AGP Executive Report

Business Costs: Liberian businesswomen are demanding action over high port charges, shipping delays and rising taxes, saying shipments can take months to arrive and businesses are struggling to survive. Growth and Jobs: Liberia’s economy grew 5.1% in 2025, led by a 17% expansion in mining, but the World Bank says stronger job creation is needed to turn growth into lower poverty; agriculture grew 2.6%. Mining and Rail: ArcelorMittal says its investment is nearing US$4 billion, spanning mines, rail, port and power infrastructure. Ivanhoe Atlantic is urging Liberia to establish an independent rail authority to ensure fair access and transparent pricing, while local miners warn reforms must include grassroots stakeholders. Trade: The Liberia Chamber of Commerce and EU have dedicated a Trade Facilitation Secretariat office to improve coordination between government and businesses and make trade procedures more predictable.

Local Business: Liberian women importers are asking lawmakers to tackle long shipping delays, high bank fees and taxes, and unfair competition, saying rising costs threaten locally owned businesses. Rail Infrastructure: Ivanhoe Atlantic backed plans for an independent National Rail Authority to oversee Liberia’s rail assets, saying clear, fair access could attract investment and expand use of the Yekepa–Buchanan line. Trade: The Liberia Chamber of Commerce and EU opened a renovated Trade Facilitation Secretariat office to improve coordination between government and businesses and make trade procedures more predictable. Agriculture: The House dismissed allegations of irregularities in an US$800,000 farm-supplies procurement after finding insufficient evidence; separately, President Boakai urged officials to ensure China-donated machinery reaches productive farmers. Investment: ArcelorMittal says its Liberia investment is nearing US$4 billion across mining, rail, port, power and social infrastructure, with local jobs and business opportunities depending on how expansion benefits communities. Aviation: Liberia, the EU and Germany launched an €8.6 million project to upgrade safety and infrastructure at Roberts International Airport.

Rail Infrastructure: Ivanhoe Atlantic backed plans for an independent National Rail Authority to oversee Liberia’s rail assets and ensure fair access, pricing and scheduling on the Yekepa–Buchanan line. Mining: A government taskforce seized seven machines in a crackdown on illegal mining, while Liberian-owned GeoMining called for more opportunities for local firms in the extractive sector. Agriculture: China’s donation of 304 machines is intended to expand mechanized farming, but President Boakai warned officials to ensure equipment and support reach productive farmers. In Bong County, Gbedin Agro-Business began harvesting 100 acres of rice and aims to expand to 1,500 acres. Aviation: Liberia, the EU and Germany launched an €8.6 million project to upgrade safety and infrastructure at Roberts International Airport. Trade and Ports: Senator Amara Konneh is pressing for hearings on vessel and container delays at the Freeport of Monrovia, which businesses say are driving up costs.

Maritime and Aviation: Liberia’s maritime commissioner is taking the country’s shipping and seafarer-safety priorities to the IMO Council in London. At Roberts International Airport, an €8.6 million EU-German project will upgrade safety and infrastructure. Agriculture: China has donated 304 machines as Liberia targets 50,000 hectares of farmland. In Bong, a 100-acre rice harvest is underway, with the agribusiness planning to expand to 1,500 acres. Trade and Ports: Importers say egg-import restrictions are worsening shortages and pushing up prices. Separately, senators are pressing port operators over vessel delays and high costs that feed into consumer prices; the NPA says dredging and expansion work is underway. Connectivity: Liberia’s telecom regulator has identified 15 potential sites for towers to extend coverage in underserved areas. Energy and Industry: The government has broken ground on a US$35 million LPRC project, including a 50,000-ton fuel-storage expansion, while President Boakai has proposed a national mining company, a gold refinery and a sovereign wealth fund.

Maritime Trade: Liberia and India have launched a joint initiative to protect seafarers as attacks on commercial ships threaten the flow and cost of fuel, food and fertiliser. Power Investment: LEC is seeking private investors in generation, grid and storage, targeting capacity growth from 146 megawatts to about 472MW by 2029. Mining & Rail: The U.S. is urging legislation for a transparent, independently regulated multi-user railway, while the Chamber of Mines says mining must deliver more jobs, skills and business for Liberians. Farm-to-Market Roads: Bong County’s 30 new road machines could help farmers move crops to market and ease rural transport bottlenecks. Trade Facilitation: The Liberia Chamber of Commerce and EU have dedicated a renovated office for the National Trade Facilitation Secretariat to improve coordination and services for businesses.

