AGP Executive Report

Coffee Sector Revival: Liberia signed a US$60M, 20-year Liberia Coffee Prosperity Partnership with JR Farms Group to restart production, processing and exports, targeting nearly 200,000 smallholder farmers across seven counties. Value-Addition Push: VP Jeremiah Kpan Koung urged Liberia to stop exporting raw materials and invest in local processing, technical skills and job-creating industries. Agriculture Research Link: Liberia and India sealed an MoU between CARI and ICAR to expand agricultural research, training and extension know-how across crops like cassava, rice, maize, cocoa and oil palm, plus post-harvest and food safety. Illegal Mining Crackdown: A national taskforce says it will deploy joint security teams to shut down illicit sites, seize equipment and pursue prosecution and possible deportation for foreign operators, citing major losses from illegal gold and diamond mining. NPL Conference Pressure: An open letter to CBL Governor Henry Saamoi warns the Sept. 9–11 NPL resolution conference is too dominated by insiders, urging a broader, less punitive approach. Consumer Protection in Industry: LTA opened a new consumer support centre in Buchanan to help residents lodge complaints and access regulatory support beyond Monrovia. Youth Enterprise Finance: YEIB–MANCO launched a technical assistance program to make MSMEs and young entrepreneurs bankable, formal and investment-ready. Petroleum Governance: LPRA was inducted into the African Petroleum Regulators Forum to build regulatory capacity as Liberia expands its oil and gas program. Construction Sector Dispute: Liberian-owned Boimah Engineering alleges Ecobank hiked a 2007 loan into “manufactured” non-performing debt, ahead of a CBL NPL-focused conference.

Energy & Trade Policy: Liberia renewed its suspension of import tariffs on off-grid solar products, covering eligible lighting/electrification systems, solar PV components, energy-efficient appliances, batteries, panels, control units and rural electrification essentials, with safeguards and registration requirements via the Liberia Business Registry and RREA. Petroleum Regulation: The Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA) was inducted into the African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF), aiming to boost regulatory capacity as Liberia manages eight active Production Sharing Contracts and prepares its 2026 direct negotiation licensing round. Public Finance & Growth: The World Bank says Liberia could unlock additional fiscal space of about 3.9%–5.3% of GDP by 2030 through reforms to raise domestic revenue, improve natural resource management and make public spending more efficient. Banking Stability: The Central Bank of Liberia will convene a National Non-Performing Loan resolution conference (Sept 9–11) to tackle rising bad loans affecting credit and investment. Youth & MSMEs: YEIB-MANCO and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry launched a Technical Assistance Program to make youth-led MSMEs bankable, targeting business planning, financial management, marketing, record-keeping and market access. Health Systems: Nimba County opened a modern EPI cold-chain depot to improve vaccine storage, supply management and immunization outreach. Governance & Labor: MCSS teachers in Monrovia began a go-slow over alleged non-implementation of a 2025 agreement on employment and salary adjustments. Crime & Business Climate: Maryland County traditional leaders and business operators raised alarm over rising burglary and armed robbery, calling for coordinated security action to protect commerce.

Off-Grid Solar Trade Policy: Liberia renewed and revised its suspension of import tariffs on eligible off-grid solar products, including lighting/electrification systems, standalone solar PV components, energy-efficient appliances, batteries, panels, control units and rural electrification essentials—aimed at lowering landed costs, boosting private investment and expanding clean power access, with safeguards requiring eligible entities to be registered and active in the sector. Petroleum Regulation Boost: The Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA) was inducted into the African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF), giving Liberia access to training and regulatory know-how as it manages eight active Production Sharing Contracts and prepares its 2026 Direct Negotiation licensing round. Fiscal Space Push: The World Bank says Liberia could unlock additional fiscal space of 3.9%–5.3% of GDP by 2030 through reforms to raise domestic revenue, improve natural resource management and make spending more efficient. Youth Business Finance Support: MoCI and YEIB-MANCO launched a Technical Assistance Program to make youth and MSMEs “bankable,” starting with 50 firms for support in planning, financial management, marketing, record-keeping, product development and market access. Banking Sector Pressure: The Central Bank of Liberia convenes a National Non-Performing Loan Resolution Conference (Sept 9–11) to tackle rising bad loans that are constraining credit and investment. Health Infrastructure: Nimba County opened a modern EPI cold-chain depot to improve vaccine storage, reduce wastage and strengthen immunization outreach.

