AGP Executive Report

Port Growth & Safety: Liberia’s National Port Authority says the Freeport of Monrovia handled the largest container vessel ever to dock there, with CMA CGM Springs discharged in two days—while the wider shipping world faces scrutiny after MSC ELSA 3’s sinking raised concerns over gaps between certification and operational safety. Cross-Border Payments: The Central Bank of Liberia and Afreximbank held a seminar on strengthening correspondent banking and cross-border settlement, including AfPAY and links to regional payment channels. Constitution & Accountability: Liberia’s Governance Commission and Law Reform Commission launched a national dialogue to review the 1986 Constitution, as civil society backs bills for a War and Economic Crimes Court and a National Anti-Corruption Court. Energy & Jobs: EU-funded Light Up Southeast is nearing completion to electrify Greenville after 30+ years, while ArcelorMittal Liberia hired 56 young artisans full-time after training. Digital Skills: AITB is running a TVET capacity-building workshop to align skills with labor market needs. Human Rights & Justice: Liberia’s largest human trafficking trial continues with witness testimony, and River Gee witchcraft abuse charges have been forwarded to court. Finance for Trade: LSEZA highlighted investment opportunities at the Michigan–Liberia Trade Forum, and Orange Money Liberia partnered with BnB Liberia to expand an 8-country remittance network.

TVET Skills Push: AITB will run a June 11–12 capacity-building workshop in Monrovia to align Liberia’s TVET licensing, curricula, apprenticeships and quality assurance with labor market needs. Human Rights & Justice: Liberia’s police have charged eight people over alleged abuse and humiliation of a woman accused of witchcraft in River Gee, with prosecutors stressing the case targets the treatment, not the accusation itself. Power for Growth: Greenville is nearing electricity connection after 30+ years, with EU-funded Light Up Southeast works expected to deliver power by late June/early July. Anti-Corruption Courts: Liberia’s human rights chief says corruption threatens justice and rights as UN training ramps up for prosecutors and investigators tied to upcoming anti-corruption and economic crimes courts. Payments & Finance: CBL and Afreximbank held a seminar on strengthening correspondent banking and cross-border payments for Liberian banks, including AfPAY and CIPS. Constitution Review: GC and LRC launched a national dialogue on reviewing the 1986 Constitution, seeking broad input on governance reforms. Women’s Health Crisis: A report highlights thousands of Liberian women living with obstetric fistula, calling for urgent investment in emergency obstetric care and referral systems. Business & Trade: LSEZA showcased investment opportunities at the Michigan–Liberia Trade Forum, while Orange Money and BnB Liberia launched an 8-country outbound remittance network. Energy Deal: Liberia and the World Bank backed energy, digital connectivity and road upgrades under a major US$125m financing package.

World Oceans Day & Blue Economy: UMU and the Carbon Markets Authority marked World Oceans Day 2026 in Monrovia, spotlighting Liberia’s ocean resources for livelihoods, food security, climate resilience and education. Fisheries Modernization: Liberia and China renewed talks to modernize fisheries and boost investment, with NaFAA and the Chinese ambassador discussing practical cooperation for the blue economy. Gender-Based Violence Prevention: WONGOSOL convened leaders in Harper to intensify SGBV prevention and launch a nationwide Liberia Spotlight Initiative 2.0 assessment across eight counties. CBL-Afreximbank Payments Push: The Central Bank of Liberia partnered with Afreximbank to train banks on correspondent banking and cross-border payments, including Afreximbank’s CIPS and AfPAY. Decentralization Drive: President Boakai urged stronger local governance and rural development beyond Monrovia at a policy roundtable in Harbel. Agribusiness & Jobs: EandC Legal advised JR Farms on a $60m coffee concession partnership with Liberia’s Ministry of Agriculture to revive the sector. Energy Financing: Liberia and the World Bank signed $125m for renewable energy, roads and digital connectivity, including $57m for solar and grid reliability upgrades. Security & Trade Risks: LDEA reported major drug seizures at RIA, including a $19.2m cocaine bust, while lawmakers moved to scrutinize LTMI’s license plate concession amid public complaints.

