AGP Executive Report

Renewable Power Push: Liberia’s House ratified a US$57M loan to expand Mount Coffee solar generation from 20MW to 30MW and add a 12MW/12MWh battery storage system to stabilize the grid. Port & Trade Connectivity: President Boakai broke ground on a 1.9km Japan Freeway extension linking the Freeport of Monrovia to the Gabriel Tucker Bridge to speed goods movement and reduce travel time. Mining Crackdown & Reform: Government launched the Protect Our Resources Taskforce (PORT) to fight illegal mining and smuggling, while the Mines Ministry called for urgent amendments to mining laws to strengthen enforcement and protect revenues. Rubber Value Addition: Liberia defended its ban on exporting unprocessed rubber, and rubber farmers’ association backed the policy, arguing it will raise farm-gate benefits and grow local processing. Youth Enterprise Pipeline: UNDP and partners launched LiYEPA, a six-month accelerator to help young Liberians turn ideas into businesses through mentorship and placement support. Business Climate & Local Content: Liberia Chamber of Commerce urged a shift from exporting raw resources to investing in local content, innovation, and value addition. Diplomacy & Investment Signals: U.S.-Liberia ties were highlighted at a Monrovia reception marking America’s 250th independence anniversary, while Russia said it plans new missions including in Liberia.

Infrastructure & Trade: President Boakai broke ground for a 1.9km extension of the Japan Freeway from Monrovia’s Freeport to the Gabriel Tucker Bridge, calling it a “lifeline” for moving goods and commerce. Extractives Governance: LEITI held an internal capacity-building workshop for staff, focusing on presentation, administration, procurement, and communications. Mining Crackdown: Government launched the Protect Our Resources Taskforce (PORT) to curb illegal mining, mineral smuggling, and revenue losses, starting with a July 1 technical meeting. Energy Transition: The House ratified a US$57m loan to expand solar generation at Mount Coffee from 20MW to 30MW and add 12MW/12MWh battery storage for grid stability. Rubber Industrialization: Liberia defended its executive ban on exporting unprocessed rubber, saying it protects farmers and jobs; rubber farmers also backed the move. Business & Value Addition: Liberia Chamber of Commerce urged a shift from exporting raw resources to local content, innovation, and value addition. Youth Entrepreneurship: UNDP and partners launched LiYEPA, a six-month pilot to help young entrepreneurs turn ideas into income. Maritime & Education: Maersk Liberia donated five 20ft containers to Margibi University to create digital and innovation learning spaces.

Energy & Power Sector: The House of Representatives ratified a US$57M loan to expand Mount Coffee solar generation from 20MW to 30MW and add a 12MW/12MWh battery storage system to stabilize the grid. Mining & Enforcement: Liberia launched the Protect Our Resources Taskforce (PORT) to crack down on illegal mining, while the Ministry of Mines and Energy called for urgent amendments to mining laws to improve governance and curb smuggling. Rubber Value Addition: Government defended Executive Order No.166 banning export of unprocessed rubber, saying it protects farmers and jobs; the Liberia Chamber of Commerce also urged more local processing and value addition. Trade & Investment: Liberia and Nigeria set a July 15 forum in Lagos to unlock business opportunities across agriculture, energy, infrastructure and mining. Logistics & Education: Maersk Liberia donated five 20ft containers to Margibi University to support digital labs and innovation spaces. Governance & Security: Authorities promised imminent arrests after a US$19M airport cocaine seizure, as senators pressed for faster action. Women, Peace & Security: Liberia validated its Third National Action Plan (2026–2031) to strengthen women’s participation in peacebuilding and governance.

Rubber Value-Add Push: Liberia’s Rubber Planters Association backs President Boakai’s executive order banning the export of unprocessed natural rubber from July 1, aiming to boost local processing, jobs, and better farm-gate returns. Mining Governance Reform: The Ministry of Mines and Energy urges urgent amendments to Liberia’s mining laws to curb illicit mining and smuggling, while the House begins a mining sector review focused on licenses, oversight, and revenue. Fuel Security Upgrade: President Boakai approves LPRC’s plan for a 50,000-metric-ton petroleum storage facility to strengthen strategic reserves and reduce supply disruption risk. Education & Logistics Support: LPRC and LACE sign a US$165k deal for a modern Student Center at Grand Gedeh University, and Maersk Liberia donates five 20ft containers to Margibi University for digital labs and innovation spaces. Trade & Investment Linkages: Liberia and Nigeria prepare for a July 15 trade and investment forum in Lagos to unlock business opportunities under AfCFTA. Air Cargo Crackdown: Delta Air Lines adds Liberia to its cargo embargo list amid the Roberts International Airport cocaine bust, raising pressure on logistics and security controls. Youth Enterprise Drive: UNDP and iCampus launch LiYEPA, a six-month pilot to support youth entrepreneurship, SMEs, and job creation. Food Safety Capacity: University of Liberia and EU-backed LiFSI complete a Ghana scoping mission to strengthen Liberia’s food science and food safety training.

