AGP Executive Report

IMF Support for Liberia’s Economy: The IMF approved about US$50.16M for Liberia under the ECF and RSF, with funds mainly boosting Central Bank reserves to strengthen macro stability and debt sustainability. Offshore Oil Licensing: Liberia’s petroleum regulator is preparing a Q4 2026 offshore direct negotiation licensing round, citing new acreage and expanded seismic work as it seeks fresh investment. Critical Minerals Governance: Civil society groups, including Integrity Watch Liberia, are urging the government to verify mineral findings and avoid repeating past “export without development” outcomes as Liberia pushes into lithium and other battery-linked minerals. Mining Sector Accountability: CSOs and mining-affected communities called for stronger mining reforms, warning that weak enforcement and low transparency could keep communities from benefiting. Rubber Export Pressure: Liberia’s rubber sector is alarmed by reports of unprocessed rubber moving through ports and borders despite an export ban, warning it could starve local processing factories. Maritime Safety & Security: A Russian strike reportedly hit a Liberian-flagged ship in Odesa, while India said five Indian seafarers were rescued after a tanker was struck in the Strait of Hormuz. Payments & Digital Growth: Liberia’s instant payment system reportedly crossed 5.3M transactions, alongside 5.3M interoperable digital transactions recorded.

IMF Boost for Liberia: The IMF approved about US$50.16m for Liberia after reviews under its ECF and RSF, with funds mainly strengthening Central Bank reserves to support stability and reforms. Offshore Oil Licensing: Liberia’s LPRA is set to launch a 2026 offshore direct negotiation licensing round in Q4, using new data and a framework meant to reduce uncertainty for investors. Critical Minerals Watch: Integrity Watch Liberia warns the government not to rush major deals on lithium and other minerals without publishing survey findings and verifying commercial potential—so communities don’t repeat the “export wealth, stay poor” pattern. Mining Accountability Push: CSOs and mining-affected communities renewed calls for stronger mining reforms and better enforcement, transparency, and benefits for local livelihoods. Rubber Export Pressure: Liberia’s rubber sector faces a fresh threat as stakeholders allege illegal shipments of unprocessed rubber, risking raw-material shortages for local factories. Digital Payments Growth: Liberia’s instant payment system crossed 5.3m transactions, while the country recorded 5.3m interoperable digital transactions. Food Hardship Report: A new report says more poor Liberians are turning to begging as prices outpace income, with families struggling to cover food, school fees, and healthcare. War Crimes Court Momentum: A survey in Grand Bassa shows overwhelming support for a war and economic crimes court, with many residents backing it strongly. Maritime Security Incident: India says five Indian nationals were safely shifted ashore after a projectile hit a Kuwait-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz.

IMF Boost: The IMF approved immediate disbursement of about US$50.16M to Liberia after reviews under the ECF and RSF, mainly to strengthen Central Bank reserves and support macro stability. Offshore Oil Push: Liberia’s Petroleum Regulator is set to launch a Q4 2026 offshore direct negotiation licensing round, positioning new acreage and seismic data to attract investors. Critical Minerals Watch: Integrity Watch Liberia warns the government to verify mineral survey findings and publish non-confidential results before major deals, to avoid repeating the “export wealth, leave communities poor” pattern. Mining Accountability: CSOs and mining-affected communities renewed calls for mining reforms, while a FrontPage Africa report prompted China Union and a Margibi lawmaker to assess alleged pollution and road damage. Fisheries Governance: EJF and NaFAA launched a three-year push to improve fisheries transparency and curb illegal fishing amid EU “Yellow Card” concerns. Digital Payments: Liberia’s central bank highlighted progress on instant, interoperable payments at MojaCom 32, including PAPSS and real-time transaction growth. Food & Hardship: A report says more poor Liberians are turning to begging as prices outpace income, with unemployment and lost livelihoods driving demand for help. War Crimes Court Prep: Advocates say women have not had a central role in preparations, even as a US$3M initiative seeks to expand women’s participation; a Grand Bassa survey found overwhelming support for the court. Rubber Risk: Stakeholders warn Liberia’s rubber boom is under threat as farmgate prices hit US$950/ton and alleged unprocessed exports could starve local factories. Justice System: A new Supreme Court-LNBA license dispute involving Nwabudike raises questions about who can legally practice law.