Health Oversight: Liberia’s House voted to create the Liberia Primary Health Care and Immunization Caucus (LIPIC), a bicameral platform to push stronger PHC systems, expand immunization coverage, and improve preventive health financing and accountability. Electoral Governance: The Senate confirmed Jonathan K. Weedor as NEC chair, clearing the way for leadership into the 2029 election cycle. Transport & Concessions: Lawmakers launched probes into Liberia Traffic Management Incorporated (LTMI) over license plate service issues and the concession’s performance, while the Senate also ordered a closed-door review with LMTI leadership. Security & Trade Risks: Liberia’s LDEA seized US$19.2m in cocaine at RIA, and separately arrested a River Gee driver with US$9k worth of tramadol. Anti-Corruption & Accountability: The Supreme Court reopened a jury tampering inquiry in the Tweah case, and a petition review is underway into the MRU Center project in Foya. Business & Jobs: A US$60m, 20-year JR Farms coffee partnership was signed with Liberia to revive the sector, backed by plans to expand plantations and jobs. Energy & Infrastructure Finance: President Boakai endorsed three MCC concept notes on electricity, workforce development, and mining governance. SME Support: LIPO and UNIDO ran an IP and business clinic in Bong to help entrepreneurs protect trademarks and improve enterprise management. Environment & Transport Safety: EPA and partners validated cleaner fuels and vehicle strategies, aligning with Liberia’s environmental sustainability agenda.

Senate Oversight: Liberia’s Senate has ordered a closed-door review of Liberia Traffic Management Incorporated (LMTI) operations after ministries and agencies distanced themselves from parts of the rollout, with senators raising concerns over the contract and issues around license plates. Cleaner Transport: The EPA, with UNEP and UNDP, wrapped a validation workshop on promoting cleaner fuels and vehicle strategies, citing rapid growth in Liberia’s vehicle fleet and the need for stronger emission and vehicle standards. Elections & Media: NEC launched a regional media-elections workshop in Ganta to strengthen cooperation between journalists and electoral authorities, aiming to curb misinformation and improve election coverage. Coffee Investment: JR Farms Group signed a US$60m, 20-year coffee partnership with Liberia, targeting 200m coffee trees, 250,000+ hectares, and jobs for 200,000+ farmers. Anti-Drug Enforcement: LDEA seized a US$19.2m cocaine shipment at RIA, arresting a major export attempt hidden in cargo boxes. Human Trafficking Trial: Jury selection began in Liberia’s largest human trafficking case, with 57 alleged victims and restitution sought near US$200,000. Road Safety in Rainy Season: Public Works imposed a rainy-season moratorium on heavy-duty trucks over 25 metric tons on key unpaved corridors from July 31 to Oct 15. Tax Modernization: LRA and South Korea’s National Tax Service signed three agreements to boost tax cooperation and digital transformation. World Bank Financing: The World Bank approved US$55.8m for reforms supporting fiscal stability, private sector development, and resilience, including electricity viability and renewable energy investment. Maritime Trade Boost: NPA berthed Liberia’s largest vessel, the CMA CGM Springs, and announced new transparency and efficiency media initiatives for port operations.

World Bank Financing: The World Bank approved US$55.8M for Liberia’s Resilient and Inclusive Growth DPF2, targeting fiscal stability, private sector development, public financial management reforms, and social protection, with added focus on improving the Liberia Electricity Corporation’s viability and renewable energy investment. Tax Modernization: Liberia’s LRA and South Korea’s National Tax Service signed three agreements on tax information exchange, recovery of tax claims, and capacity building to boost digital tax administration and compliance. Maritime Trade: Liberia’s National Port Authority berthed the largest vessel in the country’s history and says port efficiency and 24-hour operations are improving, alongside new public accountability plans. Governance & Constitution: The Governance Commission is calling for public input on constitutional reform talks in Monrovia (June 10–11). Health Policy: The House approved creation of the Primary Health Care and Immunization Caucus, with plans for a financing roadmap and a trust fund proposal. Agribusiness Deal: Liberia’s MOA signed a US$60M 20-year partnership to revive the coffee sector, aiming to expand plantations, create jobs, and boost exports. Justice & Rights: Jury selection begins in Liberia’s largest human trafficking trial, as prosecutors seek nearly US$200,000 in restitution for alleged victims.

