could undermine democratic progress, particularly media independence and civic engagement.

“The decision by the U.S. government is very consequential,” said Julius Kanubah, President of the PUL. “USAID funding through Internews has supported media independence and created an enabling environment for journalists. Without this support, media reforms will be severely constrained, affecting democratic governance.”

Founded in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, USAID has played a vital role in global development. In Liberia, its impact is evident across various sectors, including health, education, and governance. However, the Trump administration is pushing to realign the agency’s work with its “America First” policy. Almost all USAID activities have been frozen, and the agency’s website has been taken down at its headquarters and across its missions, including Liberia’s.

On Monday, tech billionaire Elon Musk announced that he and President Donald Trump were working to shut down USAID as part of the administration’s broader effort to cut federal spending. Musk, the world’s richest man and a close Trump ally, leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—a special commission established by Trump via executive order to reduce government bureaucracy.

The U.S. Digital Service, created by President Barack Obama in 2014 to modernize government technology, has now been renamed the U.S. DOGE Service under Musk’s leadership. Following his appointment, Musk took to his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), to confirm USAID’s impending closure.

“We’re shutting it down,” he posted. Later, he reiterated, “We’re in the process of shutting down USAID.”

Musk did not clarify what legal authority the White House has to unilaterally dismantle a federal agency without congressional approval or how quickly the administration plans to proceed. However, he asserted that Trump had given his full backing.

“I actually checked with him a few times and asked, ‘Are you sure?’” Musk said. “He responded, ‘Yes.’”

While the White House has remained silent, the State Department reaffirmed its stance on Monday, stating that USAID has long deviated from its mission and that a review of its foreign assistance programs is underway.

“As an interim step toward gaining control and better understanding of USAID’s activities, President Trump has appointed Secretary Marco Rubio as Acting Administrator,” the statement noted.

Congress Pushes Back

Democratic lawmakers have vowed to fight back against the administration’s efforts. On Monday, U.S. senators and representatives rallied outside USAID’s shuttered headquarters in Washington, D.C., condemning Musk’s actions.

“We are not going to let this injustice happen,” said Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia. “Congress created this agency through the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. If you want to change it, you need to change that law.”

Liberia on the Edge

USAID funds a wide range of programs in Liberia, including maternal and child health, malaria prevention, teacher training, civil service reform, and economic development initiatives. However, with the agency’s Liberia mission website down, the exact number of affected projects remains unclear.

Sources told FrontPage Africa that nearly all USAID-sponsored programs in Liberia have been halted. This includes an $11 million commitment to support Liberia’s media sector and the $75 million Liberia Foundational Skills Activity, which aimed to improve education.

Health Sector in Crisis

The USAID suspension has triggered alarm in Liberia’s health sector, which relies heavily on U.S. funding for essential services. A senior Ministry of Health official, speaking anonymously, described the situation as dire.

“USAID investments have played a crucial role in reducing maternal and child mortality, expanding immunization, and combating diseases like malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and Lassa fever,” the official said.

One of the most pressing concerns is the management of the Central Medical Store (CMS), which was previously overseen by USAID in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO). The Liberian government is now scrambling to secure $300,000 to distribute critical medicines across the country.

Economic Shock and Job Losses

Beyond the health and media sectors, the USAID shutdown is expected to send economic shockwaves throughout Liberia.

Brenda Brewer Moore, Executive Director of Kids’ Educational Engagement Project (KEEP), described the sudden halt in funding as a devastating blow to Liberia’s development.

“Most people working in development in Liberia, specifically those in USAID-funded projects, were in shock when the Stop Work Order was issued,” she wrote on her Facebook page.

Moore, whose organization has enjoyed support from USAID for its READ Liberia Project, warned that unless alternative funding is secured, many critical projects will be forced to shut down, leading to further economic hardships.

“Local businesses that benefited from USAID-funded activities will suffer. Jobs are at risk. Families will feel the pinch,” she added.

Calls for Government Action

As panic spreads, transparency advocates are urging Liberian leaders to take swift action. Anderson Miamen, Executive Director of the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), called the suspension a wake-up call for Liberia to reduce its dependence on foreign aid.

“President Trump’s Stop Work Order on USAID-funded programs in Liberia is a bitter-sweet decision. It will hurt us, but it should also push us to make better use of our domestic resources,” Miamen said.