Public Finance Reform: The World Bank has launched Liberia’s Public Finance Review 2026, praising recent fiscal stabilization while mapping a shift toward deeper fiscal transformation to fund the ARREST Agenda and Vision 2030. Economic Reality Check: Finance officials tout growth driven by mining and improving sectors, but analysts warn inflation, poverty, and jobs remain unresolved—raising the question of whether spending is reaching ordinary Liberians. Mining Enforcement: Government is moving to fully deploy a multi-agency task force to crack down on illegal mining, aiming to curb environmental damage and recover lost mineral revenues. Telecom Access: The Liberia Telecommunications Authority opened its first county Consumer Support Center in Buchanan to help residents resolve network and billing complaints without traveling to Monrovia. Agri & Rubber Supply Chain: RPAL, with RDFI support, is distributing root-trainers to set up 28 budwood rubber nurseries across seven counties to boost clonal rubber replanting. Women’s Livelihoods: UN Women began cash disbursements to women’s savings and farming groups in eight counties, turning training into working capital for grassroots projects. Maritime & Industry Policy: Liberia’s maritime regulator and regional partners are pushing stronger seafarer assessment and certification standards to support safer trade and a stronger blue-economy workforce.

Green Shipping Talks: IMO negotiators in London say four days of closed-door talks on the Net-Zero Framework are “constructive,” with observers noting carbon pricing support still holds despite oil-state pushback. Maritime Skills & Standards: Ghana Maritime Authority training with Liberia and others targets stronger seafarer assessment and certification to keep crews competent and safe. Illegal Mining Crackdown: Liberia moves to fully deploy a multi-agency task force to curb illegal mining, improve compliance, and protect mineral revenues. Telecoms Access: LTA opens its first county Consumer Support Center in Buchanan to handle complaints locally and reduce travel to Monrovia. Rubber Expansion: RPAL and RDFI start distributing root-trainers for 28 budwood nurseries across seven southeast and northern counties to scale clonal rubber farming. Women’s Grants: UN Women begins cash disbursement to nearly 1,500 women in 49 savings and farming groups across eight counties. Public Finance Review: World Bank prepares a Liberia Public Finance Review 2026 to scrutinize domestic revenue and spending efficiency. Court & Labour: Liberia’s Supreme Court dismisses an ethical breach complaint against Labour Minister Kruah. Business & Transport: Liberia Agricultural Company commissions new school buses and a heavy-duty truck to improve plantation education transport.

Land Rights & Youth Action: Liberia Land Authority urged young people to move from land-rights talk to practical solutions—documenting barriers, engaging county land committees, and supporting investment in agriculture. Anti-Drug Justice: Former Liberian Vice-President Jewel Howard-Taylor was released from detention and placed under house arrest after drug-trafficking charges. Maritime & Skills: Ghana Maritime Authority called for stronger seafarer assessment and certification standards; Nigeria–Liberia signed a maritime training pact to build Africa’s blue-economy workforce. Telecom Consumer Access: Liberia Telecommunications Authority opened a Consumer Support Center in Buchanan to bring complaints and regulatory services closer to citizens. Port & Logistics Push: Senator James Biney renewed calls to rehabilitate the Port of Harper to boost shipping, warehousing and market access. Agribusiness Support: Liberia Agricultural Company commissioned new school buses and a heavy-duty truck to improve plantation education transport. Energy & Industry Dispute: ELTEL dragged LEC and the finance minister to the Supreme Court over a US$355k judgment balance. Shipping Finance: Transworld Shipping Lines agreed to buy the vessel “Valsamitis” for US$11.75m. Governance Tension at Concession: Reports of attempted occupation at Western Cluster Liberia in Bomi sparked questions over alleged “presidential mandate.”

Land & Youth Mobilization: Liberia Land Authority urged young people to turn land-rights talk into action—document barriers, engage CLDMCs, and push solutions that protect communities and unlock investment in agriculture. Shipping & Ports: Transworld Shipping Lines signed to buy the vessel “Valsamitis” for US$11.75m, while Maryland County Senator James Biney renewed calls to rehabilitate the Port of Harper to boost logistics, warehousing and jobs. Telecom Consumer Access: Liberia Telecommunications Authority opened a Consumer Support Center in Buchanan to bring complaint handling and regulatory services closer to citizens outside Monrovia. Agribusiness Operations: Liberia Agricultural Company commissioned two school buses and a heavy-duty truck to cut student travel time and reduce downtime across its plantation schools. Maritime Skills Standards: Ghana Maritime Authority pushed stronger seafarer assessment and certification standards, with Liberia among regional partners. Energy & Industry Skills: STRIVE Project highlighted practical electricity training at MVTC, linking TVET to employable skills for young Liberians. Maritime Safety & Policy: IMO Net-Zero talks showed continued division over carbon pricing and fuel pathways, with a push for decisions by end-2026. Legal/Power Sector: ELTEL dragged LEC and the Finance Minister to Liberia’s Supreme Court over a US$355k judgment balance, seeking enforcement after a Debt Court setback.

