AGP Executive Report

Minerals & Industrialisation Push: ECOWAS ministers met in Accra to back a “mine together, process together” agenda, urging West Africa to move beyond exporting raw minerals and build factories, standards, and transport links to boost jobs and intra-African trade—TVET Skills Drive: Liberia’s Agricultural and Industrial Training Bureau (AITB) is running a two-day workshop at the Monrovia Vocational Training Center to align TVET licensing, quality assurance, curricula, and apprenticeships with labour market needs; Insurance Sector Reform: Liberia’s House passed a bill to create an independent Insurance Commission, shifting insurance regulation from the Central Bank to a standalone regulator; Cocoa & Coffee Investment: Zeno Industries says it is expanding investment in Liberia’s cocoa and coffee value chain, employing hundreds of workers and working with thousands of farmers under EU deforestation rules; Coffee Deal for Value Addition: JR Farms signed a $60m public-private coffee concession with Liberia’s Ministry of Agriculture to revive production, processing, farmer training, and value-chain infrastructure; Port Growth Milestone: Liberia’s National Port Authority reports the fastest berthing and discharge of the largest container vessel ever handled at the Freeport of Monrovia; Ebola Preparedness: Africa CDC urged stronger border exit screenings for countries at risk of Ebola spread from the DRC, focusing on preparedness rather than travel bans.

Port & Shipping: Liberia’s National Port Authority says the Freeport of Monrovia handled the CMA CGM Springs, the largest container vessel ever to berth there, discharging about 3,000 containers in two days and citing faster turnaround as proof of rising port capacity. Maritime Safety & Compliance: A separate report on the MSC ELSA 3 sinking argues there’s a gap between “paper” certification and real operational safety, while another story says three US-strike-hit tankers near Oman had prior detentions, sanctions, or classification problems. Energy & Power: The World Bank signed US$125m for Liberia, including US$57m for renewable energy and grid reliability upgrades under RESPITE, and Greenville is set to get electricity after 30+ years as EU-backed works near completion. TVET & Skills: AITB will run a two-day TVET capacity-building workshop in Monrovia to align training with labor market needs, focusing on licensing, quality assurance, and industry partnerships. Agribusiness & Jobs: Liberia’s coffee revival gets a major boost via a US$60m public-private concession with JR Farms, while ArcelorMittal Liberia hires 56 young artisans full-time after training in Yekepa. Fisheries & Blue Economy: NaFAA and Morocco are advancing fisheries cooperation, with a July 2026 cooperation agreement expected. Governance & Integrity: Liberia launches its first National Integrity Index to measure public sector integrity and accountability annually. Transport Environment: EPA and partners validate a cleaner fuels and vehicle strategy push, targeting emissions and vehicle standards as Liberia’s fleet grows.

TVET Skills Push: AITB will run a June 11–12 capacity-building workshop in Paynesville to align Liberia’s TVET licensing, curriculum, apprenticeships, and quality assurance with what employers need. Power for Industry: Greenville is set to be electrified by late June/early July after EU-funded Light Up Southeast works near completion across substations, solar assets, and distribution systems. Energy Finance: The World Bank signed US$125m for Liberia, including US$57m for renewable upgrades under RESPITE—Mount Coffee improvements, solar expansion, and battery storage to stabilize the grid. Coffee Investment Deal: JR Farms’ US$60m, 20-year coffee concession with Liberia is moving the sector toward bigger exports and jobs, with legal counsel support from EandC Legal. Fisheries Cooperation: NaFAA and Morocco are advancing fisheries modernization, training, value addition, and landing-site development, with a July 2026 cooperation agreement expected. Local Jobs in Mining: ArcelorMittal Liberia hired 56 young artisans full-time after academy training in Yekepa, boosting trades like electricians and mechanics. Integrity & Governance: Liberia launched its first National Integrity Index to measure public-sector integrity and accountability annually. Transport Pressure: A rainy-season moratorium will restrict heavy-duty trucks (25+ tons) on key unpaved corridors from July 31 to Oct 15 to protect roads and safety. Remittances Expansion: Orange Money Liberia partnered with BnB Liberia to launch outbound mobile-wallet transfers to eight African countries without traditional banks. Anti-Corruption Leadership: Boakai reinstated LACRA DG Christopher Sankolo after LACC cleared him, ending months of uncertainty. Blue Economy Caution: NaFAA-linked outboard engines donated to fishermen in Grand Kru must not be sold to foreigners, with sanctions warned.