He also criticized Liberia’s political leadership for its lack of urgency in addressing the crisis.

“Have our senators and representatives begun discussing solutions? Has the executive branch started exploring ways to mitigate the impact? Have citizens started demanding answers?” he asked.

An Uncertain Future for Liberia’s Development

With the Trump administration’s review still ongoing, Liberia’s future remains uncertain. The final decision will determine whether USAID funding is deemed necessary for advancing American interests.

Until then, Liberia faces the grim reality of stalled development projects, economic strain, and a potential governance crisis. As government officials and civil society groups scramble for solutions, many fear the worst is yet to come.

Ganta, Nimba County – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), through its Africa Trade and Investment (ATI) Activity, in collaboration with the Monrovia Startup Consortium (MSC), with TRIBE as the lead partner, awarded a total grant of $205,000 to eight Liberian entrepreneurs after they successfully pitched and won the Agribusiness Incubator and Development Activity Lot B Cohort Two pitching competition.

By Jaheim T. Tumu- jaheim.tumu@frontpageafricaonline.com

This project, part of the USAID ‘Feed the Future’ program, aims to enhance small agribusinesses—essential components of the local economy—by improving their operations and agricultural productivity across Liberia, Africa, and potentially globally, in alignment with the mandates of the Africa Trade Investment (ATI) Activity.

The Monrovia Startup Consortium (MSC), consisting of TRIBE, YONER Liberia, and SMART Liberia, implemented this initiative to create opportunities for local entrepreneurs to thrive in the agricultural market. This was done through a pitching competition that showcased a diverse range of agribusiness ventures and highlighted their potential for substantial economic contributions.

The second cohort of this competition featured 20 agribusinesses from four counties: Montserrado, Grand Bassa, Sinoe, and Bong. These businesses specialized in various sectors, including food crop production, processing, domestic marketing, and niche farming ventures like cocoa and sugarcane.

During the event, the participants presented their business proposals and engaged directly with a panel of expert judges. They detailed the strategies they had developed to ensure sustainable sourcing, attract local customers, and establish effective distribution channels. Additionally, the presenters discussed their plans to scale their businesses to reach national and even global markets, emphasizing their potential to create jobs, improve the production capacity of the sector, and expand regional and global trade.

The participants expressed that receiving the grant would lead to greater economic freedom and sustainability for their respective businesses. The judges evaluated each pitch based on critical criteria, including the Business Model’s Strength, Financial performance, Scalability, Implementation Strategy, Investment Readiness, Marketing Strategies, and a well-defined Profit Model that would attract future investments.

Ultimately, eight businesses of the twenty that presented were selected as grant recipients for their exceptional proposals. The grants were awarded in three tiers: $10,000, $25,000, and $50,000. The $10,000 grant recipients included Gold Mark Group of Companies, which secured first place, Flourish Poultry in second place, and LoRu Agri-Business Corporation in third.

Businesses that received $25,000 included Patience Cocoa Inc., Shalom Food Production, and Faith Natural Juice. The highest grant of $50,000 was awarded to Jimmy Snacks Kitchen Inc. and Agro Rubber Industries.

James O. Gaygay, Finance Manager of Patience Cocoa Inc., which received the $25,000 grant, stated that the funds would be used to procure equipment to meet production demands.

He emphasized that they had previously struggled to fulfill orders from larger companies due to limited funding, but he is confident that the grant will enable them to achieve their goals.

“Sometimes, other companies reach out to us, but we don’t have what it takes to meet their demands. With this $25,000, we are very sure we will fulfill those demands and more,” said Gaygay.

The CEO of Jimmy Snacks Kitchen Inc., Akouavi Tehoungue, the recipient of the $50,000 grant, explained that her business has faced financial challenges in recent months.

“This entire year, we have not been on the shelf for more than two or three months. With this money, we will be able to scale,” Tehoungue said. “We plan to be back on every shelf and supermarket, and we aim to extend our reach to markets outside Montserrado. If we can cover all fifteen counties, we will be able to achieve that because this grant will help us get there.”

She also commended TRIBE and its partners for offering training in financial management and sourcing, which helped participants understand the competition thoroughly.

Earlier, Wainright Acquoi, CEO of TRIBE, expressed gratitude to the participants for embarking on such an enthusiastic and demanding endeavor.

He emphasized that the MSC is honored to collaborate with these individuals to create jobs, alleviate poverty, and address critical issues across the country.

