AGP Executive Report

Electricity Push: President Boakai switched on Buchanan lights under the €42m EU Light Up South-East Liberia (LUSE) programme, expanding streetlights and connections for homes, businesses, hospitals and schools. Budget Discipline: MFDP launched the FY2027 budget process, urging ministries to end unplanned recurrent requests and align spending with the ARREST Agenda. Public Workforce Planning: The Civil Service Agency will hold regular annual manpower hearings alongside the FY2027 budget to control compensation demands. Maritime Modernization: Liberia’s National Port Authority signed an MoU with France’s HAROPA PORT to modernize four seaports with smart, digital and automated systems. Drug Bust Shock: Authorities seized nearly four tonnes of cocaine worth about US$317m near Roberts International Airport, arresting two foreign nationals and pointing to a long-running trafficking network. Rubber Value-Chain Tension: A rubber broker renewed calls to abolish Executive Order 166, arguing it blocks smallholders while favoring large concession companies. Water Safety Alarm: Weah Village residents in Maryland County pleaded for safe drinking water after relying on a creek beside the Harper Highway. Health Infrastructure: Ganta United Methodist Hospital began building a modern lab and solar power plant to upgrade diagnostics.

Electricity Push in Buchanan: The EU-funded Light Up South-East Liberia (LUSE) project is lighting up major Buchanan corridors and communities ahead of July 26, with streetlights and new connections rolling out via RREA and LEC. Urban Resilience for Monrovia: A French AFD team reviewed Monrovia’s MIDP (€10m) and the Urban Fabric Initiative (€900k) focused on drainage, climate-resilient roads, and community public works. Budget Process Starts: MFDP has opened the FY2027 budget formulation, urging ministries to stop unplanned recurrent requests and align spending with the ARREST Agenda. Port Modernization Deal: Liberia’s National Port Authority signed an MoU with France’s HAROPA PORT to modernize Monrovia, Buchanan, Greenville and Harper with smart-port tech, automation, and training. Rubber Value-Add Fight: A rubber broker renewed calls to abolish Executive Order 166, arguing it blocks smallholders and brokers while favoring large concession companies. Drug Bust Raises Big Questions: Authorities seized nearly four tonnes of cocaine worth about $317m near Roberts International Airport, arresting two foreign nationals and spotlighting gaps in how trafficking networks operate. Housing Funding Gap: NHA says proposed affordable housing (including 600 homes worth $16.8m) remains unfunded, deepening Liberia’s housing crisis. Health Infrastructure in Ganta: Ganta United Methodist Hospital began building a new lab and solar power plant with a $450k grant to expand diagnostics. Maritime Security: Liberia’s judiciary and maritime sector are urged to prepare for disputes tied to modern shipping risks as regional logistics face disruption.

Drug Enforcement: Liberia seized nearly four tonnes of cocaine worth about US$317.7 million from a Duazon property on the Roberts International Airport highway, arresting two foreign nationals and describing the haul as tied to an “organised, sophisticated, complex and well-funded” trafficking network. Justice & Accountability: A separate US$19.2 million cocaine case involving Global Logistics Services appears procedurally stuck after a preliminary ruling, raising concerns over whether indictments will move in the current court term. Maritime Modernization: Liberia’s National Port Authority signed an MoU with France’s HAROPA PORT to modernize Monrovia, Buchanan, Greenville and Harper with smart-port tech, automation, digital transformation and training. Housing & Industry Inputs: Liberia’s housing crisis deepened as the National Housing Authority said a US$16.8 million plan for 600 homes received no funding, leaving most of the population in slum or inadequate conditions. Skills & Innovation: NASSCORP commissioned a Margibi University Innovation Lab to expand digital learning and research capacity. Regional Trade Disruption: Ukraine said no civilian ships passed the grain corridor on July 22 after repeated attacks, warning of higher food prices and hunger.

