AGP Executive Report

Tax & Digital Transformation: Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) and South Korea’s National Tax Service signed three agreements in Seoul to boost tax administration, digital systems, and cross-border cooperation, including information exchange and capacity building. Energy & Power Costs: Liberia commissioned its first grid-connected 20MW solar plant at Mount Coffee, cutting generation costs from about 28¢ to 3¢ per unit, while ECOWAS also donated solar systems to six Liberian high schools. Trade & Mining: Liberia’s exports to China topped US$200M in Q1 2026, driven by iron ore and resumed natural rubber shipments, and trade with India hit US$390.06M in 2025–26 with exports up over 120%. Local Industry Policy: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry backed Liberia’s Local Content Policy to help Liberian SMEs capture more value from major investments. Governance & Accountability: Nimba County endorsed an audit finding over US$2M withdrawn from county accounts via over-the-counter transactions, calling for full accountability. Public Health Preparedness: Regional talks in Nairobi focused on safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in healthcare as Ebola risk remains in the region.

Clean Energy Push: President Boakai dedicated a 20-megawatt Mount Coffee solar project, part of Liberia’s drive to cut power costs and strengthen energy infrastructure. Solar Power Milestone: Liberia commissioned its first grid-connected solar PV plant, slashing generation costs from about 28¢ to 3¢ per unit. Trade & Industry: 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. Local Business Policy: The Ministry of Commerce backed Liberia’s Local Content Policy to boost Liberian SMEs and keep more value from major investments at home. Agriculture Compliance Clash: A dispute between LACRA and the Ministry of Agriculture over the EU Deforestation Regulation threatens market access for farmers and exporters. Pollution Watch: Stakeholders raised alarms over soil, water, and waste pollution in Montserrado, calling for stronger action. Governance & Finance: Nimba endorsed an audit finding over US$2M withdrawn from county accounts, demanding accountability. Public Health Risk: Coverage on the DRC Ebola outbreak highlights tightening screening and preparedness as cases evolve across the region. Education & Power Access: ECOWAS @50 delivered solar systems to six high schools in Margibi.

Trade & Industry: Liberia’s exports to China topped US$200m in Q1 2026, up more than 30-fold year-on-year, driven by iron ore shipments and renewed natural rubber output from Bong and Bomi mines under China’s zero-tariff policy. Energy: Liberia commissioned its first grid-connected 20MW solar PV plant, cutting power costs from 28¢ to 3¢ per unit and easing pressure on the electricity budget. Agriculture Policy Clash: A bitter government split is emerging over how Liberia will handle the EU deforestation rules, with LACRA warning resistance could shut farmers out of key export markets. Local Power Access: ECOWAS @50 delivered solar systems to six high schools in Margibi, boosting reliable electricity for learning. Infrastructure & Jobs: World Bank-backed rural roads and market access funding is highlighted regionally, while Liberia also pushes local content policy to grow SME participation. Governance & Compliance: Nimba County endorsed an audit finding over US$2m withdrawn from county accounts, calling for accountability. Health & Safety: Ebola coverage continues across Africa, while Liberia’s border surveillance support (motorbikes and diagnostics) targets faster detection of threats.

Ebola Safety & Health Systems: WHO says the DRC Ebola outbreak is lower than first feared—344 confirmed cases and 60 deaths—while UAE and Uganda step up contact-tracing and entry precautions. Trade & Industry: Liberia’s exports to China jumped more than 30-fold in early 2026, with Ambassador Yin citing iron ore and new zero-tariff access as a boost for mining and agriculture. Local Business Policy: The Ministry of Commerce backs Liberia’s Local Content Policy, aiming to expand opportunities for Liberian-owned firms and keep more investment benefits at home. Energy & Education: ECOWAS @50 delivered solar power systems to six high schools in Margibi, improving reliable electricity for learning. Governance & Finance: Nimba County endorsed a GAC audit, flagging alleged withdrawal of over US$2m from county accounts and calling for accountability. Infrastructure & Skills: VP Koung will break ground for the Tappita Vocational Training Institute in Nimba, targeting rural skills access. Sports Funding Gap: Liberia’s AFCON push faces a US$5m–US$10m shortfall as lawmakers seek stronger support for the Lone Star.