Acquoi stated, “This pitch competition is more than a showcase of ideas; it’s a testament to the resilience and innovation of Liberia’s entrepreneurs. These grants are not just funding—they’re investments in solutions that tackle pressing challenges, create jobs, and ignite sustainable growth.     “

He extended his gratitude to USAID and ATI for their pivotal support of this initiative, which aims to provide crucial insights into the real needs of Liberia.

In a remark, USAID Liberia’s Private Sector Specialist, Economic Growth, J. Cyrus Saygbe noted that the funding aims to transform innovative ideas into reality, create jobs, improve food security, and drive economic growth in Liberia.

He stated that the agribusiness pitching competition is a significant event that underscores the credibility and potential of the agribusiness sector in the country.

“I encourage you to step forward with confidence and bring the brilliance of Liberia’s entrepreneurship regardless of all, your dedication and hard work already position you as leaders in the field. You are an inspiration to others and a testament to the potential that exists within Liberia’s agriculture sector,” he remarked.

Ganta, Nimba County –The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), through its Feed the Future initiative, has awarded a total of $705,000 in grants to 30 promising agribusiness startups following a dynamic three-day pitch competition in Ganta, Nimba County. 

This milestone event marked the conclusion of Cohort II of the Agribusiness Incubator and Development Activity, an initiative aimed at fostering inclusive growth and resilience in Liberia’s agricultural sector.

Eighty agribusinesses from all 15 counties participated in the pitch competition, held from November 25-27.

The event was the culmination of a rigorous six-month incubation program, during which 88 startups received intensive training from EDUCARE, TRIBE, and iCampus. 

The training focused on critical areas such as business planning, financial literacy, branding, marketing, and technical skills.

Addressing the gathering, USAID Liberia Deputy Mission Director Rory Lopez Donohoe-Nunez emphasized the importance of supporting small businesses in driving economic growth.

 “The future of Liberia sits with its agribusinesses. Programs like this help businesses thrive, create jobs, and reinvest in their communities. I look forward to seeing the successes these entrepreneurs achieve in the months ahead,” he stated.

The competition was judged by a distinguished panel of government officials, private sector leaders, and representatives from the USAID Africa Trade and Investment Activity. Grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 were awarded based on the innovation, scalability, and potential impact of the business proposals. 

“This process has been inclusive, transparent, and impactful, giving smaller businesses the rare opportunity to showcase their ideas and receive vital support,” remarked lead judge Cllr. Tonieh Talery-Wiles.

Women-led businesses made up 53% of the participants, and enterprises led by people with disabilities also competed, reflecting USAID’s commitment to inclusivity. Johnson Flomo, CEO of Malaku Enterprise in Lofa County, highlighted the transformative potential of the grants. 

“With this support, I can scale my business and promote our unique spicy gari product, which addresses nutritional needs across Liberia,” he said.Nimba County Superintendent Hon. Kou Meapeh Gono praised USAID’s role in fostering local economic growth. “Ganta City, renowned for its entrepreneurial spirit, welcomes this support, which strengthens our county’s position as Liberia’s fastest-growing economy,” she stated.

USAID Liberia Economic Growth Office Director Megan Kyles closed the event with a call to action for all participants. “These grants are investments in Liberia’s resilience and food security. Whether you won today or not, your perseverance and commitment to solving problems are driving Liberia forward,” she noted.

This initiative addresses critical barriers faced by Liberia’s agricultural sector, including access to finance, market expansion, and technical expertise. 

By strengthening agribusinesses to scale their operations and improve productivity, the program contributes to USAID’s broader mission of strengthening Liberia’s food security, creating jobs, and promoting sustainable economic development.

The awarded grants will be disbursed over 18 months through milestones and targeted deliverables, enabling the recipients to implement their proposals, enhance operations, and drive growth in Liberia’s dynamic agricultural value chain.

About Feed the Future Feed the Future is America’s initiative to combat global hunger and poverty. It brings partners together to help some of the world’s poorest countries harness the power of agriculture and entrepreneurship to jumpstart their economies and create new opportunities. 