Rubber Value Push: Liberia’s Rubber Planters Association backs President Boakai’s Executive Order No. 166, which bans export of unprocessed natural rubber from July 1, aiming to boost local processing and jobs. Mining Governance: The Ministry of Mines and Energy urges urgent amendments to mining laws to curb illicit mining, smuggling, and revenue losses, while the House begins a mining sector review focused on licenses and reforms. Fuel Security: President Boakai approves LPRC’s plan for a 50,000-metric-ton petroleum storage facility to strengthen strategic fuel reserves and reduce supply disruption risks. Logistics & Trade: Maersk Liberia donates five 20ft containers to Margibi University for a student center, while Delta Air Lines adds Liberia to its cargo embargo list following the US$19.2m Roberts Airport cocaine bust. Education & Youth Jobs: UNDP and iCampus launch LiYEPA to support youth enterprises and SMEs, and the Youth & Sports Ministry signs deals for vacation jobs and county digital hubs. Security & Accountability: Senators demand arrests in the cocaine probe as investigators move toward charges, and Liberia’s FIA unveils a 2026–2031 plan to strengthen financial intelligence. Environment & Public Works: EPA calls for tougher environmental and mining enforcement as illegal mechanized mining damages forests and waterways; NDMA reports flooding impacts over 1,000 people, and the Cestos River Bridge is temporarily reopened for safer travel.

Airport Drug Case Accountability: Liberia’s Senate grilled senior police over the $19M Roberts International Airport cocaine bust, with the LNP Inspector General promising arrests “in the coming days” after public outcry over slow progress. Aviation & Logistics Shock: Delta Air Lines added Liberia to its cargo embargo list, suspending freight to/from/through the country amid narcotics-trafficking concerns—raising risks for importers, exporters, and air-cargo reliability. Rail Governance Push: Lawmakers are nearing a vote on the National Rail Authority Act as questions linger after an ArcelorMittal Liberia locomotive collision, with no full public accident report yet. Financial Crime Readiness: Liberia’s Financial Intelligence Agency launched a five-year 2026–2031 strategic plan to strengthen AML/CFT systems and inter-agency coordination. Youth & SME Jobs Drive: UNDP and partners launched LiYEPA to back youth enterprises and SMEs, while the World Bank urged stronger MSME support for jobs and growth. Electric Mobility & Industry Skills: Women in Monrovia are breaking barriers by driving electric kekehs, and the Youth and Sports Ministry signed deals to expand digital hubs and employment. Environment & Infrastructure: NDMA reported 1,000+ flood-affected people, while Liberia temporarily reopened the Cestos River Bridge to keep goods and services moving.

Air Cargo Security: Delta Air Lines added Liberia to its cargo embargo list, suspending freight to/from/through the country after a US$19.2m cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport, raising new logistics and reputational risks for Liberia’s trade links. Port & Maritime Enforcement: The National Port Authority stepped up patrols and rehabilitation at the Freeport of Monrovia to curb illegal fishing and protect navigation infrastructure, while Liberia’s highway traffic enforcement also intensified to reduce deadly crashes. Rail Governance Push: Lawmakers are nearing a vote to permanently establish Liberia’s National Rail Authority as questions grow over oversight following an ArcelorMittal Liberia locomotive collision. Investment & Tax Modernization: The Liberia Revenue Authority highlighted digital tax reforms at a High-Level Diplomatic Investment Forum, and the World Bank urged stronger MSME support to drive jobs and growth. Mining & Energy Pipeline: Liberia will host LIMEC 2026 (Oct 28–29) to spotlight mining and energy investment opportunities, including a rail-port corridor plan. Workforce & Skills: The Ministry of Youth and Sports launched youth employment and digital skills partnerships, including Digital Youth Hubs across all counties. Food Safety Education: The University of Liberia and EU-funded LiFSI completed a Ghana scoping mission to build Liberia’s food science and food safety capacity. Flood & Infrastructure Relief: NDMA reported 1,000+ affected by flooding, while Liberia temporarily reopened the Cestos River Bridge to ease rainy-season travel.