Digital Payments Milestone: Liberia’s Inclusive Instant Payment System has processed 5.3 million interoperable transactions since launch in Dec 2025, including 4.2 million Liberian-dollar transfers worth over L$4.1 billion and 1.1 million US-dollar transactions worth US$22.2 million, as the Central Bank highlights instant connectivity as the next frontier of financial inclusion. Budget Oversight: Liberia’s Ministry of Finance and Development Planning begins FY2027 Executive Budget Hearings on Oct 1, with spending entities defending priorities and spending plans through Oct 9. Land Reform Under Pressure: Civil society says progress on the Land Rights Act is being undermined by low funding, institutional overlaps and implementation gaps, despite reforms aimed at peace and investment confidence. Justice Readiness for Courts: Liberia’s Witness Protection Agency is seeking US$20.54 million over five years to build safe houses, rapid response and stronger safeguards for victims and whistleblowers ahead of war crimes and anti-corruption courts. Food Security & Prices: An economist argues Liberia’s inflation is “cooling” only on paper, warning households face higher real costs as the exchange-rate method masks price pressures. Trade & Investment: Liberia-China trade rose 16% in the first seven months of 2026, supported by zero-tariff treatment for Liberian goods, including a first batch of dried chili peppers for China. Environment With Livelihoods: Ireland commits €1.5M for a three-year mangrove and coastal resilience project in Sinoe and Maryland, targeting 3,500 beneficiaries with women in leadership. Human-Wildlife Conflict: Western Liberia’s elephant incursions are linked to food shortages from habitat loss and unregulated mining/logging, with farms destroyed and communities pushed into food insecurity. Media & Accountability: World Bank Liberia’s Country Manager urges journalists to go beyond official numbers and headline events to tell citizens’ untold stories.

Digital Payments & Inclusion: Liberia’s Inclusive Instant Payment System has hit 5.3 million interoperable transactions since launch in Dec 2025, with CBL Governor Henry Saamoi citing 4.2 million L$ transfers worth over L$4.1bn and 1.1 million US$ transactions worth US$22.2m. Budget Process: MFDP begins FY2027 Executive Budget Hearings on Oct 1, with ministries and agencies defending spending priorities through Oct 9. Trade & Investment: Liberia–China goods trade rose 16% in the first seven months of 2026, boosted by zero-tariff treatment and early exports like dried chili peppers. Food Security Pressure: An economist argues Liberia’s “falling” inflation may be a measurement artifact, while another report highlights families still struggling to afford school basics as CYTO distributes supplies in the southeast. Governance & Justice: Sawabenu demands a transparent probe into the Sept 20 Kakata prison jailbreak, citing severe overcrowding and pretrial detention delays. Media & Accountability: World Bank Liberia Country Manager Georgia Wallen urges journalists to go beyond headlines and official numbers to tell citizens’ development stories. Infrastructure & Cities: MPW, via the World Bank’s LURP, hands nearly US$600,000 in sanitation and drainage equipment to LWSC, MCC and PCC. Land Rights Advocacy: CSOs call for stronger funding to accelerate implementation of Liberia’s Land Rights Act.

Back-to-School Support: CYTO Movement distributed school supplies across Grand Gedeh, Sinoe, Maryland, River Gee and Grand Kru, targeting families who can’t afford bags, copybooks, shoes and jackets. Seed Rice Push: CARI hit a 100MT seed rice milestone under the SADFONS project, about 40% of its 250MT target, with AfDB-backed mechanization expected to boost smallholder production. Diaspora Investment Drive: Agriculture Minister Nuetah urged Liberians abroad to invest in home-grown food production, noting Liberia imports over 60% of its rice and has readied about 16,000 hectares for rice. Shipping & Trade Signals: Liberia’s International Ship Registry maintained its global lead, while China-Liberia trade rose 16–20.5% in 2026’s first seven months, helped by zero-tariff access and new export crops. MCC Second Compact Talks: Liberia pressed the MCC to accelerate its Second Compact as both sides move into the Joint Design Phase, with focus on improving the electricity policy and regulatory environment. Transitional Justice Risk: A transitional justice expert warned that delays in approving Liberia’s War and Economic Crimes Court could raise security risks as the country prepares for a U.N. Security Council presidency.