War on Drugs: Liberia’s security forces uncovered a major narcotics cache in Duazon, Margibi, tied to the earlier US$19.2M Roberts International Airport cocaine case, but questions remain on how such a shipment entered and moved undetected, while a separate court process involving GLS manager Paul J. King appears procedurally stalled. Port & Shipping Modernization: The National Port Authority signed an MoU with France’s HAROPA PORT to modernize Liberia’s four seaports with smart-port tech, automation, logistics upgrades, and training. Housing & Public Service Pressure: Liberia’s housing crisis deepened as a US$16.8M affordable homes plan reportedly went unfunded, and NHA employees protested demanding the removal of the managing director. Digital Economy Push: Boakai proclaimed July 21 “Liberia Technology Summit Day,” and NASSCORP commissioned an Innovation Lab at Margibi University to expand digital learning and research. Regional Integration & Energy: ECOWAS approved Liberia’s senior appointments, while the Nigeria–Morocco Atlantic Gas Pipeline advanced with Liberia listed along the corridor—raising both opportunity and security questions for cross-border infrastructure. Extractives Governance: Liberia scored “very good” (80/100) in the latest EITI validation, with calls to strengthen beneficial ownership, environmental transparency, and community benefit.

Maritime Security & Trade Disruption: More vessels reportedly U-turned to avoid potential Houthi hostile action along the Maritime Transit Security Corridor, keeping pressure on Red Sea shipping. Regional Energy Integration: ECOWAS-backed momentum continues for the $25bn Nigeria–Morocco Atlantic gas pipeline, with the planned corridor set to pass through Liberia and other West African states—though security and cross-border protection remain key risks. Liberia’s Energy Access: The President’s Delivery Unit pushes stronger coordination between LEC and RREA to speed up EU-funded electrification in Buchanan under the Light Up South-East program. Governance & Industry Oversight: Liberia secured a “very good” 80/100 EITI validation score, while NHA employees protested the removal of the managing director over alleged mismanagement. Digital Transformation: Boakai proclaimed July 21 as “Liberia Technology Summit Day,” institutionalizing an annual platform for digital governance and innovation. Youth & Skills: ILO marks World Youth Skills Day, urging sustained skills investment to cut unemployment—relevant as Liberia expands TVET and workforce pathways.

ECOWAS Appointments: Liberia lands two top regional roles—Cllr. Charlyne M. Brumskine named Judge of the ECOWAS Court of Justice and Dehpue Y. Zuo appointed Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture—approved at the ECOWAS summit in Lungi. Digital Transformation: President Boakai proclaims July 21 “Liberia Technology Summit Day,” pushing a national push for digital governance, broadband, and homegrown infrastructure. Youth & Jobs: PYAC targets 1,000+ youth for Boakai’s third town hall in Buchanan, aiming for direct policy input from across all 15 counties. Housing Sector Tension: NHA employees protest, demanding removal of Managing Director Florence K. Geegbae over alleged mismanagement and civil service violations. Extractives Transparency: Liberia scores “very good” (80/100) in the latest EITI validation, with progress noted but calls to improve data quality, beneficial ownership, and community benefit. Mining & Land Use: ArcelorMittal warns illegal construction in Yekepa could delay modernization and raise costs, urging tighter town council enforcement. Energy & Trade: ECOWAS backs the Nigeria–Morocco gas pipeline, a 6,000km corridor expected to link 13 countries including Liberia to wider energy markets. Maritime Disruption: Houthi threats and the wider Middle East conflict are rerouting tankers, including a Liberia-flagged crude vessel shifting toward Suez—raising freight and fuel pressures for regional logistics.

Drug Enforcement: Liberia’s Joint Security raided a Duazon, Margibi warehouse, seizing a suspected massive cocaine haul and detaining Colombian and Spanish nationals, reviving questions about how large shipments slip through ports and security systems. Rubber Industry: A raw-material squeeze is threatening shutdowns at Liberia’s six rubber processors, with monthly needs far above current supply; lawmakers are weighing how to enforce the ban on exporting unprocessed rubber. Energy & Infrastructure: ECOWAS endorsed the Nigeria–Morocco Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a $25bn, 6,000km corridor expected to run through Liberia and support industrial growth; Liberia also begins technical scoping for its second MCC Compact energy projects. Monetary Policy: The Central Bank of Liberia cut its monetary policy rate to 16% as inflation eases, aiming to support credit and growth. Governance & Oversight: The Senate ordered a joint technical review of an abandoned US$990k Gbarpolu road project, after corruption watchdog briefings. Justice & Jobs: UNDP backed the graduation of new magistrates, while ArcelorMittal Liberia completed job-readiness assessments for 218 residents in Grand Bassa. Telecom Regulation: Claims about LTA traffic monitoring are being challenged by sector sources citing missing infrastructure and software access.