Energy Access & Schools: ECOWAS @50 delivered solar power systems to six high schools in Margibi County, aiming to improve reliable electricity for learning. Pollution & Public Health: Stakeholders in Montserrado raised alarms over soil, water, and waste pollution, including lead contamination and unsafe recycling practices, calling for stronger action. County Finance Accountability: Nimba County endorsed a General Auditing Commission compliance audit, flagging alleged over US$2m withdrawn from county accounts through over-the-counter transactions and demanding accountability. Ebola Preparedness: Scientists say new vaccines could blunt future Ebola impacts, as the DRC outbreak continues to strain response systems. Carbon Trading Governance: The African Development Bank pushed back on Liberia’s carbon trading plans, rejecting claims the policy was tied to AfDB support and spotlighting concerns over land rights and consent. Trade & Industry Growth: Liberia–India trade hit US$390.06m in 2025–26, with Liberian exports to India rising over 120% under zero-tariff access. Electricity Integration: AfDB launched the Mission 300 Progress Tracker (MapAfrica) to monitor electrification projects, including CLSG interconnection benefits. Local Content Policy: Liberia’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry backed a Local Content Policy to boost Liberian SMEs and keep more investment value in-country. Mining & Enforcement: President Boakai ordered joint security action against illegal miners in Gbarpolu, citing water pollution and threats to lawful mining governance. Telecom Scrutiny: A Liberia telecom joint venture linked to LTA controversy is drawing calls for transparency on ownership and regulatory process. Infrastructure Delivery: Ganta City Hall project secured about US$150k to complete a stalled construction effort. Education Affordability: Salvation Army Polytechnic University cut tuition by 50% across colleges to widen access.

Trade & Exports: Liberia’s exports to China jumped more than 30-fold in early 2026 after Beijing’s zero-tariff access, with Ambassador Yin Chengwu citing over US$200m in shipments in Jan–Mar alone, driven by iron ore and rubber. Local Industry Policy: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry backed Liberia’s Local Content Policy, pushing a Monrovia validation workshop to expand local participation and keep more investment benefits inside the economy. Mining Governance: President Boakai ordered joint security forces to crack down on illegal mining in Gbarpolu, citing water pollution and threats to lawful mining governance. Oil Sector Oversight: The Senate moved to avert an oil-sector crisis after a jurisdictional dispute between LPRA and NOCAL over reconnaissance agreements, warning of risks to investor confidence. Energy & Power Integration: The World Bank said West Africa’s regional power programme has expanded electricity access to over 3 million people and built 4,000+ km of transmission lines to boost cross-border trade, including Liberia. Regional Transport Insurance: ECOWAS Brown Card marked 44 years, reinforcing cross-border road safety and movement of people, vehicles, and goods across the region. Health & Safety Tech: A regional forum in Nairobi discussed safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in healthcare, with Liberia among participating countries. Education Access: Salvation Army Polytechnic University cut tuition by 50%, lowering credit-hour fees for health and other colleges to widen access for students.

Illegal Mining Crackdown: President Boakai orders joint security forces to move against illegal miners in Gbarpolu County, citing water pollution, weak lawful governance, and rising community tensions. Oil Sector Governance: The Senate moves to avert an oil-sector crisis after a jurisdictional dispute between LPRA and NOCAL over whether foreign firms got the right licenses before reconnaissance activities. Telecom Transparency: A growing controversy surrounds Numtel JV Numbase LLC, with critics questioning transparency, beneficial ownership, and whether approvals bypassed legislative intent. Trade & Industry Boost: Liberia’s exports to China jump more than 30-fold in early 2026 under China’s zero-tariff policy, while exports to India rise over 120% in 2025/26, led by palm kernel oil and natural rubber. Energy Access: A World Bank-backed West Africa power programme reports electricity access for over 3 million people and more cross-border trade via 4,000+ km of transmission lines. Local Governance Push: Liberia hosts an international roundtable on local governance and rural development June 7–13 to strengthen empowered county institutions. Education Affordability: Salvation Army Polytechnic University cuts tuition by 50%, lowering credit-hour fees for health, agriculture, engineering and other colleges. Health & Safety: Liberia’s preparedness focus includes airport and border Ebola screening, while a separate nuclear safety forum in Nairobi targets stronger radiation regulation across Africa.