Maritime Security: US Africa Command warns that reported links between Yemen’s Houthis and Somalia’s Al‑Shabab could deepen attacks on Red Sea and Horn of Africa shipping, raising risks for Liberia-flagged vessels. China–Liberia Trade: Bilateral trade jumped 20.5% year-on-year in the first seven months of 2026, with China citing zero-tariff access and Liberia’s first dried chili pepper export batch. MCC Second Compact: Liberia’s finance team presses the Millennium Challenge Corporation to accelerate work as talks move into the Joint Design Phase, with focus on improving the electricity policy and regulatory environment. Diaspora Investment Push: President Boakai calls for a regularly updated national diaspora database to match skills and investment opportunities with Liberia’s development needs. Liberia Ship Registry: President Boakai was briefed that the Liberian International Ship and Corporate Registry remains the world’s largest, driven by standards and compliance. Local Governance & Justice: A Ganta court jailed ex–city mayor Amos NG Suah for contempt tied to a controversial eminent-domain demolition. Education & Data: The Ministry of Education seeks a real-time school data system to speed decisions on attendance and learning indicators. Energy Regulation: LERC renewed Jungle Energy Power’s large-scale distribution license after a multi-year review and public consultation. Tourism Digital Agenda: LNTA marks World Tourism Day 2026 with a push for digital tools and AI to improve planning and visitor experiences.

Maritime & Trade Security: India says it is monitoring 4,500+ Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf, including 163 on 12 vessels west of the Strait of Hormuz, as Gulf shipping risks stay high. Tourism & Hospitality: Liberia marked World Tourism Day 2026 with a push on a “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence” to improve tourism data, promotion and visitor experiences. Cruise Economy: SH Diana docked in Monrovia with 141 cruise passengers, adding momentum to Liberia’s growing cruise tourism and bringing visitors to key heritage sites. Diaspora & Investment: At the Liberia Diaspora Annual Conference, officials and entrepreneurs discussed turning diaspora “dialogue into delivery,” with calls for better conditions for returnees and long-term investment. Local Business & Jobs: A NaFAA-backed fish trader in West Point says a US$1,000 grant helped her shift from buying on credit to stocking independently, boosting margins and household stability. Policy & Capacity: LRA launched a Government–CSO Accord to raise partnership implementation for revenue mobilization, aiming to lift coverage to 80% by 2027. Health Workforce: The Pharmacy Board urged lawmakers to create a structured postgraduate pharmacy training pathway in Liberia. Sports & Reform: Amazing FC’s CEO called for policy changes so lower-tier clubs get support when developing players represent counties. Fisheries Governance: EJF and NaFAA launched a fisheries transparency reform to strengthen enforcement and curb IUU fishing.

Liberia’s Domestic Revenue Push: President Joseph Boakai told the diaspora Liberia is shifting from poverty reduction to “wealth creation,” citing growth, falling inflation, and domestic collections surpassing US$1bn in September 2026. Maritime & Trade: Boakai visited the Liberia International Ship and Corporate Registry in Virginia, highlighting the registry’s global expansion and role in international commerce. Fisheries Governance Reform: Liberia launched a three-year fisheries transparency reform to curb IUU fishing, strengthen enforcement, and improve public oversight, led by EJF with NaFAA support. Road Safety Alarm: A damaged Janapita Bridge on the Ganta Highway triggered truck and taxi accidents, with police barricading the area and urging motorists to slow down. Tax Capacity in West Africa: WATAF wrapped up an Accra dialogue calling for measurable tax implementation, while also signing training and women-in-taxation cooperation deals. Youth & Skills: LIMPAC began a five-day capacity-building training for university students and faculty on research and policy communication. Tourism Digitization: LNTA marked World Tourism Day with new digital tools, including “Unforgettable Liberia” and the MEL Data Suite. Media & Democracy: PUL will celebrate its 62nd anniversary in Monrovia with events focused on independent media’s role in accountability and development. Political Tensions: Opposition cooperation continues to evolve, with Musa Hassan Bility arguing “opposition is not CDC property,” as parties discuss how to work together ahead of 2029.