Port Modernization: Liberia’s National Port Authority is stepping up security patrols and rolling out Freeport of Monrovia upgrades, including automated entry/exit gates, digital access passes, and scanning tech to cut congestion and protect navigation infrastructure. Tax & Investment Push: The Liberia Revenue Authority showcased digital tax reforms at a High-Level Diplomatic Investment Forum in Accra, aiming to boost compliance, service delivery, and investor confidence. Youth Jobs & Skills: Liberia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports launched partnerships to create vacation jobs for 3,000 young people in 2026 and set up 15 Digital Youth Hubs, training 750 youths annually. MSME Focus: The World Bank urged stronger support for Liberia’s micro, small and medium enterprises, calling them the backbone for jobs and growth under the ARREST agenda. Maritime Governance: Liberia’s Regional Maritime University leadership rotates as Liberia’s Transport Minister takes over as RMU Chancellor. Mining & Energy Pipeline: Liberia will host LIMEC 2026 (Oct 28–29) to attract investment in mining and energy, with expectations of $3bn+ in new deals. Drug Enforcement: Justice Minister Tweh vowed tougher action on drug cartels after LDEA reported major seizures and arrests, including a recent $19.2m cocaine case at Roberts International Airport. Electric Mobility: Women in Monrovia are breaking barriers by driving electric kekehs, though charging reliability and costs remain hurdles.

Air Cargo Security & Accountability: A US$19.2m cocaine shipment seized at Roberts International Airport has reignited questions about how high-risk cargo moves through Liberia’s air cargo system, while GLS-Menzies says its staff halted the consignment after detecting a discrepancy and urges lawmakers to let the investigation run its course. Governance & Investment Push: Liberia is pitching itself as West Africa’s next investment frontier at a High-Level Diplomatic Investment Forum in Accra, with the Liberia Revenue Authority highlighting digital tax reforms to boost investor confidence. Electricity Regulation & Industry Enablement: Liberia received a Rising Star Award for its Embedded Generation Regulation, a framework meant to help customers safely connect self-generated power to licensed distribution networks. Ports Modernization: The National Port Authority is modernizing the Freeport of Monrovia with automated entry/exit gates, digital access passes, and upgraded security to reduce congestion and protect port waters. Mining & Energy Pipeline: Liberia will host LIMEC 2026 (Oct 28–29) to attract investment in mining and energy, with organizers citing potential for over US$3bn in new investment. Drug Control & Public Safety: Justice Minister Tweh vows tougher action against drug cartels as LDEA reports major seizures and arrests, alongside renewed youth-focused prevention efforts. Land & Resource Rules: The Liberia Land Authority rolls out mandatory land use permits nationwide, while the House advances reforms to strengthen oversight of CSR funds via LACE. Maritime Skills: LiMA sponsors 13 Liberian students graduating from the Regional Maritime University in Ghana, supporting Liberia’s ship registry workforce. Road & Logistics: Liberia secures US$30m for the Salayea–Konia road upgrade, a key corridor for trade and movement. Illegal Fishing Crackdown: NPA intensifies enforcement against illegal fishing around port waters as part of broader modernization.

Port Modernization: Liberia’s National Port Authority is upgrading the Freeport of Monrovia with automated entry/exit gates, digital access passes, scanning tech, and improved security—aimed at faster, more secure cargo and visitor movement. Maritime Skills: Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) sponsored 13 students who graduated from Ghana’s Regional Maritime University, reinforcing the push for a stronger local seafaring workforce. Drug Enforcement: Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) says it seized illicit drugs worth over US$8.2m between Oct 2025 and Jun 2026, highlighting ongoing trafficking risks. Rubber Industrial Policy: President Boakai issued an executive order banning the export of unprocessed natural rubber from July 1, pushing value addition and domestic manufacturing. Mining Governance: Boakai’s anti-illicit mining task force got backing from the Liberia Chamber of Mines, following the creation of a multi-agency “Protect Our Resources” team. Telecom Licensing: Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) issued a VAS licence to Vita Business Line, supporting local digital financial and outsourcing services. Road Infrastructure: Liberia secured US$30m for the Salayea–Konia highway, with residents in Lofa already celebrating the expected upgrade. Investment Diplomacy: Diplomats in Accra praised Liberia’s improving investment climate and economic reforms, signaling renewed interest in sectors like agriculture, energy, fisheries, and technology.