World Bank Deal: Liberia and the World Bank signed US$125m financing for digital integration (WARDIP 2), emergency solar power upgrades (RESPITE), and road asset management (SECRAMP), aiming to boost electricity access, connectivity, and regional integration. Energy & Power: Boakai endorsed three MCC concept notes focused on power generation/transmission governance, energy workforce development, and mining governance—while Liberia’s Mount Coffee solar commissioning and RESPITE expansion underline the push to ease chronic power shortages. Governance & Courts: A legal debate over where to file constitutional challenges is reignited, and businessman Dr. C. Nelson Oniyama won a major land dispute tied to the former CDC HQ lots. Petroleum Sector: NOCAL and partners agreed to apply to LPRA for reconnaissance licenses, ending a petroleum governance standoff and clarifying who authorizes offshore survey work. Anti-Fraud & Compliance: FIA launched a nationwide real estate AML/CFT awareness campaign; House summons LTM over alleged substandard plank license plates. Trade & Business Policy: LIBA calls for strict enforcement of the Liberianization Policy, starting with distribution-sector compliance. Health Aid Transparency: Human Rights Watch challenges the “secrecy” and “troubling conditions” tied to US health agreements with Liberia and other African countries. Security & Youth: Over 50 young leaders began YPLS Africa’s 13th cohort in Liberia, while Liberia urges ECOWAS to create a task force against illicit drug trafficking.

World Bank Deal: Liberia signed US$125m with the World Bank for energy, digital connectivity and road upgrades, including WARDIP 2, RESPITE and SECRAMP—aimed at expanding reliable power, broadband and regional transport links. Energy Update: A US$16m, 20MW solar plant at Mount Coffee has reignited debate on Liberia’s chronic power instability, as officials push solar expansion to cut costs and improve supply. Petroleum Governance: NOCAL and partners agreed to apply to the LPRA for reconnaissance licenses, ending a Senate-brokered standoff over who can authorize offshore survey work. Tax & Compliance: The FIA launched a nationwide real estate AML/CFT awareness drive with the Liberia Land Authority, while Liberia and South Korea signed tax cooperation agreements to modernize administration and improve information sharing. Business Policy: LIBA urged strict enforcement of the Liberianization Policy, starting with distribution-sector compliance, and a business leader backed Boakai’s use of taxpayer funds for development. Trade Outlook: Liberia’s exports to China topped US$200m in Q1 2026, boosted by iron ore and rubber under China’s zero-tariff push. Regional Security: Liberia urged ECOWAS to create a task force to tackle illicit drug trafficking across West Africa.

World Bank Financing: President Boakai signed US$125m in World Bank deals to expand Liberia’s energy, digital connectivity, and road infrastructure, including US$50m for WARDIP 2 to boost broadband, cybersecurity, e-commerce and digital payments, plus solar and corridor road support. Renewable Power Milestone: Boakai also commissioned Liberia’s first grid-connected 20MW solar PV plant, cutting generation costs from about 28¢ to 3¢ per unit. Tax Modernization: The Liberia Revenue Authority and South Korea’s National Tax Service signed three agreements to strengthen tax administration, digital transformation, and international tax cooperation, including information exchange and offshore evasion support. Trade Boost: Liberia’s exports to China topped US$200m in Q1 2026, up more than 30-fold, driven by iron ore and renewed natural rubber shipments. Education Access: Salvation Army Polytechnic University announced a 50% tuition cut to widen access to higher education. Energy for Schools: ECOWAS @50 delivered solar power systems to six high schools in Margibi County. Policy Tension: A dispute over the EU’s deforestation rules is escalating between Liberia’s agriculture regulators and the ministry, raising market access risks for farmers.