Maritime Trade: At the G20 in Atlanta, India said it had launched a joint initiative with Liberia to protect seafarers, as attacks on commercial ships threaten fuel, food and fertiliser supplies. Rural Infrastructure: Thirty pieces of heavy equipment arriving in Bong County could improve farm-to-market access and help farmers move crops to buyers. Power: LEC is seeking private investment to lift generation capacity from 146 megawatts to about 472MW by 2029, with hydropower, solar, battery storage and grid upgrades in its plans. Mining and Rail: ArcelorMittal says it has invested nearly US$4 billion in Liberia and aims to export more than 20 million tonnes of iron ore a year by 2027. The U.S. is backing work to assess rail capacity, while calling for independent regulation and fair access to a multi-user railway. Trade and Fuel Storage: The Liberia Chamber of Commerce and EU opened a trade facilitation secretariat office to improve coordination with businesses; separately, the government broke ground on a US$35 million LPRC expansion to increase storage capacity to 50,000 metric tonnes.

Maritime & Trade: G20 talks ended without agreement, but India said it and Liberia had launched an initiative to protect seafarers. The Liberia-flagged tanker MT ARZANAH was among vessels targeted in the Strait of Hormuz; its two Indian crew members were safe. Mining: President Boakai proposed a state mining company, Liberia’s first gold refinery within two years and a sovereign wealth fund. ArcelorMittal Liberia says it has invested nearly US$4 billion and aims to export over 20 million tonnes of iron ore annually by 2027. Power & Rail: LEC is seeking private investment to raise generation capacity from 146MW to about 472MW by 2029. The U.S. backs an independent regulator for a shared railway system and is preparing a grant to assess rail capacity. Rural Roads: Thirty earthmoving machines arriving in Bong County could improve farm-to-market access for local producers.

Maritime Trade: Attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, including a projectile strike on Liberia-flagged tanker MT ARZANAH, underline risks to shipping and supply chains. At the G20, India’s foreign minister said India and Liberia have launched a joint initiative to safeguard seafarers. Mining: President Boakai proposed a state-owned mining company, a gold refinery and a sovereign wealth fund to retain more value from mineral exports. The Chamber of Mines urged companies to build local jobs and supplier capacity. Rail Infrastructure: The U.S. called for legislation to ensure transparent, independent regulation of Liberia’s multi-user railway, seen as key to mining and agricultural growth. Power Investment: LEC is seeking private investment in hydropower, solar, battery storage and grid upgrades, targeting capacity growth from 146 MW to about 472 MW by 2029. Farm Access: Thirty road machines have arrived in Bong County, with improved routes expected to help farmers move crops to market.

Maritime Security: Liberia-flagged tanker MT Arzanah was among two vessels attacked in the Strait of Hormuz; its crew were reported safe. At the G20, Liberia and India highlighted a joint initiative to protect seafarers as shipping threats put trade and fuel supplies at risk. Rural Access: Bong County’s arrival of 30 road machines could help farmers move crops to market, easing a longstanding transport bottleneck. Power and Trade: West African energy ministers adopted a directive to expand battery storage, while Liberia Electricity Corporation is seeking private investment to raise generation capacity from 146 megawatts to about 472 by 2029. The U.S. also urged passage of legislation for a transparent, independently regulated multi-user railway to support mining and agriculture. Mining and Industry: President Joseph Boakai proposed a state mining company, Liberia’s first gold refinery and a sovereign wealth fund. ArcelorMittal says it has invested nearly $4 billion and targets annual exports above 20 million tonnes by 2027. Mining leaders are pressing for stronger local participation and more opportunities for Liberian businesses and workers.

Mining Strategy: President Boakai announced a US$30 million geological survey, a state mining company, Liberia’s first gold refinery within two years and a sovereign wealth fund to retain more value from mineral wealth. ArcelorMittal Expansion: The company says it has invested nearly US$4 billion in Liberia and plans to raise iron-ore exports above 20 million tonnes by 2027, with a longer-term 30-million-tonne capacity target and a commitment to remain for at least 40 years. Rail and Local Benefits: U.S. officials urged legislation for transparent, independent regulation of multi-user rail, while the Chamber of Mines called for more jobs, supplier opportunities and skills development for Liberians. Power Investment: LEC is seeking private investment in generation and grid upgrades, targeting about 472 megawatts of installed capacity by 2029. Trade and Fisheries: The Liberia Chamber of Commerce and EU opened a trade facilitation office to improve business coordination; NaFAA secured a US$325,000 FAO grant for a fish sales hub with cold storage and delivery services.

Mining and Energy: President Joseph Boakai announced a US$30 million geological survey and plans to establish Liberia’s first gold-processing facility within two years. At the mining and energy conference, he also signalled plans for a national mining company and sovereign wealth fund, while ArcelorMittal Liberia projected iron ore exports above 20 million tonnes in 2027, up from under five million in 2024. Fuel Infrastructure: The government broke ground on a 50,000-tonne LPRC storage expansion, alongside new fuel-testing facilities aimed at strengthening supply and quality controls. Agriculture: Women farmers in Brewerville began harvesting lowland rice, while the Agriculture Ministry received the final consignment of Chinese-donated machinery to support production. Telecommunications: Liberia’s LTA identified 15 potential sites for new towers to extend service to underserved communities.