Maritime Trade & Safety: The Ghana Maritime Authority called for stronger seafarer assessment and certification standards, launching a week-long regional familiarisation training with Liberia, Nigeria and others to boost competency and protect lives and cargo. Shipping Investment: Transworld Shipping Lines says it will buy the vessel “Valsamitis” from Monrovia’s Greenland Marine Ltd. for US$11.75 million, signaling continued fleet expansion. Telecom & Consumer Protection: Liberia’s Telecommunications Authority opened a Consumer Support Center in Buchanan to bring complaint handling and regulatory services closer to citizens outside Monrovia. Agribusiness & Education: Liberia Agricultural Company commissioned two new school buses and a heavy-duty truck to cut students’ travel time and reduce downtime across its plantation schools. Energy Skills & Jobs: The STRIVE vocational programme at the Monrovia Vocational Training Center is rolling out a structured electricity curriculum, helping trainees become job-ready for basic installations. Legal & Power Sector: ELTEL Network Liberia filed a Supreme Court petition seeking payment of a US$355,106 judgment balance from the Finance Minister, after a Debt Court ruling blocked a shutdown of LEC. Governance & Rule of Law: WONGOSOL welcomed a woman’s nomination for Minister of Justice and Attorney General, stressing the role of women in justice, peace and accountability. Public Finance: Liberia Revenue Authority reported US$954.7 million collected for FY2026, aiming to cross US$1 billion before month-end.

Maritime Decarbonisation: IMO talks on the Net-Zero Framework stay split, but a large bloc still backs GHG pricing and a centralised fund for shipping’s transition, with key details likely to be settled at MEPC 85. Telecoms & Consumer Protection: Liberia Telecommunications Authority opens a new Consumer Support Center in Buchanan to help residents resolve network, internet, and billing complaints without traveling to Monrovia. Agribusiness & Education Logistics: Liberia Agricultural Company commissions two school buses and a heavy-duty truck to cut students’ travel time and reduce downtime across its plantation schools. Energy Skills & Jobs: STRIVE Project expands practical electricity training at the Monrovia Vocational Training Center with a structured curriculum aimed at employability. Power Sector Court Fight: ELTEL Network Liberia drags LEC and the Finance Minister to the Supreme Court over a US$355,106 judgment balance. Mining Enforcement: Government launches a nationwide crackdown on illegal mining via the Protect Our Resources Taskforce (PORT), warning of equipment seizures and prosecutions. Trade & Revenue: Liberia Revenue Authority reports US$954.7m collected for FY2026, pushing toward the US$1bn milestone. Cocoa Supply Chain Watch: Ivory Coast holds its 2026/27 cocoa farmgate price at 1,200 CFA francs/kg, raising smuggling concerns for Liberia and Guinea. Port Investment Push: Sen. James Biney renews calls to rehabilitate the Port of Harper to boost logistics, jobs, and market access in Maryland County.

Maritime Decarbonisation: The IMO’s Net-Zero Framework talks in London ended with the framework largely intact, but the U.S. and oil-producing states kept pushing to weaken carbon pricing—votes were deferred and key issues punted to later sessions. Telecom Access: Liberia Telecommunications Authority opened a Consumer Support Center in Buchanan to help residents resolve network, billing and service complaints without traveling to Monrovia. Agri Transport Upgrade: Liberia Agricultural Company commissioned two new school buses and a heavy-duty TATA truck for plantation schools, aiming to cut students’ walking time and reduce vehicle downtime. Energy & Industry Skills: The STRIVE vocational programme at the Monrovia Vocational Training Center introduced a structured electricity curriculum, boosting job-ready electrical skills for young Liberians. Mining Enforcement: Government launched a nationwide crackdown on illicit mining via the Protect Our Resources Taskforce, warning operators of equipment seizures and prosecutions. Justice & Power Sector: ELTEL Network Liberia filed in the Supreme Court to compel payment of a US$355k judgment balance against LEC, escalating a long-running debt dispute. SME Procurement Push: Accelerate360 urged Liberian SMEs to better tap public procurement opportunities through practical public-sector dialogues. Cocoa Trade Watch: Ivory Coast held its 2026/27 cocoa farmgate price steady at 1,200 CFA francs/kg, raising smuggling concerns as neighboring Ghana adjusts its pricing rules.

