AGP Executive Report

Road & Connectivity: Liberia signs a US$30M BADEA loan to upgrade the Salayea–Konia Road corridor, aiming to cut transport costs and boost trade links between Bong and Lofa. Education Disruption: Heavy rains wash out the Payneberry Bridge, forcing Grand Bassa University to suspend activities and relocate exams. Energy for Industry: Liberia moves to expand renewables with an MOU for a 50MW solar plant plus battery storage to stabilize the grid and reduce outages. Mining Governance: The Senate advances reforms to tighten Liberia’s minerals and mining law, while Integrity Watch Liberia launches a digital compliance scorecard to track concession obligations. Electricity Access: LERC holds public hearings in Buchanan as LEC seeks to amend its distribution license to restore power after decades. Plastics & Jobs: Senate committees commend Sethi Brothers’ Duraplast recycling plant after an inspection focused on environmental and labor compliance. Maritime Security: The EU hands Liberia Coast Guard RHIBs and equipment to strengthen coastal enforcement. Health Shock (Regional): WHO reports DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak hit a record first-month caseload of over 1,000 cases and 267 deaths, with spread into urban areas. Drug Probe (Aviation/Logistics): NOCAL board member Peter King is suspended over the RIA cocaine case as investigators name persons of interest and expand the network probe.

Ebola Watch: WHO says DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has hit a record 1,000+ confirmed cases in the first month, with spread into urban areas and displacement camps driving the surge, as officials push to scale up beds and protection for responders. Trade & Customs Integrity: Liberia and Sierra Leone are extending a digital verification portal to help customs spot forged gold and diamond export documents, aiming to cut revenue losses from document fraud. Maritime & Energy Flows: Shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz is picking up after an Iran–US deal, with more tankers broadcasting tracking signals and more oil moving under eased sanctions. Anti-Drug Enforcement: Liberia’s probe into the RIA cocaine seizure is widening, with the President suspending a NOCAL board member tied to GLS and naming persons of interest as investigators map the cargo-handling chain. Power & Industry: Liberia signed an MOU for a 50MW solar plant with battery storage, while LEC expansion plans for Buchanan advanced through LERC public hearings. Mining Governance & Jobs: EU moves to end its illegal logging oversight partnership with Liberia, and lawmakers push further mining law reforms as ArcelorMittal Liberia expands local training into short-term and full-time roles. Fisheries Transparency: 15 countries adopted the Mombasa Declaration to share fisheries data and fight IUU fishing, with Liberia among signatories.

Power & Renewables: Liberia signed an MOU with Mali-based AfriLight Energy to develop a 50MW solar plant plus battery storage, aiming to cut outages and stabilize the grid. Electricity Access: In Buchanan, the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission held a public hearing on LEC’s bid to extend distribution services to the city and surrounding communities after nearly four decades. Mining & Jobs: ArcelorMittal Liberia continues workforce localization—transitioning 83 process operator trainees to short-term employee contracts and moving 56 locally trained artisans into full-time roles. Mining Governance: A lawmaker renewed calls for stronger oversight of AML’s Mineral Development Agreement, questioning whether key social infrastructure commitments were fully implemented. Fisheries Transparency: Fifteen countries adopted the Mombasa Declaration to boost fisheries transparency and fight illegal fishing, with Liberia among the signatories. Maritime Security: The EU handed Liberia Coast Guard RHIBs and technical equipment to strengthen coastal patrol capacity. Urban Water: LWSC and the World Bank reviewed progress on the Urban Water Supply Project ahead of its 2026 closure. Agriculture & Crime: A prison superintendent linked rising crime to declining farm activity, urging renewed investment in agriculture. Drug Probe: Liberia’s cocaine investigation named 10 persons of interest tied to the RIA seizure chain.

EU–Forestry Oversight: The EU Parliament voted to end its Voluntary Partnership Agreement logging oversight with Liberia, citing long-missed reforms like a licensing system meant to curb illegal timber and open legal EU trade. Extractives Governance: Liberia’s Senate moved to amend the New Minerals and Mining Law to tighten mineral rights, licensing, royalties and concession obligations. Anti-Drug Enforcement: Liberia’s cocaine probe linked to a US$19.2m seizure at Roberts International Airport named 10 persons of interest as investigators map roles across the cargo-handling chain. Electricity Expansion: In Buchanan, the LERC held a public hearing on LEC’s bid to extend electricity services after decades, with residents invited to weigh in. Urban Water Delivery: LWSC and the World Bank reviewed progress on the Liberia Urban Water Supply Project ahead of its 2026 closure deadline. Mining Jobs & Skills: ArcelorMittal Liberia hired 83 process operator trainees into short-term contracts, supporting operations at Buchanan Port and Yekepa. Maritime Security: The EU handed Liberia Coast Guard RHIBs and equipment to boost coastal patrol readiness and enforcement capacity. Clean Cooking Push: Liberia advanced clean cooking planning with a World Bank-led workshop to validate sector priorities and investment directions.