Maritime Security & Trade: Liberia and India launched the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers (GoF on S4) at UNGA in New York, aiming to protect commercial shipping and seafarers amid attacks in the Gulf and Red Sea, with Liberia’s registry role and India’s seafarer supply at the center. Revenue & Tax Policy: Liberia Revenue Authority says domestic collections crossed US$1B on Sept. 14 and have grown by over US$30M by Sept. 24, with plans to sustain growth via VAT rollout in 2027, stronger real estate taxation, customs enforcement, and modernized tax systems. Migration & Reintegration: Government plans a 50+ bed reception center for returning Liberians, deportees and vulnerable migrants, to reduce reliance on hotels and provide counseling and psychosocial support. Governance & Accountability: The Government of Liberia–CSO Accord implementation strategy was launched to turn dialogue into action, while the Witness Protection Agency reviewed a 2027–2031 strategic plan focused on coordination and financing. Business & Digital Health: OneHealthEHR went live in Liberia and Ghana, expanding from four to seven clinics in weeks with an offline-first system for unreliable connectivity. Local Economy Pressure: Rural residents complain bad road conditions are hurting transport, farm-to-market trade, and raising costs across multiple counties. Cybercrime Law Debate: Educator Latim Dathong urges public education before full enforcement of Liberia’s cybercrime law, warning young users could face legal trouble without awareness. Opposition Politics: Five opposition parties signed a joint communiqué to challenge the Boakai-led government ahead of 2029, while Bility’s CMC pulled out of an opposition coalition process.

Maritime Security Push: Liberia and India launched a Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers at UNGA to protect crews and routes amid Gulf and Red Sea attacks, with a minister-led platform expected to coordinate best practices. Revenue Watch: Liberia’s domestic revenue crossed US$1B, with the LRA saying collections are up by over US$30M since the milestone and pointing to VAT rollout, stronger customs, and tax modernization. Diaspora to Delivery: President Boakai urged Liberians abroad to shift from dialogue to measurable projects, while Finance Minister Ngafuan pitched “bet on Liberia” to investors at a diaspora conference. Opposition Politics: Five opposition parties signed a joint communiqué to hold the Boakai-Koung government accountable, while Bility’s CMC pulled out of the coalition process. Cybercrime Law Debate: Educator Latim Dathong warned the Cybercrime Law must be taught before enforcement, after an arrest tied to AI-generated content involving VP Koung. Roads & Cost of Living: Residents across counties complained about worsening road conditions hurting transport, farming, and trade. Women, Peace & Security: Boakai launched NAP III (2026–2031), aiming for measurable, financed delivery through a gender-ministry-led steering structure. Health Tech & Services: OneHealthEHR went live in Liberia and Ghana, and AGL expanded JFK’s pediatric OPD to cut long waits. Land Rights Tension: A Ganta demolition reignited eminent domain and property ownership questions after court-backed action.

Maritime Security & Trade: India and Liberia launched a 25-member “Group of Friends” to push global action against attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers, with India calling the targeting “simply unacceptable” and urging de-escalation across the Gulf, Red Sea and Black Sea. UN Diplomacy: India’s S Jaishankar used UNGA to hit back at Pakistan over terrorism, warning that attempts to “normalise terrorism” won’t stand, while also flagging a “weaponisation of everything” that is hurting Global South economies. Liberia Diaspora & Investment: President Boakai told Liberians abroad to move from dialogue to delivery by investing skills and capital into measurable projects, while Finance Minister Ngafuan pitched Liberia as a stable, institution-building investment destination. Opposition Politics: Five opposition parties formalized cooperation and plan a joint communiqué and technical committee, accusing the Boakai-Koung government of selective anti-corruption, border failures, and using the Cybercrime Act to muzzle critics. Business & Finance: UBA CEO Oliver Alawuba urged turning Africa’s opportunities into investable, commercially sustainable projects with credible delivery institutions. Community & Livelihoods: Anwelle Foundation was launched in Jirapa and Jirapa’s traditional leadership urged diaspora and locals to drive rural development through education, youth empowerment, healthcare, and livelihoods.