Rubber Industry Under Pressure: Liberia’s rubber processors face a major raw-material shortfall—about 22,600 metric tons missing monthly—fueling fears of shutdowns and job losses, as brokers reportedly export roughly 22,000 tons of unprocessed rubber despite Executive Order No. 166. Local Jobs & Industry Readiness: ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) is running job-readiness assessments for 218 residents in Grand Bassa, feeding into training and semi-skilled roles under its local-content strategy. Monetary Policy for Growth: The Central Bank of Liberia cut its monetary policy rate by 25 basis points to 16% as inflation eases, aiming to support credit to farmers, traders and SMEs. Energy Compact Scoping: Government has begun a technical scoping mission for Liberia’s second MCC Compact energy projects, with a focus on reliable, affordable electricity to unlock investment. Governance & Investor Confidence: The Senate ordered a joint technical review of an abandoned US$990k Gbarpolu road project after LACC briefings, while new magistrates graduated amid calls to resist corruption. Skills for Industrialization: Speaker Koon pushed stronger TVET investment and lawmakers advanced plans for new vocational and technical institutes to tackle youth unemployment. Telecom Oversight Dispute: Claims that the LTA is monitoring telecom traffic are challenged by sector sources citing missing infrastructure, licenses and operator integration. Regional Energy Deal: ECOWAS backed the $25bn Nigeria–Morocco Atlantic Gas Pipeline, with Liberia named among the corridor countries.

Maritime Security: Caspian Pipeline Consortium says drone attacks hit three tankers during loading near its Black Sea terminal, briefly suspending operations; one Liberia-registered vessel reported a fire that was contained, while a sanctioned tanker’s crew was evacuated and loading resumed after damage checks. Gulf Shipping Risk: In the Strait of Hormuz, a Liberia-flagged supertanker (Acheloos) and a Malta-flagged fuel tanker were struck by projectiles; crews were safe and assessments are underway as traffic continues despite U.S.-Iran escalation. Energy Investment Push: Liberia’s Petroleum Regulatory Authority appoints Energy Capital & Power as strategic communications and investor engagement partner to promote upstream licensing, building on recent TotalEnergies and Oranto PSC momentum. Regional Power Project: ECOWAS leaders back the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline intergovernmental agreement, with Liberia’s President Boakai calling it a major breakthrough for regional integration and energy security. Rubber Industry Pressure: A raw rubber supply shortfall is threatening Liberia’s processing plants, with lawmakers hearing that processors need far more monthly volumes than they currently receive. Roads & Skills: House ratifies a US$30m concessional loan for the Salayea–Konia Road, while Speaker Koon urges higher TVET investment and the House advances a new Gharzon Vocational and Technical Institute bill. Telecom Oversight: Questions persist over whether Liberia’s LTA can truly monitor traffic in real time, despite claims of monitoring and a deal with Numtel Liberia. Construction Sector: ALCC calls for stronger government support, local contractor participation, and faster payment to revive Liberia’s construction industry. Youth Governance: The House endorses a Youth Legislative Caucus to institutionalize youth input into lawmaking and oversight.

Judiciary Integrity: Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan urged new magistrates in Monrovia to resist corruption and protect the rule of law, warning one bad ruling can undo years of trust-building. TVET for Industry: House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon pushed bigger investment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training, backing skills that match labor market needs as 359 students graduated from NVTI. Rubber Crisis: Liberia’s rubber processors face a major shutdown risk as monthly supply falls far short of demand, with lawmakers weighing the impact of the ban on exporting unprocessed rubber. Roads & Trade Logistics: The House ratified a US$30m concessional loan for the 50km Salayea–Konia Road in Lofa, aiming to improve connectivity for commerce. Construction Sector Reform: ALCC called for stronger government support, easier access to public contracts, and better payment and financing for local contractors. Telecom Oversight Questions: Concerns are rising over whether LTA can truly monitor traffic after claims of monitoring and a three-year deal with Numtel. Agro-Industrial Push: LSEZA highlighted Liberia’s agro-industrial investment opportunities at the Liberia–Nigeria Trade and Investment Forum, spotlighting the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone. Maritime Policy: House and Senate harmonized the LPRC Bill to modernize petroleum governance, setting up a clearer framework for the sector. Skills Infrastructure: The House endorsed creation of the Gharzon Vocational and Technical Institute in Grand Gedeh, targeting youth unemployment with practical training.