Maritime Security & Trade Disruption: Questions are rising after reports of attacks in the Strait of Hormuz involving Liberia-flagged tankers, as South Korea weighs possible naval support options—an escalation that keeps global shipping risk front and center for Liberia’s registry and logistics links. Telecom & Digital Inclusion: The Liberia Telecommunications Authority is rolling out a Consumer Support Center in Buchanan and pushing a broader regulator role focused on connectivity, consumer protection, and investment. Port & Shipping Investment: Maryland County Senator James Biney is urging rehabilitation and dredging investment for the Port of Harper to revive shipping, warehousing, and jobs. Energy & Court Fight: ELTEL Network Liberia has taken its US$355K judgment dispute with LEC to the Supreme Court, seeking enforcement against the finance minister. Mining Enforcement: Government launched a nationwide crackdown on illegal mining under the Protect Our Resources Taskforce, warning of equipment seizures and prosecutions. Agriculture & Food Systems: CARI unveiled new research technologies to boost productivity and food security, while Liberia’s youth climate push continues under LCOY 2026. Public Finance: Liberia Revenue Authority reports US$954.7m collected for FY2026, aiming to cross US$1b soon. Justice & Drugs: A major US$19.2m cocaine case faces potential collapse in court as lawyers cite procedural and constitutional defects. SMEs & Procurement: Accelerate360 is connecting Liberian SMEs to public procurement opportunities through practical government dialogue.

Revenue & Tax Modernization: Liberia Revenue Authority says it collected US$954.7m in FY2026 so far, aiming to cross US$1bn before month-end, citing tighter collection tools including electronic fiscal devices. Electoral Readiness: NEC launched a US$75m, 2026–2030 Strategic Plan focused on reform, digital transformation, and public confidence ahead of the 2029 elections. Anti-Illicit Mining: Government activated the Protect Our Resources Taskforce (PORT) with a zero-tolerance mandate to shut down illegal mining, seize equipment, and pursue prosecutions. Agriculture & Food Systems: CARI rolled out a multi-day seminar in Bong to push practical technologies for higher productivity and food security, while Liberia also showcased a major US$907.75m investment push at the Africa Food Systems Forum deal room in Kigali. Mining & Community Impacts: EPA imposed fines on ArcelorMittal Liberia over pollution affecting Yekepa farmland, renewing pressure on environmental monitoring and accountability. Digital Democracy: UNDP’s Liberia Electoral Support Project is training young Liberians to spot misinformation and strengthen responsible online civic participation. Public Health Watch: WHO warned DRC’s Ebola response must be scaled up as deaths pass 3,000, with transmission chains still hard to track. Maritime & Trade Risk: West Africa’s power grids added 4,000km of transmission links, improving cross-border electricity access, including in Liberia. Security & Logistics: Liberia-linked shipping incidents in the Strait of Hormuz highlight rising regional risk for global energy and maritime operations.

WASH & Community Health: CRS Liberia dedicated new water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in Massatine, Grand Cape Mount—four latrines (school, church, clinic, community) plus a rehabilitated water source—after years of open defecation that residents linked to recurring diarrhea cases. Youth & Digital Governance: UNDP’s Electoral Support Project trained young Liberians in media and information literacy to curb misinformation and hate speech and strengthen responsible civic participation. Drug Enforcement & Court Risk: A Montserrado Grand Jury indicted 10 people over an alleged 200kg cocaine haul at Roberts International Airport, including a US$100k bribe plot; separate legal commentary warns the case could face a Motion to Quash. Revenue Mobilization: Liberia Revenue Authority says it collected US$954.7m in FY2026 so far, aiming to cross US$1bn before month-end. Mining & Illegal Extraction: Government launched a nationwide crackdown on illicit mining via the Protect Our Resources Taskforce, promising equipment seizures and prosecutions. Elections Reform: NEC unveiled a 2026–2030 Strategic Plan with a US$75m+ budget focus on reform, digital transformation and public confidence ahead of 2029. Food Systems & Research: CARI rolled out new technologies and findings to help farmers boost productivity and strengthen food security. Regional Power: World Bank reports West Africa’s grid integration has added 4,000km of transmission lines, improving access in countries including Liberia. Maritime Security: Attacks in the Strait of Hormuz again raised shipping risk, with a Liberia-flagged tanker reported among the targets.