Youth & Sports Governance: Minister Cornelia Wonkerleh Kruah’s 100-day report flags weak systems, poor transport, and the lack of a standalone youth ministry HQ, even as electricity stabilisation and plans to renovate youth centers/TVET facilities move ahead. Trade & Agriculture: Liberia’s exports to India jumped 120% in 2025-26, led by crude palm kernel oil and natural rubber, signaling a stronger agri-driven trade position. Diplomacy & Services: Liberia was named among 20 African countries keeping full U.S. visa-processing authority as the U.S. streamlines consular hubs. Local Development: Liberia will host an International Roundtable on Local Governance and Rural Development (June 7–13) to strengthen empowered local institutions and rural delivery. Public Transport: NTA plans to procure 20 buses and five cargo trucks, with an issue over bus size resolved via discounts and a move toward electronic ticketing/monitoring. Industry & Construction: Cement output rose 32.6% QoQ in Q1 2026, supported by stronger construction activity and added capacity. Energy & Power Integration: World Bank says West Africa’s power integration programme is expanding cross-border electricity trade and adding access for millions, including Liberia. Maritime Cooperation: NIMASA reaffirmed Nigeria–Liberia maritime integration plans, including sea-time training to build youth capacity for the blue economy. Security & Health: LDEA reports a sharp Q1 drop in drug seizures alongside arrests; separate reporting notes intensified Ebola screening at Nigeria’s borders/airports. Extractives Governance: A Senate dispute is brewing between LPRA and NOCAL over oil block authority, raising concerns for investor confidence and regulatory clarity. Environment & Mining Safety: A Bong County acid spill investigation challenges EPA conclusions, while a senator warns unsafe underground mining in Henry Town is endangering miners and ecosystems.

Oil & Gas Governance: Liberia’s petroleum sector is in a fresh power struggle as NOCAL and LPRA clash over who controls oil block dealings, with senators warning the dispute could hurt investor confidence and hydrocarbon governance. Mining Safety & Compliance: A Senate call is growing over unsafe underground mining in Henry Town, Gbarpolu, as heavy rains raise collapse risks and allegations point to unregulated activity and environmental damage. Telecom Transparency: Controversy is swirling around Numtel JV Numbase LLC and its approvals, with stakeholders questioning due diligence, beneficial ownership, and whether legislative intent was bypassed. Construction & Industry Output: Liberia’s cement production rose 32.6% quarter-on-quarter in Q1 2026, supported by stronger construction activity and added capacity. Public Transport Procurement: The NTA says it will procure 20 buses and five cargo trucks, after rejecting a delivery mismatch and negotiating discounts, with electronic monitoring and ticketing planned. Trade & Agriculture Exports: Liberia’s exports to India jumped 120% in 2025-26, driven by crude palm kernel oil and natural rubber. Renewable Energy: Liberia’s first solar farm (20MW) is advancing under the World Bank RESPITE project, aiming to cut diesel dependence and boost grid supply. Health & Security: Liberia’s anti-drug push reported 233 arrests and 422kg of narcotics seized in Q1 2026, while health screening at borders and airports is being tightened amid Ebola concerns. Local Governance: Liberia will host an international roundtable on local governance and rural development (June 7–13) to strengthen empowered local institutions. Education & Skills: Liberia won the WIPO-ARIPO regional IP high school club competition, spotlighting creative industries and copyright awareness. Environment Accountability: An independent investigation into a hydrochloric acid spill in Bong County challenges the EPA’s earlier conclusions, citing exposure and response gaps.

Renewables & Power: Liberia’s first solar farm at Mount Coffee (20MW) is now supplying the national grid under the World Bank RESPITE project, boosting generation capacity and cutting reliance on diesel-heavy power. Climate-Resilient Agriculture: The US$103.9m SARTLA project was launched to strengthen farming resilience, restore degraded ecosystems, improve food security, and support vulnerable communities across seven counties. Maritime & Blue Economy: Nigeria and Liberia renewed maritime cooperation to build capacity, deepen regional integration, and expand opportunities in the West African blue economy. Ebola Preparedness: Liberia is on heightened alert as DRC’s Ebola outbreak intensifies, with global partners scaling up response logistics and vaccine development for rare strains. Housing & Land Governance: Residents of NASSCORP Village in Brewerville accuse the National Housing Authority of selling land reserved for public facilities, with disputes now in court. Trade & Logistics Policy: The US plans to cut Africa visa-processing centres from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, including Monrovia—an operational shift that could affect business travel and staffing. Intellectual Property: Liberia won the WIPO-ARIPO Regional IP High School Club Awards, spotlighting IP awareness for creative industries.