For more information, visit www.feedthefuture.gov.About USAID Africa Trade and Investment Activity SAID is the world’s premier international development agency and a catalytic actor driving development results. The USAID Africa Trade and Investment program is designed to bolster USAID’s ability to boost trade and investment to, from, and within the African continent. The continent-wide program is USAID’s flagship effort under the Prosper Africa initiative. The program allows the U.S. Government to work closely with the private sector to shape activities that unlock business opportunities, particularly those that drive trade and investment into and out of African markets. Contact info@atiprogram.com or visit usaid.gov/ati for more information.

On Thursday, October 24, 2024, the Center of Excellence in Forestry, Biodiversity and Conservation (FBC Center), in partnership with the U.S. government through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), conducted the Green Enterprise Development and Innovation (GEDI) Hub launch at the University of Liberia Fendell Campus, T.J. Faulkner College of Science and Technology Complex. The ribbon cutting ceremony marks a significant milestone in providing green enterprise and innovation related training and generating green

employment opportunities for Liberia’s youth. The FBC Center and GEDI hub are strategically co-located at the T.J. Faulkner College of Science and Technology Complex where “Made in Liberia” green products will be displayed at the GEDI hub.

The Deputy Minister of Commerce and Trade Mr. Wilmot A. Reeves, Managing Director, Forestry Development Agency (FDA), Rudolph Merab, along with green enterprises, FBC Center staff, HECA Fellows, and GEDI Interns attended the ceremony.

The FBC Center Executive Director Dr. B.K. Robertson stated, “the Green Enterprise Development and Innovation (GEDI) Hub at the FBC Center will serve as a place where the wider community can get information and engage in activities that accelerate social inclusion through environmentally conscious economic activity.”

He expressed thanks and assured participants that the GEDI Hub will serve as a place where cutting-edge ideas and innovative practices related to forestry, biodiversity, and conservation will meet people at the grassroots and link them with people involved in higher education.

Activities for the GEDI Hub include twenty (20) GEDI Internships, five (5) registered Liberian green enterprises, as well as government agencies and NGOs who have already been selected to host and mentor FBC students for a six- month internship program. Dr. Robertson announced that, within the Hub, plans including the creation of two innovation desks: the Ecotourism Development and Alternative Livelihoods Desk, established for advanced FBC students or recent FBC graduates to apply their knowledge to assist interior communities with developing ecotourism enterprises and other innovative alternative livelihood activities; and the Marketing Innovation Desk, created for advanced FBC students or recent FBC graduates with a creative bent to applying their knowledge and talent for the development of FBC-conscious marketing materials and initiatives to significantly increase FBC awareness and concern among the Liberian general public in both urban and rural populations.

USAID awarded the University of Georgia $5 Million United States Dollars for implementing a program entitled Higher Education for Conservation (HECA) to help support the development efforts of the Government of Liberia

to strengthen workforce development and education in forest, biodiversity and conservation education. HECA aims to improve the conservation of Liberia’s forests and biodiversity through education, training, and technical assistance in collaboration with Alabama A&M University (AAMU), Tuskegee University (TU), the Wellesley Centers for Women (WCW) at Wellesley College, the University Consortium for Liberia (UCL) in Atlanta, Georgia, the University of Liberia (UL), and the Forestry Training Institute (FTI) amongst others in Liberia. The team established the FBC Center at the UL Fendall Campus in 2023.

Green Entrepreneur partnerships were established with the following entities for placement of interns to include Green Gold Liberia; Liberia Coconut Farmer and Buyers Union, Government agencies: Ministry of Commerce and Industry, FDA, EPA; NGOs: Wildlife Chimpanzee Foundation; many of whom attended the GEDI Ceremony. Other key stakeholders in attendance included Dr. Layli Maparyan, Executive Director, Wellesley Centers for Women (WCW), and Hon. Cynthia L. Blandford, President of the University Consortium for Liberia (UCL), University of Liberia (UL) and Forestry Training Institute (FTI) faculty.

The FBC center will oversee the development of a national forestry, biodiversity, and conservation curriculum that aligns with global standards for sustainable forest management. In addition, it will develop and deliver a multidimensional soft-skills co- curriculum to promote professional development of forest sector employees, including in areas like organizational leadership and team management. As a vital part of the program’s mission, the team will design a social inclusion strategy to empower women and young people in the Liberian forestry sector. This strategy will also benefit people with disabilities, crisis- and conflict-affected individuals, first-generation post-secondary students, people from minority religious communities, and rural, forest-dwelling, and forest-dependent people. For further information please call +231.77.777.1961 or on WhatsApp at

+513.238.8599.