Liberia–Nigeria Trade Push: Liberia and Nigeria renewed commitments to deepen bilateral trade and investment at the Liberia–Nigeria Trade and Investment Forum in Lagos, with AfCFTA and private-sector collaboration front and center for industrialisation and jobs. Petroleum Sector Reform: House and Senate reconciled competing versions of the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC) Bill via a Joint Conference Committee, moving toward harmonised legislation to modernize petroleum governance. Agro-Industrial Zones: Liberia’s Special Economic Zones Authority (LSEZA) showcased agro-industrial investment opportunities at the same forum, highlighting the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) project for value addition and export competitiveness. Energy Skills Pipeline: Energy Transition Africa selected a founding class of Pan-African fellows, including a Liberian cohort, to build capacity for tackling Africa’s energy crisis. Environment Lab Upgrade: President Boakai commissioned an EPA Elemental Analyzer (IAEA support) to strengthen local testing for soil, forests, wetlands and farm productivity. Care Economy Spotlight: UN Women urged urgent care economy reforms after a report estimated women’s unpaid care work at US$530m annually. Local Governance & Representation: ALJA warned Liberia’s proposed House expansion must follow constitutional rules, credible population data, and public consultation. Street-Level Economy Pressure: A report highlights a cash squeeze in Monrovia despite macro growth claims, pointing to tight money and high lending costs hitting traders. Maritime & Logistics Dispute: GLS Group issued a statement rejecting public claims tied to a Roberts International Airport cargo interception, clarifying its role as a freight forwarder/customs broker.

Maritime Security: Ukrainian drones hit two tankers during loading at the CPC terminal near Novorossiysk, including one flying the Liberian flag, halting oil loading after a fire broke out; no CPC casualties or oil spill reported. Trade & Industry: Liberia and Nigeria reaffirmed plans to deepen bilateral trade and investment under AfCFTA at the Liberia–Nigeria Trade and Investment Forum in Lagos, with emphasis on industrialisation and private-sector collaboration. Agro-Industry & Jobs: Liberia’s LSEZA showcased the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) and Agriculture Transformation Centers at the same forum, pitching value addition, agro-processing, and export competitiveness. Energy Transition Skills: Energy Transition Africa selected a Pan-African cohort of 15 fellows (including Liberia’s Kemoh Lumei) to build capacity around Africa’s energy crisis. Environment & Cocoa Supply Chains: Investigations highlight rapid deforestation in southeastern Liberia driven by expanding cacao farms, tied to migrant labour and forest clearing methods. Petroleum Governance: House and Senate harmonized the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC) Bill via a joint conference committee, aiming to modernize petroleum sector rules. Regulatory Oversight: Integrity Watch Liberia and the Senate Committee on Investment and Concessions signed a three-year MoU to strengthen oversight of concession agreements. Air & Science Capacity: Liberia’s EPA commissioned a new Elemental Analyzer (IAEA support) to speed local testing for soil, forests, wetlands, and farm inputs.

Petroleum Reform: Liberia’s House and Senate have harmonized the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC) Bill, moving it toward passage to modernize petroleum governance. Agro-Industrial Push: LSEZA showcased Liberia’s Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) at the Liberia–Nigeria Trade and Investment Forum 2026, pitching value addition, jobs, and export competitiveness. Trade & Jobs Support: Growth Accelerator Liberia says it has backed 92 enterprises with $1.7m since 2021, aiming to strengthen the private sector and create steadier employment. Environment & Lab Capacity: President Boakai dedicated the EPA’s new headquarters and commissioned an Elemental Analyzer (IAEA support) to boost local testing for soil, forests, wetlands, and farm productivity. Land Rights Implementation: Stakeholders warn Liberia’s 2018 Land Rights Act risks falling short without faster implementation, more funding, and stronger coordination. Oversight for Concessions: Integrity Watch Liberia and the Senate Committee on Investment and Concessions signed a 3-year MoU to strengthen scrutiny of mining, forestry, agriculture, and infrastructure deals. Care Economy: UN Women calls for urgent reform after a report estimates women’s unpaid care work contributes about $530m annually. Deforestation Watch: Mongabay reports a cocoa-driven forest loss surge in southeastern Liberia, spotlighting migrant labor and community impacts. Logistics Dispute: GLS Group rejects public claims tied to a Roberts International Airport cargo interception, clarifying its role and separate entities.