Mining and Energy: President Joseph Boakai announced a US$30 million geological survey and plans to open Liberia’s first gold-processing facility within two years. He also signaled plans for a national mining company and sovereign wealth fund, as officials and industry leaders called for stable investment, local processing and more jobs. Iron Ore: ArcelorMittal Liberia expects iron ore exports to exceed 20 million tons in 2027, up from under five million in 2024, as its investment approaches US$4 billion. The company says expansion includes shared rail access and infrastructure to support further mining growth. Fuel Supply: Boakai broke ground on a US$35 million LPRC project to add 50,000 metric tons of storage capacity, alongside a new petroleum laboratory and 12,800-ton tank. Trade and Logistics: The Senate has summoned port operators and agencies over high clearing charges and delays at Monrovia’s port, which businesses say tie up capital and raise costs. Agriculture: Women farmers in Brewerville began harvesting their first urban lowland rice crop, while the Agriculture Ministry received the final shipment of Chinese-donated machinery.

Mining and Exports: ArcelorMittal Liberia says its investment is nearing $4 billion and it expects iron ore exports to top 20 million tons in 2027, up from less than five million in 2024. The expansion will test whether rail, port and power infrastructure can support broader mining growth. Energy Security: President Boakai has launched a $35 million LPRC storage expansion, alongside a new fuel-testing laboratory and a 12,800-ton tank. The project is set to add 50,000 tons of storage capacity. Agriculture: Liberia has received the final shipment of China-donated farming equipment: 42 containers intended to support mechanization and domestic food production. Trade Costs: The Senate has summoned port operators and agencies over high charges and delays at Monrovia’s Freeport, which importers say tie up working capital and raise business costs. Mining Rules: Civil society groups want a halt to new mining agreements until Liberia replaces its 2000 mining law, arguing stronger safeguards are needed for communities, the environment and public revenue. Small Businesses: An AfDB consultant estimates Liberia’s MSMEs face a $1.03 billion annual financing gap and urged expanded credit guarantees, technical support and market access.

Energy: President Boakai dedicated a 12,800-ton fuel tank and testing laboratory at LPRC, and broke ground on a US$35 million expansion that will add 50,000 metric tons of storage. The revenue authority also warned fuel importers to declare products honestly and pay taxes due. Trade & Logistics: The Senate has summoned port operators and agencies over high clearing charges and delays at the Freeport of Monrovia, which businesses say are driving up costs and tying up working capital. Agriculture: The Agriculture Ministry received the final consignment of 42 containers of Chinese-donated machinery to support mechanized farming and food production. Small Business: An AfDB consultant says Liberia’s MSMEs face a US$1.03 billion annual financing gap and urged credit guarantees, technical support and better market access. Mining: Investors and executives are gathering in Margibi for a mining and energy conference as civil society groups call for a pause on new mining deals until Liberia replaces its outdated mining law.

Energy Infrastructure: President Joseph Boakai broke ground on a US$35 million LPRC expansion that will add 50,000 metric tons of fuel storage; the project also includes a new 12,800-ton tank and petroleum testing lab. Fuel Costs: Liberia’s official petrol price is among West Africa’s lowest, but consumers in Gbarpolu reportedly pay up to L$1,500 a gallon. The government says tighter monitoring is coming. Digital Services: Orange Liberia has launched the country’s first commercial 5G network, though coverage and pricing details remain undisclosed. Agriculture: Agriculture Minister J. Alexander Nuetah says the government is buying paddy rice directly from farmers and hiring local processors, aiming to strengthen domestic production and markets for Liberian rice. Workforce Development: Liberia is exploring a partnership with Canada’s Mohawk College to expand employer-linked technical training and pathways from skills programs into jobs.

Energy Infrastructure: President Boakai broke ground on a US$35 million expansion that will add 50,000 metric tons of petroleum storage capacity at LPRC; the ceremony also dedicated a 12,800-ton fuel tank and a modern testing laboratory. Skills and Jobs: Liberia is discussing TVET partnerships with Mohawk College, focusing on instructor training, apprenticeships and links between workplace skills and employers’ needs. Ports and Logistics: Edwina Dekontee Mowon became APM Terminals Liberia’s first female shift manager after 15 years in operational roles at the Freeport of Monrovia. Fuel Costs: Liberia’s official petrol price is among West Africa’s lowest, but rural consumers pay substantially more; the government says tighter monitoring is planned. Mining and Rail: A new executive order sets a handover timeline for a permanent railway authority, as Liberia’s key iron-ore export line prepares to serve more mining operations. Telecoms: Orange Liberia launched the country’s first commercial 5G service, though coverage and pricing details have not yet been announced.