AGP Executive Report

Maritime Trade: Liberia and India condemned attacks on commercial ships in the Gulf and Black Sea, warning that disruptions threaten trade and seafarers. Inflation & Currency: Inflation eased to 4.5%, while the Central Bank is reinforcing financial-stability measures; it also held its policy rate at 16% and raised dollar reserve requirements as it works to manage the dollarized economy. Energy Investment: NOCAL and Nigeria’s LADOL signed a deal to develop an oil and gas shorebase in Buchanan, with the project aimed at creating jobs and expanding Liberia’s energy capacity. Public Finances: Liberia is returning to offshore borrowing, putting transparency in focus, while Agriculture is seeking US$69 million to strengthen food security. Industrial Growth: The Special Economic Zones Authority is pitching investment, exports and manufacturing to reduce reliance on raw-material exports, but says limited public funding remains a constraint.

Maritime Trade: Liberia and India condemned attacks on commercial ships in the Gulf and Black Sea, warning they endanger seafarers and disrupt trade. Monetary Policy: The Central Bank held its benchmark rate at 16% and raised the reserve requirement on dollar deposits from 10% to 12%, as inflation eased to 4.5%. Food Security: Agriculture Minister J. Alexander Nuetah requested US$69 million for the 2027 budget, citing a shortage of 298 agricultural technicians and the need to lift domestic production. Investment: Liberia’s Special Economic Zones Authority is pitching industrialization, exports and job creation, though budget demands far exceed available public funds. Resource Value: Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf challenged Liberia’s extraction-led model, noting that a century after the Firestone concession, the country still does not manufacture tires. Public Finances: Representative Musa Hassan Bility urged the government to show how reported US$1 billion revenue collections are improving services and people’s lives.

Financial Crime: Police arrested more than 67 foreign nationals in a cybercrime and counterfeiting probe, seizing over US$1.3 million in suspected counterfeit currency and electronic equipment. Monetary Policy: The Central Bank held its policy rate at 16% and raised the reserve requirement on US-dollar deposits from 10% to 12%, aiming to manage liquidity and reduce dollarization as inflation eases. Agriculture: The government is seeking US$69 million for farm extension services and food production, but local cassava processors say Liberian businesses also need financing to scale alongside proposed foreign investment. Industrial Growth: The Special Economic Zones Authority is defending its budget as it pursues investment, manufacturing, exports and jobs. Market Access: Two new bridges built by ArcelorMittal in Nimba are expected to improve the movement of farm produce and commercial traffic.

Currency & Prices: Central Bank Governor Henry Saamoi says the exchange rate reflects market conditions, not a policy-set price. The Liberian dollar has strengthened, but some Monrovia traders still price goods at about L$190 per US$1, raising questions about when consumers will see lower costs. Investment: NOCAL and Nigeria’s LADOL have agreed to develop an oil-and-gas shorebase in Buchanan, aiming to attract investment and create jobs. Commercial Dispute: The Supreme Court has ordered Monrovia Oil Trading Corporation to deposit US$3.24 million in escrow before pursuing its appeal in a case brought by Ducor Petroleum. Trade Oversight: Police seized US$400,000 in undeclared cash at the Sierra Leone border; the driver said it came from his cocoa business, and authorities are investigating. Consumer Protection: Liberia plans a standard rice-measuring cup to curb sellers’ use of altered containers that leave buyers with less for the same price.

Financial Stability: The Central Bank of Liberia says economic conditions are improving and is strengthening safeguards for the financial system; it has also sought Ghana’s expertise to connect banks, mobile-money operators and regional payment platforms. Commercial Dispute: The Supreme Court has ordered Monrovia Oil Trading Corporation to place US$3.24 million in escrow before pursuing its appeal in a judgment dispute with Ducor Petroleum. Trade: Liberia has stopped unprocessed rubber from Guinea moving through the Freeport of Monrovia, a decision trade experts say may conflict with regional and international transit commitments. Investment: Liberia’s planned return to offshore financing puts transparency at the center of efforts to attract investors, while NOCAL and Nigeria’s LADOL have signed a deal to develop an oil-and-gas shorebase in Buchanan. Economic Outlook: The IMF approved US$50.16 million for Liberia and cited projected growth of 5.1%, while the Liberia Special Economic Zones Authority joined a regional network to pursue investment, jobs and exports.