Energy Skills & Fellowship: Energy Transition Africa has selected 15 “Cohort Zero” Pan-African fellows from eight countries after 231 applications, aiming to strengthen Africa’s energy workforce and solutions. Forestry & Cocoa Supply Chains: Mongabay reports southeastern Liberia’s rainforests are being cleared for fast-growing cocoa, with migrant labour and profit incentives driving deforestation. Petroleum Sector Reform: Liberia’s House and Senate have reconciled the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC) Bill through a Joint Conference Committee, setting up harmonized legislation to modernize petroleum governance. Agro-Industrial Investment: Liberia’s LSEZA showcased agro-industrial opportunities at the Liberia–Nigeria Trade and Investment Forum 2026, highlighting the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone and Agriculture Transformation Centers. Environmental Science & Governance: President Boakai dedicated the EPA’s new headquarters and commissioned an Elemental Analyzer (IAEA support) to boost local testing for soil, forests, wetlands and farm productivity. Care Economy Policy: UN Women launched a Liberia Care Snapshot Report calling for urgent reforms to recognize, reduce and redistribute unpaid care work by women. Logistics Accountability: GLS Group issued a statement clarifying its role in a Roberts International Airport cargo interception, stressing it did not authorize or facilitate the shipment in question.

Petroleum Reform: The House and Senate have reconciled competing versions of the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC) Bill, setting up harmonized legislation to modernize petroleum governance. Agro-Industrial Push: LSEZA highlighted Liberia’s Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) at the Liberia–Nigeria Trade and Investment Forum in Lagos, pitching value addition, jobs, and export competitiveness. Banking & SME Finance: GCB Bank MD Farihan Alhassan urged Africa to tackle the “risk structure” problem—arguing de-risking and blended finance can unlock infrastructure and climate capital. Environmental Governance Upgrade: President Boakai dedicated the EPA’s new headquarters and commissioned an Elemental Analyzer to cut costly sample testing abroad and strengthen local soil and environmental monitoring. Land Rights Pressure: Stakeholders warned Liberia’s 2018 Land Rights Act risks falling short without faster implementation, funding, and stronger coordination. Concessions Oversight: Integrity Watch Liberia and the Senate Committee on Investment and Concessions signed an MoU to boost independent technical review of concession deals. Care Economy Lens: UN Women called for urgent reforms after a report estimated women’s unpaid care work at US$530m annually—urging investment in childcare, health, water, and social protection. Agri Support: Germany donated vehicles and motorcycles to CHAP to expand climate-resilient rice production and field extension services. Skills for Industry: Nimba lawmakers and training centers pushed vocational and heavy-duty equipment skills to meet mining, construction, and transport workforce needs. Logistics Accountability: GLS Group issued a statement clarifying its role in a Roberts International Airport cargo interception, stressing it did not authorize or facilitate the shipment in question. Deforestation Watch: Mongabay reported a cocoa-driven deforestation crisis in Liberia’s southeast, tied to migrant farming pressure.

Environmental Governance & Agriculture: President Boakai dedicated the EPA’s new headquarters and commissioned an IAEA-supported Elemental Analyzer (about €100,000), enabling local testing of soil and water to guide farming and environmental protection. Land Rights Oversight: Stakeholders warned Liberia’s 2018 Land Rights Act risks under-delivering without faster implementation, funding, and stronger coordination for customary land recognition. Investment & Concessions Watch: Integrity Watch Liberia and the Senate Committee on Investment and Concessions signed a three-year MoU to strengthen oversight of mining, forestry, agriculture, and infrastructure deals. Agro-Industrial Push: LSEZA highlighted Liberia’s Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone at the Liberia–Nigeria Trade and Investment Forum, linking farmers to value addition through Agriculture Transformation Centers. Mining & Illegal Practices: A DayLight investigation described deaths and alleged unlicensed, polluting gold mining in Sinoe County, renewing pressure on enforcement. Forestry & Cocoa: Mongabay reported deforestation in Liberia’s cocoa frontier driven by a “cocoa rush” and migrant farming pressures. Rubber Value Addition: Boakai submitted an $18m investment incentive for a Bong County natural rubber processing facility, aligning with the export ban on unprocessed rubber. Logistics & Justice: GLS Group rejected allegations tied to a Roberts International Airport cargo interception; meanwhile, Monrovia City Court sent a US$19.2m cocaine case involving GLS manager Paul King to trial. Care Economy Reform: UN Women urged urgent reforms after a report estimated women’s unpaid care work contributes about US$530m annually, calling for investment in services that reduce the burden. Youth Skills: Nimba lawmakers and a local training center expanded vocational and heavy-equipment skills programs to meet labor demand in mining, construction, and transport.