Fisheries & Blue Economy: Liberia and China reaffirmed plans to deepen cooperation in fisheries and maritime modernization after talks between NaFAA DG J. Cyrus Saygbe Sr. and China’s ambassador, with a focus on investment, technical development, and unlocking the blue economy. Agribusiness Investment: JR Farms Group signed a US$60m, 20-year coffee concession with Liberia’s Ministry of Agriculture, targeting revitalization of the coffee sector, export expansion, and large-scale jobs for farmers. Energy & Infrastructure Finance: The Government and World Bank signed US$125m financing, including US$57m for renewable power and grid upgrades under RESPITE, with Mount Coffee upgrades and more solar plus battery storage. Local Governance: President Boakai pushed a decentralization and rural development agenda, urging development beyond Monrovia through stronger local institutions. Anti-Corruption & Regulation: Boakai reinstated LACRA DG Christopher Sankolo after LACC clearance, ending months of uncertainty. Transport & Roads: Public Works imposed a rainy-season moratorium on heavy-duty trucks over 25 tons on key unpaved corridors to protect infrastructure. Maritime Security: LDEA seized US$19.2m cocaine at Roberts International Airport, warning Liberia is not a transit hub. Business Support: LIPO and UNIDO ran a Bong County clinic to help SMEs strengthen IP protection and business management. Environment & Transport: EPA and UN partners validated a cleaner fuels and vehicle strategy workshop, tied to Liberia’s environmental sustainability agenda.

Energy Regulation: LPRA and Ghana’s Petroleum Commission signed an MOU to deepen petroleum regulatory cooperation, including licensing, contract administration, local content and joint training—timed with Liberia’s new upstream PSC push. MCC Pipeline: President Boakai endorsed three MCC Concept Notes for a potential second Compact, focusing on reliable electricity for industry, energy workforce skills, and stronger mining governance. Port & Trade: Liberia’s National Port Authority berthed the CMA CGM Springs, the country’s largest vessel, and rolled out new “MPA” trade facilitation and transparency initiatives. Coffee Deal: JR Farms Group sealed a US$60m, 20-year coffee partnership with Liberia’s Ministry of Agriculture to revive Liberica coffee—targeting 200m trees, 250,000+ hectares, and 200,000+ farmers. Roads & Logistics: Public Works imposed a rainy-season moratorium on heavy-duty trucks over 25 tons on key unpaved corridors, including Tappita–Zwedru and Zwedru–Kanweaken. Fisheries & Enforcement: NaFAA’s outboard engine donations sparked a Grand Kru warning against selling equipment to foreigners, while NaFAA also advanced fisheries cooperation in Morocco. Governance & Integrity: Liberia launched its first National Integrity Index to score public institutions on integrity and accountability, and Liberia also moved to review an ANC complaint over the MRU Center project. Environment & Transport: EPA validated strategies promoting cleaner fuels and vehicle measures, as Liberia tightens transport emissions standards. Business Support: LIPO and UNIDO ran an IP and business clinic in Bong to help SMEs protect trademarks and improve enterprise management. Security: LDEA seized US$19.2m cocaine at RIA, warning traffickers Liberia is not a transit safe haven.

Transport & Environment: Liberia’s EPA, with UNEP and UNDP, wrapped a validation workshop on cleaner fuels and vehicle strategies, citing rapid fleet growth and the need to tighten emission and vehicle standards. Maritime & Trade: Liberia’s National Port Authority berthed the CMA CGM Springs, the largest vessel in the country’s history, and says port efficiency and 24-hour operations are improving container throughput. Agribusiness (Coffee): JR Farms Group signed a US$60m, 20-year coffee partnership with Liberia, targeting 200m coffee trees, 250,000+ hectares, and 300,000 jobs across the value chain. Roads & Logistics: The Ministry of Public Works imposed a rainy-season moratorium on heavy-duty trucks (25+ tonnes) on key unpaved corridors from July 31 to Oct 15 to protect infrastructure and safety. Anti-Corruption: The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission began reviewing an ANC petition challenging the Mano River Union (MRU) Center project in Foya. Energy & Investment: The World Bank approved US$55.8m for reforms supporting fiscal stability, private sector growth, and renewable energy investment, alongside electricity viability measures. Skills & Jobs: River Gee Technical College graduated its first 203 students, while 4Life Zoe expanded vocational training to Ganta. Petroleum Governance: NOCAL agreed to apply for reconnaissance licenses with LPRA, ending a dispute over offshore survey authorization. Wildlife Enforcement: An EU-supported taskforce seized 735.5kg of pangolin scales and arrested two suspects in Monrovia.