Ebola Response: WHO says the DRC’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 3,000 deaths and warns the response must be scaled up, stressing that transmission chains still aren’t fully tracked and unsafe burials are fueling spread. Maritime Security & Energy Trade: Fresh attacks in the Strait of Hormuz have killed two seafarers and raised the risk to global shipping, with Liberia-flagged tankers reported among vessels targeted as U.S.-Iran tensions escalate. Mining & Community Impacts: Liberia’s EPA moves against ArcelorMittal-Liberia pollution, fining the company and ordering added monitoring after complaints from Yekepa farmers whose farmland and water were affected. Power & Infrastructure: The World Bank reports West Africa has expanded cross-border electricity links by over 4,000km, improving access for millions including in Liberia. Finance & Credit Access: Liberia launches an Enhanced Collateral Registry to expand borrowing, while a separate report highlights the need to ensure credit inclusion doesn’t turn into deeper debt. Oil & Investment: Liberia opens 2026 oil licensing prequalification/offshore blocks for qualified investors, signaling a push to attract new upstream activity. Governance & Industry Local Content: A Bong lawmaker presses President Boakai on giving local contractors real opportunities in development projects tied to major economic activities. Regional Agriculture Trade: ECOWAS economic leadership shifts toward food security and stronger intra-regional trade, with calls for fewer bottlenecks to move farm goods across borders. Health & Industry Oversight: Liberia’s EPA reforms get high-profile backing from former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, including upgrades like solar power and expanded environmental operations. Gold Exploration: Zodiac Gold reports trenching that confirms a second 1.8km gold trend at its Todi project in Liberia, strengthening its multi-trend target.

Mining & Jobs: Liberia’s National Elections Commission (NEC) is set to launch its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan on Sept. 2, aiming to fix election-cycle weaknesses early through funded, measurable reforms. Mining & Environment: ArcelorMittal Liberia’s pollution case in Yekepa/Nimba is escalating as EPA fines AML US$400,000 and orders an extra US$100,000 for monitoring, after farmers say waste has blocked their farmland. Extractives Governance: Government and AML stakeholders met on a US$5m annual Community Development Fund under AML’s Third Mineral Development Agreement, with county leadership from Nimba, Bong and Grand Bassa. Energy & Industry: President Boakai renewed tariff suspensions on qualifying off-grid solar products to cut import costs and spur rural electrification and productive use. Finance & Credit: The Central Bank’s Enhanced Collateral Registry is expected to expand lending by improving collateral verification and reducing double-pledging risks. Climate & Forests: Liberia received its validated National Carbon Market Policy, pushing the country toward carbon-credit rules that must protect forests and community rights. Agriculture & Trade: Deputy Minister John Dumelo urged a “borderless Africa” to move farm goods more easily, citing visa limits, tariffs and road gaps. Youth & Climate: LCOY Liberia 2026 wrapped with a youth statement pushing accountability and green financing for NDC 3.0 implementation. Health & Infrastructure: Jackson Fiah Doe Hospital in Tappita is being upgraded toward a second national referral hospital to strengthen care outside Monrovia. Shipping Security: Two Liberia-flagged tankers were reported hit in the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring risks to global energy logistics. Women’s Safety in Concessions: LAC expanded sexual harassment prevention into communities around its concession, including schools and camps.

Strait of Hormuz Security: Two Saudi and Liberia-flagged oil tankers were hit by unidentified projectiles near Khasab, Oman, as US-Iran tensions escalated and shipping activity reportedly dipped—raising fresh risks for global energy logistics. Liberia Economy & Finance: Liberia’s growth narrative is improving on paper, with domestic revenue nearing US$1bn, but critics warn benefits aren’t reaching ordinary people fast enough. Energy Policy: President Boakai suspended import tariffs on qualifying off-grid solar products to cut costs and expand rural electrification. Credit & Lending: The CBL’s Enhanced Collateral Registry is set to expand credit by improving collateral verification and reducing double-pledging risks. Healthcare Infrastructure: Work to upgrade Jackson Fiah Doe Hospital in Tappita aims to expand emergency and ICU services and strengthen specialized care outside Monrovia. Maritime Decarbonisation: Greece pushed back against EU shipping rules and backed a global IMO approach—relevant as Liberia continues to engage on net-zero frameworks. Education & Social Services: The First Family dedicated a renovated public school in Bomi, while coverage also highlights Liberia’s kidney disease burden and limited dialysis capacity. Governance & Justice: Opposition leader Clarence Moniba demanded full accountability on the Liberia-Guinea border dispute, and calls for a speedy, fair trial for Jewel Howard-Taylor continued. Sports & Inclusion: Liberia’s senior female handball team faces funding gaps for a tournament in Burkina Faso, while a girls’ empowerment camp spotlighted systemic barriers beyond football.