Mining Governance: Liberia’s new anti-illegal mining task force gets a boost from the Liberia Chamber of Mines after Executive Order No. 167 set up the “Protect Our Resources Taskforce,” aimed at cracking down on illicit operators and restoring order in the sector. Port & Logistics Security: The National Port Authority rolls out Freeport of Monrovia modernization—automated entry/exit gates, digital access passes, and upgraded security—while lawmakers move to suspend GLS Menzies and EHS over the US$19.2M cocaine bust at Roberts International Airport, spotlighting gaps in air cargo checks. Infrastructure & Roads: Liberia secures US$30M financing for the Salayea–Konia highway, with Lofa communities reacting with fresh hope for better transport and trade links. Community Development Law: The House of Representatives passes the LACE Act amendments to strengthen oversight of CSR funds from state-owned enterprises, including a centralized remittance system and expanded field/technical services structure. Energy & Industry Partnerships: China signals deeper cooperation with Liberia across agriculture, renewable energy, industrialization, digital innovation, mining, and infrastructure, while Boakai also praises BWI’s role in technical and vocational training. Health Security: Africa CDC and WHO launch a unified incident management support team to strengthen Ebola response coordination across at-risk countries.

Mining & Land Rights: A company tied to Liberia’s 2013 land-grabbing scandal has rebranded and is now pushing mineral sands extraction along Sri Lanka’s Thirukkovil coast, with locals alleging the same pattern of intimidation and warning that key approvals and environmental clearance are still missing. Energy & Rural Electrification: Liberia’s Rural and Renewable Energy Agency says solar systems have been installed in 121 health and education facilities across 13 counties, aiming to power vaccines, refrigeration, medical equipment and digital learning. Water & Sanitation: Liberia’s NWASHC reports about 34% of the population still practices open defecation, citing weak coordination and pushing a Presidential WASH Compact to reach an open-defecation-free target by 2030. Macroeconomy: The IMF projects Liberia’s growth at 5.5% for 2026, driven by iron ore, manufacturing and construction, with inflation contained around 5.3%. Trade & Investment: Liberia and Maryland (U.S.) sign a landmark MoU covering trade, investment, agriculture, renewable energy, transport, cybersecurity and AI. Ports & Logistics: Lawmakers move to suspend GLS Menzies and EHS at Roberts International Airport amid the US$19.2m cocaine probe, while a Port Autonomy Bill dispute between House and Senate leaders adds uncertainty for maritime governance. Mining Pipeline: Mansa Resources and Orion Resource Partners discuss major investment plans for Liberia’s Dugbe Gold Project, with figures pointing to large-scale local procurement and jobs. Youth & Governance: Kvinna till Kvinna launches PEACEGEN Liberia to boost youth and women’s participation in peacebuilding and decision-making.

Afreximbank Leadership: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, effective May 1, with prior experience covering client relations across Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and more. Port & Cargo Security: Liberia’s House moved to temporarily suspend GLS Menzies and EHS at Roberts International Airport over the US$19.2m cocaine seizure, pending an investigation into the air cargo chain of custody. Macroeconomic Outlook: The IMF projects Liberia’s 2026 growth at 5.5%, driven by iron ore production, manufacturing activity and construction, while inflation is expected to stay contained. Energy for Industry & Services: RREA says solar systems were installed in 121 health and education facilities across 13 counties, supporting reliable power for vaccines, medical equipment and digital learning. WASH & Human Development: NWASHC reports about 34% of Liberians still practice open defecation, pushing reforms toward an open-defecation-free target by 2030. Trade & Investment Link: Liberia and Maryland signed a landmark MoU covering trade, investment, agriculture, renewable energy, transport, cybersecurity and AI. Mining Pipeline: Meetings around the Dugbe Gold Project point to potential US$600m investment over three years through local procurement and jobs. Youth & Peacebuilding: PEACEGEN Liberia launched to expand youth and women’s meaningful participation in peace processes.