Payments Modernization: The Central Bank of Liberia is seeking Ghana’s expertise to link banks, mobile-money operators and regional payment platforms, building on Liberia’s instant-payment system. Monetary Policy: The CBL held its policy rate at 16% and raised the reserve requirement on U.S.-dollar deposits to 12%, citing moderating inflation and improved foreign-exchange conditions. FY2027 Budget: Lawmakers are set to resume on October 9 ahead of the government’s budget submission, putting public spending priorities and oversight in focus. Oil Investment: Liberia plans to offer 16 offshore blocks at African Energy Week; transparent licensing will be key to attracting investors, a recent analysis cautions. Financial Integrity: The Liberia Revenue Authority is seeking stronger inter-agency cooperation to trace suspicious transactions and recover assets linked to illicit financial flows.

Monetary Policy: The Central Bank of Liberia held its policy rate at 16% and raised the reserve requirement on US-dollar deposits from 10% to 12%, citing moderating inflation and improved foreign-exchange conditions. Offshore Investment: Liberia plans to market 16 offshore oil blocks at African Energy Week, but investor confidence will hinge on transparent, predictable rules. Investment and Jobs: The Liberia Special Economic Zones Authority joined a continental network as it seeks to attract investment, jobs and exports. Separately, NHC Foods said its subsidiary has agreed on terms for a proposed manufacturing facility in Liberia. Revenue and Compliance: The Liberia Revenue Authority pledged stronger cooperation to track illicit financial flows. Police also seized US$400,000 in undeclared cash at a border checkpoint; the driver said it came from his cocoa business, and the investigation is ongoing. Oil Infrastructure: NOCAL and Nigeria’s LADOL have agreed to develop an oil shorebase in Buchanan, targeting local jobs and services.

Maritime Security: A Ukrainian drone attack set fire to a Liberian-flagged Aframax tanker off Russia’s Black Sea coast near Sochi, with 23 Indian crew members rescued as beaches were closed and air monitoring began. Diplomatic Support: India’s embassy in Romania said three Indian nationals rescued after another Black Sea attack (MV Royad Mammadov) are stable, with one receiving hospital treatment, as New Delhi condemned attacks on commercial shipping. Regional Justice: ECOWAS swore in five new judges for its Community Court of Justice, including Liberia’s Charlyne M. Brumskine, for a four-year non-renewable term. Illicit Finance Crackdown: Liberia’s Revenue Authority pledged stronger information-sharing and inter-agency cooperation to curb illicit financial flows and support asset recovery. Ebola Preparedness: A Liberia assessment found the country 69% ready for Ebola response overall, but logistics lagged at 47%, raising concerns for equipment and isolation capacity. Mining Governance Pressure: Mining-affected communities and NGOs urged urgent reform of Liberia’s mining framework, citing polluted water, bad roads, and weak enforcement despite resource extraction. Local Business & Trade: A free phone service is boosting some rural farmers’ income by helping them check market prices, though access remains limited.

Ebola Preparedness: Liberia’s Ebola readiness sits at 69%, but logistics are only 47%, leaving major gaps in tools, supplies, isolation facilities and training—health workers warn that could expose staff and communities. Roads & Jobs: The National Road Fund reports 130 active contracts worth US$203m (US$121m disbursed, US$81m still committed), while opposition leader Alexander Cummings challenges the government’s claim of 70,000 jobs, asking where they are and who benefits. Mining Governance: Civil society and mining-affected communities call for urgent reform, saying weak enforcement and poor transparency risk “growth without development,” with polluted water and damaged roads blamed on mining operations. Justice Funding: Acting Justice Minister Betty Lamin Blamo tells budget hearings that effective policing and justice depend on adequate funding and institutional capacity. Digital Skills & Education: ArcelorMittal Liberia trains 38 teachers in digital literacy; Kwapai Africa trains 55 urban residents in climate-smart farming; and a foundation in Bong donates TV/DSTV plus 87 scholarships. Energy & Trade: NOCAL signs with Nigeria’s LADOL to develop a Buchanan shorebase to keep more oil services and jobs in Liberia; and Bounty Oil & Gas links up to pursue deepwater Block LB-32 offshore Liberia. Maritime Security: Liberia-linked shipping faces wider regional risk as attacks in Hormuz and the Black Sea injure crews and disrupt trade.