World Bank Financing: The World Bank approved a US$55.8M package to back Liberia’s resilient and inclusive growth reforms, including public financial management, private sector development, social protection, and steps to improve the Liberia Electricity Corporation and renewable energy investment. Energy & Infrastructure: Liberia also signed three World Bank deals totaling US$125M for energy upgrades (RESPITE), digital connectivity (WARDIP 2), and road corridor asset management (SECRAMP), with Mount Coffee solar expansion and storage highlighted. Maritime Trade: The National Port Authority berthed the CMA CGM Springs, Liberia’s largest vessel to date, and says port operations now run 24 hours while launching new transparency and efficiency media initiatives. Mining & Skills: ArcelorMittal Liberia says expansion work is progressing in Yekepa and Buchanan, including new port facilities and a concentrator plant, alongside community projects and a vocational training push. Agribusiness: The Ministry of Agriculture signed a 20-year US$60M partnership with JR Farms Group to revitalize Liberia’s coffee sector, targeting large-scale planting and major job creation. Telecom Governance: A telecom regulatory controversy is growing after LTA approval of a Numtel/Numbase joint venture despite a legislatively ratified TIA concession agreement. Petroleum Rules: NOCAL and partners agreed to apply to the LPRA for reconnaissance licenses, ending a dispute over who authorizes offshore survey activities. Local Industry Training: River Gee Technical College graduated its first 203 students, while 4Life Zoe expands vocational training to Ganta, including heavy-duty equipment operations. Anti-Illicit Trade: EU-supported enforcement seized 735kg of pangolin scales in Liberia, with arrests and investigations into wider trafficking networks.

MCC Power & Mining Roadmap: President Joseph Boakai endorsed three MCC concept notes aimed at tackling Liberia’s binding electricity constraint and boosting energy workforce capacity and mining governance. World Bank Infrastructure Push: Liberia signed US$125m deals for digital integration (WARDIP 2), emergency solar upgrades (RESPITE), and road asset management (SECRAMP), aligning with the ARREST agenda. Clean Energy Milestone: Boakai commissioned a 20MW solar plant at Mount Coffee, while RESPITE financing targets scaling solar and adding battery storage to cut power costs and improve reliability. Transmission Upgrade in Focus: TCN granted Mainstream Energy access to build 2×330kV bays at Kainji to evacuate an additional 220MW from new turbines. Petroleum Governance Clarity: NOCAL and partners agreed to apply to LPRA for reconnaissance licenses, ending a Senate-brokered dispute over offshore survey authorization. Real Estate Integrity Drive: FIA launched a nationwide AML/CFT awareness campaign to strengthen compliance in Liberia’s growing property sector. Trade & Value Shift: Liberia’s export surge to India and China is highlighted as a signal to move from raw-volume exports toward higher-value production. Wildlife Enforcement: EU-supported taskforces seized 735.5kg of pangolin scales and arrested two suspects, pointing to wider trafficking networks.

World Bank Deal: Liberia signed US$125m financing for energy, digital connectivity and road works, including WARDIP 2, RESPITE solar upgrades and SECRAMP corridor support. Clean Energy Push: Boakai commissioned a 20MW grid-connected solar plant at Mount Coffee, cutting generation costs and boosting reliability. Petroleum Governance: NOCAL and partners agreed to apply to LPRA for reconnaissance licenses, ending a Senate-brokered standoff over who authorizes offshore surveys. Real Estate Integrity: FIA and the Liberia Land Authority launched a nationwide campaign to strengthen AML/CFT compliance in the fast-growing property sector. Export Momentum: Liberia’s exports to China topped US$200m in Q1 2026, while trade with India rose sharply—fuelled by iron ore, rubber and palm oil. Local Industry Policy: LIBA urged strict enforcement of the Liberianization Policy, starting with distribution to ensure Liberian firms control key supply chains. Skills for Jobs: River Gee Vocational and Technical Training Institute graduated its first 202 students across agriculture, trades and services. Energy Sector Debate: Mount Coffee solar commissioning reignited calls for stable power to unlock investment and everyday business activity.

World Bank Financing & Clean Energy: President Boakai signed US$125m in World Bank deals for digital connectivity (WARDIP 2), emergency solar power (RESPITE), and road asset management (SECRAMP), shortly after commissioning Liberia’s first grid-connected 20MW solar plant at Mount Coffee—cutting power costs from 28¢ to 3¢ per unit. Digital & Tax Modernisation: Liberia’s LRA signed three cooperation agreements with South Korea’s NTS to boost tax administration, digital transformation, and cross-border information sharing. Trade & Industry Push: Liberia’s exports to China topped US$200m in Q1 2026, driven by iron ore and renewed natural rubber shipments, while exports to India rose over 120% to US$44.91m under India’s duty-free access. Energy Access Partnerships: AfDB launched the Mission 300 Progress Tracker (MapAfrica) to monitor electrification across Africa, including CLSG interconnection gains in Liberia. Local Content Policy: Liberia’s Ministry of Commerce backed a Local Content Policy to expand opportunities for Liberian SMEs in major sectors. Governance & Accountability: Nimba County endorsed GAC audit findings after reports of over US$2m withdrawn from county accounts via over-the-counter transactions. Sports Funding Gap: Liberia’s AFCON 2027 bid faces a US$5m–US$10m shortfall as lawmakers move to plug structural funding problems.

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.