Sanitation & Waste Management: Liberia’s industry beat gets a regional sanitation signal as Ghana reopens the Achimota-Abofu Transfer Station with Zoomlion to clear post-flood waste backlogs, after floods inundated landfill sites and left nearly 3,000 tricycle waste operators unable to dispose refuse. Energy for Public Services: Liberia’s RREA installed solar systems in 121 health and education facilities across 13 counties, aiming to power lighting, vaccine refrigeration, medical equipment and digital learning. Water & Sanitation Reform: NWASHC says about 34% of Liberians still practice open defecation and pushes a Presidential WASH Compact and a 2030 roadmap, citing fragmented responsibilities as a key bottleneck. Macroeconomy & Industry Growth: The IMF projects Liberia’s 2026 growth at 5.5%, driven by iron ore output, manufacturing activity and construction. Trade & Investment Diplomacy: Liberia and Maryland (U.S.) sign a landmark MoU covering trade, investment, agriculture, renewable energy, transport, cybersecurity and AI. Mining & Jobs Pipeline: Mansa Resources and Orion discuss the Dugbe Gold Project, with plans pointing to major investment and local procurement. Air Cargo Security: The House seeks suspension of GLS Menzies and EHS at Roberts International Airport pending a narcotics investigation tied to a US$19.2m cocaine seizure. Land Governance: Sweden-funded SLSL project closes after strengthening land administration and women’s land rights. Youth & Peacebuilding: Kvinna till Kvinna launches PEACEGEN Liberia to boost youth and women’s leadership in peace processes.

Port & Air Cargo Oversight: Liberia’s House moves to temporarily suspend GLS Menzies Aviation Cargo Services and Express Handling Services (EHS) at Roberts International Airport, citing the US$19.2m cocaine seizure and lawmakers’ concerns about vulnerabilities in the air freight chain of custody. Energy for Industry & Services: RREA reports solar systems installed in 121 health and education facilities across 13 counties, while the World Bank approved US$60m for Sierra Leone’s distributed renewable energy—part of a regional push that also includes Liberia. Macroeconomic Outlook: The IMF projects Liberia’s economy to grow 5.5% in 2026, driven by iron ore, manufacturing, and construction, with inflation contained around 5.3%. Water & Sanitation Reform: NWASHC says about 34% of Liberians still practice open defecation and points to a Presidential WASH Compact and updated roadmap to end it by 2030. Mining Investment Signals: Meetings around the Dugbe Gold Project highlight potential US$600m investment over three years, with local procurement and workforce training. Trade & Partnerships: Liberia and Maryland sign a landmark MoU covering trade, investment, agriculture, renewable energy, transport, cybersecurity and AI. Youth & Peacebuilding: PEACEGEN Liberia launches to expand youth and women’s meaningful participation in peace processes. Governance & Environment: EPA and FDA launch a renewed national conservation agenda, while Liberia Land Authority marks completion of Sweden-funded land services reforms.

Shipping Compliance & Risk: Kpler reports only 6.4% of Strait of Hormuz crossings used the IMO traffic lane, with most vessels taking alternative routes or switching off AIS—forcing compliance teams to rethink how they flag risk. Electricity & Rural Industry: The World Bank approved US$60m for Sierra Leone’s distributed renewable energy push, part of a regional package that includes Liberia, aiming to power rural homes, schools, health facilities and businesses. Ebola & African Science: An OpEd highlights how fast lab work and Africa CDC capacity are central to stopping DRC’s Ebola outbreak. Youth, Peace & Inclusion: PEACEGEN Liberia launched to expand youth and women’s meaningful roles in peace processes. Drug Crisis Response: A rights advocate urges Liberia to tackle substance abuse and trafficking with a human-rights-based approach, not just enforcement. Energy for Public Services: Liberia’s RREA says solar systems were installed in 121 health and education facilities across 13 counties. Macroeconomic Outlook: The IMF projects Liberia’s 2026 growth at 5.5%, driven by mining, manufacturing and construction. Trade & Investment Link: Liberia and Maryland signed a landmark MoU covering trade, agriculture, renewable energy, transport, cybersecurity and AI. Air Cargo Security: Liberia’s House seeks suspension of GLS Menzies and EHS at Roberts International Airport pending the US$19.2m cocaine investigation. Mining Investment: Meetings around the Dugbe Gold Project point to about US$600m in expected investment over three years. Environment & Land Governance: EPA and FDA launch a renewed conservation agenda, while Sweden-funded land reforms in Liberia wrap up with gains in decentralized services and women’s land rights.