Energy & Cost Pressures: UNCTAD warns that disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz could push up oil prices sharply, hitting fuel-importing vulnerable economies and forcing tough trade-offs between energy bills and essential services. Renewables in Focus: Liberia’s first solar farm at Mount Coffee (20MW, 40,000 panels) is now a key part of the World Bank RESPITE push to cut diesel dependence and boost grid supply. Agriculture Resilience: Liberia launched the US$103.9m SARTLA climate-resilience project (2025–2030) to protect livelihoods, restore ecosystems, and strengthen food security across seven counties. Maritime Cooperation: Nigeria and Liberia deepened maritime ties to build capacity and expand the West African Blue Economy, with emphasis on sea-time training for young professionals. Ebola Response & Health Security: WFP is scaling up frontline Ebola operations in DRC’s Ituri amid fears of a fast-moving rare strain, while Moderna advances a potential Bundibugyo vaccine with CEPI support. Governance & Land: Residents of NASSCORP Village in Brewerville accuse the National Housing Authority of selling land meant for public facilities, with disputes now in court. IP for Youth: Liberia won the WIPO-ARIPO Regional IP High School Club Awards, spotlighting creative industries and copyright awareness. Finance Debate: A proposed US$1 deduction on remittances is sparking intense debate over whether it could undermine household survival and foreign-exchange inflows.

Democracy & Elections: A new op-ed challenges Liberia’s “2% rule” in the Elections Law, arguing it could let government bar political parties after weak past performance—raising constitutional and democratic-choice concerns. Energy & Infrastructure: Liberia Electricity Corporation’s Saint Paul River 2 Hydropower Project (SP2 HPP) is spotlighted through stakeholder and investment coordination work tied to a World Bank-backed, US$800m–US$850m hydropower push. Agriculture & Climate Resilience: EPA and UNDP launch the SARTLA project, a five-year, ~US$103.9m effort to boost climate resilience, food security, ecosystem restoration, and livelihoods across seven counties. Extractives Transparency & Governance: LEITI holds a mid-year retreat in Ganta, renewing commitments on beneficial ownership, anti-corruption, and contract transparency—while a separate commentary questions whether LEITI’s public information systems are accessible enough for citizens. Mining & Jobs: Mines Minister Tingban commends ArcelorMittal Liberia’s investments during a Buchanan inspection tour, urging stronger local empowerment and hiring. Maritime Cooperation: Nigeria and Liberia reaffirm maritime partnership under NIMASA-led talks, aiming at safety, training, and Blue Economy opportunities. Human Trafficking: Liberia’s Labour Ministry welcomes a 10-year sentence for an alleged trafficker involving minors coerced into prostitution at an illegal gold mining site. Revenue Drive: Liberia Revenue Authority reports domestic revenue has already surpassed US$636.8m (51% of target) by May 26.

Mining & Jobs: Liberia’s Mines and Energy Minister R. Matenokay Tingban inspected ArcelorMittal Liberia in Buchanan, urging deeper local empowerment and more Liberian hiring as the company highlights rail/port logistics and iron ore operations. Agriculture & Climate Resilience: EPA and UNDP launched the US$103.9m SARTLA project (2025–2030) to boost climate resilience, food security, and ecosystem restoration across seven counties. Extractives Governance: LEITI wrapped a mid-year retreat in Ganta with renewed commitments to transparency and beneficial ownership, but a separate commentary flags gaps in public access to LEITI’s online disclosures. Roads & Connectivity: Public Works Minister Roland Layfette Giddings says multiple road and bridge projects are advancing nationwide, including Tapeta–Fish Town paving plans and works toward Buchanan–Greenville. Human Trafficking Enforcement: Labour Minister Cooper W. Kruah welcomed a 10-year sentence for Nigerian trafficker Esther Asuaquo tied to illegal gold mining and forced prostitution. Maritime & Blue Economy: Nigeria and Liberia reaffirmed maritime cooperation through NIMASA talks in Lagos, focusing on safety, training, and regional integration. Revenue Momentum: Liberia Revenue Authority reports US$636.8m in domestic revenue mobilized by May 26—51% of its annual target—before midyear. Regional Health Watch: Liberia’s NCCRM is strengthening Ebola preparedness after DRC alerts, emphasizing prevention, early warning, and coordination.