Tax Modernization: Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) and South Korea’s National Tax Service signed three agreements in Seoul to boost digital tax administration, exchange information, recover tax claims, and tackle offshore evasion. Renewable Power: Liberia commissioned its first grid-connected 20MW solar plant, cutting generation costs from 28¢ to 3¢ per unit and easing pressure on the national budget. Trade Boost: Liberia’s exports to China topped US$200M in Q1 2026—over 30-fold year-on-year—driven by iron ore shipments and resumed rubber exports under China’s zero-tariff policy. Energy for Schools: ECOWAS @50 delivered solar power systems to six high schools in Margibi County, improving access to reliable electricity for learning. Education Support: Salvation Army Polytechnic University cut tuition by 50% to widen access for students facing economic hardship. Governance & Accountability: Nimba County endorsed a GAC audit, flagging alleged over US$2M withdrawn from county accounts and calling for full accountability. Public Health Watch: Ebola in DR Congo remains a concern as case figures are revised downward, while vaccination and response efforts expand.

Liberia–China Trade Surge: Liberia’s exports to China topped US$200m in Q1 2026, up more than 30-fold year-on-year, driven by renewed iron ore shipments and natural rubber exports after mining resumed at Bong and Bomi. Energy & Cost Relief: Liberia commissioned its first grid-connected 20MW solar plant, cutting generation costs from about 28¢ per unit to 3¢, with World Bank/IFC backing. EU Market Access Fight: A public clash between Liberia’s agriculture regulator and the Ministry of Agriculture over the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is raising fears of lost access to key export markets. Local Governance & Accountability: Nimba County endorsed a General Auditing Commission report alleging over US$2m withdrawn from county accounts via over-the-counter transactions, calling for full accountability. SME Policy Push: MoCI is backing a local content policy aimed at boosting Liberian SMEs. Regional Education Power: ECOWAS @50 delivered solar systems to six high schools in Margibi.

Ebola Response Watch: China sent a five-person medical team to Kinshasa in the DRC as cases are revised down to 344, while experts warn the outbreak’s economic hit is worst for women forced to choose between infection risk and hunger. Energy & Cost Relief: Liberia commissioned its first grid-connected 20MW solar plant, cutting power costs from 28¢ to 3¢ per unit and easing pressure on the national budget. Trade Push: Liberia’s exports to China jumped more than 30-fold in Q1 2026 under China’s zero-tariff policy, with iron ore and mining-linked gains highlighted. EU Deforestation Clash: A deep dispute inside Liberia’s agriculture governance is brewing over the EU Deforestation Regulation, with LACRA warning market exclusion risks for farmers. Local Governance & Jobs: President Boakai asked lawmakers to amend the LACE Act to strengthen oversight and donor coordination, while Paynesville rolled out a new HR management system to modernize city administration. Accountability in Counties: Nimba endorsed an audit finding over US$2m withdrawn over-the-counter from county accounts, calling for full accountability.

Liberia–China Trade Boom: Liberia’s exports to China surged more than 30-fold in the first quarter of 2026, topping US$200 million, as Beijing’s zero-tariff policy for African countries with diplomatic ties boosts iron ore and other shipments. Liberia–India Commerce: Bilateral trade with India hit US$390.06 million in 2025–2026, with Liberian exports to India up over 120% to about US$44.91 million, supported by India’s duty-free access scheme. Local Content Push: Liberia’s Ministry of Commerce backs a Local Content Policy to expand opportunities for Liberian-owned firms and keep more value from major investments inside the country. ECOWAS Solar for Schools: ECOWAS @50 delivered solar power systems to six high schools in Margibi’s Kakata, improving learning conditions and youth engagement. Nimba Public Finance Scrutiny: Nimba County endorsed GAC findings after reports of over US$2 million withdrawn over-the-counter from county accounts, calling for full accountability. Governance & Service Delivery: Boakai seeks amendments to the LACE Act to strengthen oversight and capacity; Paynesville hands over a new HR management system to modernize city staffing. Human Rights & Justice: INCHR urges passage of Economic and War Crimes Courts, including an Anti-Corruption Court, to curb impunity.