Maritime Security Push: India and Liberia launched a 25-nation “Group of Friends” to protect commercial shipping and seafarers, after attacks across the Gulf, Red Sea and Black Sea; India’s Jaishankar called the targeting “simply unacceptable” and urged de-escalation and uninterrupted trade. UNGA Diplomacy & Terrorism: At UNGA81, Jaishankar hit back at Pakistan over “serial practitioner of terrorism” remarks, saying zero tolerance must not be diluted and that state-sponsored cross-border terrorism must be held accountable. Liberia Opposition Talks: Liberia’s opposition leaders will meet Sunday at Sinkor Palace to formalize cooperation, with a joint communiqué expected after roundtable discussions led by Simeon C. M. Freeman and involving Weah, Cummings, Kemayah, Freeman and Mason. Press Freedom Focus: The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) marks its 62nd anniversary Sept. 30 in Monrovia, spotlighting independent media’s role in democracy and sustainable development, alongside media welfare and ethics concerns. Ebola Update (DRC): The DRC Ebola outbreak has surpassed 8,300 deaths and nears 8,000 confirmed cases, with Ituri remaining the main hotspot.

Maritime Safety Push: India and Liberia used the UNGA to launch a “Group of Friends” to rally global action against attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar calling the violence “simply unacceptable” and urging de-escalation across the Gulf, Red Sea and beyond. UN Counter-Terror Clash: Jaishankar also hit back at Pakistan at the UN, rejecting claims that terrorism can be normalized and warning that “friendship and goodwill cannot co-exist with terrorism.” Diaspora-to-Investment Drive: Liberia’s Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan urged the diaspora and investors to back Liberia’s improving institutions, peace and investment prospects, while President Joseph Boakai pressed for “dialogue to delivery” through real capital and projects. Opposition Talks: Liberia’s opposition leaders are set for a Sunday roundtable at Sinkor Palace to formalize cooperation and sign a joint communiqué, moving from consultations toward a structured mechanism. Local Sports: Liberia’s Lone Star began AFCON 2027 qualifying with a 3-1 loss to Rwanda in Kigali.

Maritime Safety Push: India and Liberia launched a “Group of Friends” at the UN to tackle attacks on commercial shipping and protect seafarers, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar calling the violence “indefensible” and citing incidents across the Gulf, Red Sea and Black Sea. Diplomatic Tensions at UN: The same briefing saw a viral clash when a Pakistani journalist asked about “sponsoring terrorism”; Jaishankar shut it down bluntly, saying “A terrorist country is asking me that question,” and India’s UN envoy backed him. Liberia in the Spotlight: Liberia’s role as the world’s largest shipping registry by tonnage was highlighted as the coalition’s regulatory and operational bridge to improve maritime standards. Sports: Liberia’s Lone Star began AFCON 2027 qualifiers with a 3-1 loss to Rwanda in Kigali, leaving them with an uphill start. Youth Finance: YEIB-MANCO said it aims to unlock credit and opportunity for tens of thousands of Liberian youth-led businesses, targeting major job creation. Agribusiness Opportunity: IITA’s cassava push in Bong—framed as “new white gold”—focused on certified seed training and commercialization to boost farmer incomes.

Maritime Safety Push: Liberia and India launched a “Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers” at the UNGA, aiming to curb attacks on civilian vessels and protect seafarers as incidents spread from the Gulf and Red Sea to the Black Sea. Youth Finance & Jobs: YEIB-MANCO says it will target at least 30,000 young Liberians for direct support and 120,000 indirectly, using a model that blends financing with business support to tackle high interest rates and collateral barriers. Agribusiness Opportunity: IITA’s Dr. Mercy Diebiru-Ojo told Liberian farmers that cassava is the “new white gold,” highlighting EU-funded Seeds4Liberia training focused on certified seed production and commercialization. Education & Campus Banking: Sierra Leone’s IPAM commissioned new banking facilities and upgraded lecture rooms, with the setup designed to improve student access to tuition payments and financial services. Digital Inclusion Gap: A GSMA-PDAA roadmap warns that Africa’s mobile broadband coverage isn’t enough—hundreds of millions remain offline and unable to use digital services. UNGA Diplomacy Moment: India’s Jaishankar shut down a Pakistani reporter’s terrorism heckle during a joint press briefing with Liberia’s foreign minister.