Extractives Transparency: LEITI and its Multi-Stakeholder Group renewed commitments after a mid-year retreat in Ganta, focusing on transparency, beneficial ownership and anti-corruption—but critics note the gap between those promises and what citizens can actually access online. Public Health Readiness: NCCRM stepped up Ebola preparedness after a Monrovia meeting, stressing early warning, prevention, public awareness and tighter response coordination. Roads & Industrial Linkages: Liberia’s Finance Minister urged AfDB support for the long-delayed Buchanan–Cestos corridor and better integration with SAPZ, arguing transport and agro-industrial connections are key to unlocking growth. Electricity Access: A World Bank regional power programme reported electricity gains for over 3 million people in West Africa, including Liberia, via transmission upgrades and cross-border trading. Agriculture Skills: Liberia began a 21-day intensive training for agriculture officials in Beijing, targeting storage, processing and reduced post-harvest losses. Entrepreneurship Push: Youth-focused speakers urged Liberia to shift from job-seeking to enterprise-building, linking skills training to real business creation. EU Electoral Reform Pressure: The EU called for urgent electoral reforms to protect trust ahead of the 2029 polls. Finance Sector Growth: Teachers Credit Union reported a 2025 net surplus of over L$20.4m and broke ground for its first permanent headquarters.

Maritime Integration: Nigeria’s NIMASA DG met Liberia’s honorary consul in Lagos, reaffirming plans for deeper Africa-wide maritime cooperation and youth sea-time training. Power & Industry Growth: The World Bank says its West Africa power integration programme has extended electricity access to over 3 million people, including Liberia, via thousands of kilometres of transmission lines and cross-border trade. Agriculture Skills in Focus: Liberia’s Ministry of Agriculture staff began a 21-day intensive training in Beijing on reducing post-harvest losses through storage, processing and preservation. Climate Resilience for Rural Livelihoods: EPA and UNDP will launch Liberia’s five-year SARTLA climate resilience project (2026–2030) to help vulnerable communities adapt and protect food security. Local Business Enablement: Liberia’s Governance Commission validated a Draft Local Content Policy and Supplier Development Portal with partners and the World Bank, aiming to boost Liberian participation in concessions and procurement. Energy Financing: President Boakai submitted a US$57m concessional deal to lawmakers to expand renewable generation, strengthen grid reliability, and improve regional power interconnectivity under WAPP. Extractives Accountability: A lawmaker told LEITI in Ganta that Liberia is not getting fair value from mining, citing low government revenue shares and calling for profit-sharing reforms. SME & Entrepreneurship Push: PYAC urged Africa’s youth to shift from remittances to sustainable investments, while a Liberian diaspora entrepreneur proposed a framework to modernize SME support and digital empowerment. Trade & Logistics Signals: A Liberia-based shipowner, Bella Shipping, received India’s first ship recycling credit note after scrapping a Capesize bulk carrier—highlighting how maritime services can link to industrial supply chains.

Liberia Digital Push: President Joseph N. Boakai submitted a US$57M concessional financing request to ratify additional funding for Liberia’s Regional Emergency Solar Power Intervention Project, aiming to expand renewable generation, strengthen grid stability, and boost WAPP power interconnectivity. Local Industry Rules: Liberia’s Governance Commission and partners validated a Draft Local Content Policy and Supplier Development Portal to help Liberian firms win more in concessions and public-private supply chains. Trade & Port Oversight: Liberia’s House set up a probe into alleged bottlenecks and steep fees at the Freeport of Monrovia, including charges tied to Central Tracking Numbers that reportedly raise costs and delay imports. Mining & Growth Signals: Zodiac Gold reported trenching results at its Ben Ben North area in Liberia, confirming a new priority drill target and mobilizing a rig to test mineralization at depth. Revenue Momentum: Liberia’s domestic revenue hit US$636.8M by May 26 (51% of target) as the Liberia Revenue Authority accelerates collection ahead of midyear. Regional Investment Drive: AfDB and WEF launched the HRI Roadmap for Africa, with Liberia named among pilot countries to mobilize private capital into fragile economies.