UN Reform Push: Africa’s Security Council bid is getting near-universal agreement at the UN General Assembly, but the piece argues persuasion alone won’t deliver—Africa needs leverage to win the vote. Gas & Oil Logistics: Liberia’s NOCAL signed a Joint Development Agreement with Nigeria’s LADOL to build a Buchanan shorebase, aiming to keep more oil-sector jobs and services in Liberia after past drilling relied on neighbors. Social Protection Funding: The World Bank backed Liberia’s National Social Protection Policy 2026–2030, urging a shift toward stronger domestic financing for long-term support. Jobs Accountability: Opposition leader Alexander Cummings challenged Liberia’s claim of 70,000 jobs, demanding proof of where the jobs are and who benefits. TVET Mapping: Liberia is mapping TVET institutions to close the skills gap between training and what the economy needs. Digital & Telecom Governance: Regulators meeting in Nairobi stressed AI governance, cybersecurity, and data rules as Liberia’s telecom regulator prepares for a people-centered digital future. Trade Facilitation: Liberia urged stronger customs cooperation to speed legitimate trade and boost regional integration.

Oil & Gas Jobs: NOCAL and Nigeria’s LADOL signed a Joint Development Agreement to develop a Buchanan shorebase, aiming to keep more offshore logistics, waste disposal, and technical services in Liberia after past drilling relied heavily on regional providers. Social Protection Financing: The World Bank says Liberia’s National Social Protection Policy and Strategy 2026–2030 is a major step, but urges Liberia to increase domestic financing so support for vulnerable groups doesn’t depend on short-term external funds. Agriculture & Food Security: Green Cities, Action Against Hunger and the Say No to Hunger Farmers’ Cooperative launched a €375,000 NOURISH Family Farms project for 600 smallholders (majority women) in Nimba and Montserrado to boost organic inputs and nutrition. TVET Skills Push: Government, AITB and FAO are mapping TVET institutions nationwide to better match training with jobs and entrepreneurship. Transport Expansion: Liberia’s National Transit Authority says it plans to extend services beyond Monrovia to River Cess and Sinoe when conditions allow. Governance & Accountability: A Sinoe County labour commissioner dispute is under scrutiny after claims of harassment and footage showing a Chinese businessman handcuffed. Legal Tension: Liberia’s case against former VP Jewel Howard-Taylor remains without a Grand Jury indictment 47 days after charges, with questions growing over witness handling and next steps.

IMF Boost for Liberia: The IMF has unlocked about US$50.16m for Liberia, citing progress under its reform program and 5.1% growth in 2025, with funds mainly strengthening Central Bank reserves. Offshore Oil Push: Liberia is preparing a Q4 offshore direct negotiation licensing round, with LPRA pointing to new acreage and expanded seismic work to attract investors. Critical Minerals Pressure: Integrity Watch Liberia says journalists are being trained to scrutinize extractive deals, ownership and concession terms—aimed at protecting community rights and public interests. Maritime Safety & Security: A Russian strike hit a Liberian-flagged civilian cargo vessel in Odesa, killing one crew member; separately, India says five Indian seafarers were rescued after a projectile hit a Kuwait-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. Responsible Business Focus: The Africa Business and Human Rights Forum in Dakar ended with calls for stronger action on clean, healthy environments through responsible business conduct. Payments Milestone: Liberia’s interoperable digital transactions reportedly reached 5.3m, signaling continued growth in digital payments.

Liberia Offshore Oil: Liberia’s Petroleum Regulatory Authority says it will launch a 2026 offshore direct negotiation licensing round in Q4, using new acreage and expanded seismic work to pull in investors under the 2014 Petroleum Act and 2019 amendments. IMF Support: The IMF has unlocked about US$50.16m for Liberia, citing 5.1% growth in 2025 and progress on reforms, with funds aimed largely at strengthening Central Bank reserves. Critical Minerals & Accountability: Integrity Watch Liberia trained journalists to investigate extractive-sector ownership, concession deals and corporate practices, while civil society groups push for stronger mining reforms and verification before major deals. Digital Payments Push: Liberia’s instant payment system has crossed 5.3m transactions, as the government highlights progress in digital payments and payment-system development. War Crimes Court & Gender: A US$3m initiative seeks to expand women’s roles in Liberia’s war and economic crimes court preparations and peacebuilding, after surveys show strong public support for the court in Grand Bassa. Rubber Sector Pressure: Liberia’s rubber boom faces a new threat as stakeholders warn of illegal exports of unprocessed rubber, which could starve local processors and jobs. Maritime Risk (Liberia-linked): A Russian strike hit a Liberian-flagged ship in Odesa, killing one crew member, underscoring ongoing shipping security concerns.

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.