Local Governance & Finance: Nimba County Administration backs General Auditing Commission findings after reports of over US$2m withdrawn from county accounts via over-the-counter transactions, calling for full accountability. Energy & Education: ECOWAS @50 celebrations delivered solar power systems to six high schools in Margibi, with tablets for a winning quiz team. Public Sector Modernization: Paynesville City Corporation hands over a Soft Human Resource Management System to streamline HR with trained staff and better service delivery. Decentralization Watch: Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan and officials clarify revenue-sharing and fiscal decentralization progress before the Senate amid calls for clearer local fiscal structures and the fiscal board’s operationalization. Trade & Jobs: Liberia–India trade hit US$390.06m in 2025–26, with Liberian exports to India up over 120% to US$44.91m, boosted by zero-duty access under India’s DFTP scheme. Sports Funding Gap: Lone Star AFCON qualifiers face a US$5m–US$10m funding shortfall, with lawmakers urged to address hotel-debt and weak preparation issues. Justice & Accountability: A grand jury indicted 11 people in Liberia’s biggest trafficking ring case, alleging exploitation of 57 victims and extortion of over US$124,000. Governance Reform: President Boakai asks lawmakers to amend the LACE Act to strengthen oversight, leadership, and donor coordination.

Local Content Policy Push: Liberia’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry backed the proposed Local Content Policy, saying it could unlock more opportunities for Liberian-owned SMEs and keep more investment benefits inside the economy as a validation workshop in Monrovia moves toward a final national framework. National Security Overhaul: President Joseph Boakai launched Liberia’s 10-Year National Security Strategy (2026–2036), shifting from a military-heavy approach to a whole-of-society, people-centered model tied to jobs, rights, and economic prosperity. ECOWAS Integration & Road Safety: Liberia’s ECOWAS Brown Card office marked 44 years of the scheme, highlighting compulsory third-party insurance that supports smoother cross-border movement of people, vehicles, and goods. Diplomacy: Liberia’s Ambassador John Ballout presented credentials to ECOWAS President Omar Touray, reaffirming support for regional integration and raising air transport affordability concerns. Governance & Accountability: The House of Representatives passed a vote of no confidence in Ambassador Sheikh Moustapha Kouyateh after he refused to apologize over remarks alleging corruption in the Legislature. Trade Impact: China’s zero-tariff policy is driving a major export surge, with Liberia’s exports to China up more than 30-fold in early 2026, boosting prospects for mining and agriculture. Telecom Controversy: A dispute over the Numtel JV Numbase LLC has raised questions about transparency and regulatory maneuvering involving the Liberia Telecommunications Authority. Health Preparedness: Liberia’s National Public Health Institute plans to vaccinate frontline health workers and port-of-entry staff to strengthen readiness for possible Ebola cases.

UN Security Council Election: Austria, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, Zimbabwe and first-timer Kyrgyzstan won non-permanent seats for 2027-28, while Germany suffered a historic loss. Liberia–China Trade: Liberia’s exports to China jumped more than 30-fold in early 2026 after Beijing’s zero-tariff policy took effect, boosting iron ore and other sectors. Energy Access (Regional): A World Bank-backed West Africa power programme says it has expanded electricity access to over 3 million people, built 4,000+ km of transmission lines, and readies a regional electricity market. Telecom Governance: Liberia’s telecom sector faces renewed controversy over a little-known Numtel JV Numbase LLC, with questions on transparency and regulatory process. Oil Sector Oversight: The Senate moves to address a dispute between LPRA and NOCAL over petroleum agreements, warning of risks to investor confidence. National Security Strategy: President Boakai launched Liberia’s 2026-2036 National Security Strategy, shifting focus toward jobs, rights, climate resilience and coordination. Public Health Preparedness: NPHIL plans Ebola vaccination for frontline health workers and port-of-entry staff, alongside strengthened surveillance and screening. Emergency Care: Liberia’s Ministry of Health commissioned 25 ambulances to improve emergency referral across counties. Education Costs: Salvation Army Polytechnic University cut tuition by 50%, lowering credit-hour fees for multiple colleges. US Visa Processing: Liberia welcomed reports that the US may keep full visa processing at the Monrovia embassy, potentially turning it into a regional hub. Right to Information: Transparency International research highlights strong RTI laws but persistent access gaps in Liberia and neighboring states.