Drug Crisis & Justice: Liberia’s drug emergency narrative is getting sharper as the government names 10 persons of interest in the US$19.2m, 237.6kg cocaine probe tied to Roberts International Airport, with investigators tracing the shipment through multiple cargo-handling stages and looking at possible links to a wider network. Mining Governance: The Senate moves to strengthen extractives oversight by sending a bill to amend the New Minerals and Mining Law, aiming to tighten mineral rights, licensing, MDAs, royalties, and concession obligations. Electricity Expansion: In Buchanan, the LERC holds public hearings on LEC’s bid to extend electricity services after 36 years, while Liberia also cuts imports from Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea after Mount Coffee hydropower capacity returns and a new solar facility adds generation. Water & Urban Services: LWSC and the World Bank review progress on the Liberia Urban Water Supply Project ahead of its 2026 closure, focusing on civil works, meters, safeguards, and delivery timelines. Maritime Security & Fisheries Transparency: The EU hands over RHIBs to the Liberia Coast Guard to boost coastal patrol readiness, while EJF launches fisheries transparency training for CSOs and journalists to tackle IUU fishing. Industry & Jobs: ArcelorMittal Liberia transitions 83 process operator trainees into short-term employee contracts to support its expansion, and the Liberia Chamber of Commerce backs the Dugbe Gold Project as a major local-content opportunity. Skills & Agriculture: Government reopens the Tumutu Vocational Institute to expand practical training for youth, and the clean cooking push gets a World Bank-led validation workshop to guide investment and policy.

Clean Cooking Push: World Bank and Liberia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy validated plans to scale clean cooking, with a new National Clean Cooking Strategy and a proposed National Clean Cooking Program aimed at cutting the country’s very low clean-fuel use. Energy Supply Boost: LEC says it has started cutting electricity imports from Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea after Mount Coffee returned to full 88MW and a 20MW solar facility came online; government also discussed expanding generation further. Maternal Health Investment: First Lady and Health officials broke ground on a landmark Duport Road maternity hospital, with funding secured and a focus on reducing maternal and neonatal deaths. Mining & Local Jobs: Liberia Chamber of Commerce welcomed Mansa Resources’ reported US$600m Dugbe Gold Project, stressing local content, training, and supplier opportunities. Concession Reform Debate: Lawmakers urged a shift from royalty-based concession terms to profit-sharing/equity models for future deals. Oil Discovery Scrutiny: House lawmakers called for more scientific testing on a reported crude oil find in Grand Bassa, citing lack of conclusive proof. Trade Finance for Industry: AfDB-backed confirming bank support was highlighted as a way to keep cross-border trade moving, including for Liberia-linked markets. Maritime Security & Shipping: EU sanctions and global shipping risks were in the wider news mix, alongside reports of renewed pressure on maritime corridors.

Maternal Health Push: Liberia broke ground for a new Duport Road maternity hospital in Paynesville, with the First Lady and Health Minister unveiling designs and confirming full funding to cut maternal and infant deaths. Energy & Power Security: LEC says Mount Coffee is back to full 88MW after a turbine repair and a new 20MW solar farm, letting Liberia reduce costly imports from Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea; government also flags a further 42MW expansion. Clean Cooking Drive: World Bank and partners ran a validation workshop for Liberia’s clean cooking sector, aiming to shape a national strategy and program as access remains extremely low. Mining & Concessions: Lawmakers urge a major overhaul of Liberia’s concession model, shifting from royalty-heavy terms toward profit-sharing/equity; meanwhile, the Chamber of Commerce backs Mansa Resources’ US$600m Dugbe Gold Project, stressing local content and supplier readiness. Oil Discovery Scrutiny: House lawmakers call for more scientific testing on reported crude oil in Grand Bassa, saying evidence is not yet conclusive. Trade Finance Boost: AfDB-backed confirming bank support is expanding for trade deals, with Liberia highlighted as a target for smoother cross-border commerce.

Maternal Health Push: Liberia has unveiled plans for the country’s first dedicated maternity hospital on Duport Road, Paynesville, with funding secured and a modern design aimed at cutting maternal and infant deaths. Energy & Power Security: LEC says it has started cutting electricity imports from Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea after Mount Coffee returned to full 88MW output and a new 20MW solar facility came online, with further generation expansion under discussion. Clean Cooking Drive: The World Bank and partners ran a validation workshop for Liberia’s clean cooking sector, shaping a national strategy and program after a study found only 0.8% of households use clean fuels. Mining & Local Content: The Liberia Chamber of Commerce welcomed Mansa Resources’ reported US$600m Dugbe Gold Project, highlighting jobs and local supplier opportunities. Concession Reform Debate: Lawmakers urged a shift from royalty-based concession deals toward profit-sharing and equity participation for future investments. Trade Finance Boost: AfDB-backed trade guarantees are expanding confirming bank capacity in the region, with Liberia highlighted as a target for easing import/export financing gaps.

Mining & Investment: Liberia’s Dugbe Gold Project gets a major boost as Mansa Resources signals about US$600m for development, with the Liberia Chamber of Commerce urging transparency and strong local content so Liberian firms benefit in logistics, construction, catering, security, ICT and services. Energy & Power: LEC says it has restored Mount Coffee Hydropower to full 88MW and added a new 20MW solar facility, cutting electricity imports from Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea; government also flags further expansion discussions to raise capacity toward 130MW. Clean Cooking: World Bank Group and ESMAP, with Liberia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy and RREA, validate plans for a National Clean Cooking Strategy and program after a sector assessment showing only 0.8% clean cooking access. Fiscal & Mining Governance: AfDB and Liberia sign a US$16.7m loan for fiscal sustainability and mining governance reforms, aimed at improving revenue and public service delivery. Concessions Reform: Lawmakers push a landmark overhaul of Liberia’s concession model, moving from royalty-heavy terms toward profit-sharing and equity participation for future deals. Oil Discovery Scrutiny: House lawmakers call for further scientific testing into reported crude oil in Grand Bassa, citing lack of conclusive proof of commercially recoverable reserves. Digital Finance: Vita Money launches plans for a full digital banking platform for mobile payments, remittances, bill payments (including LEC tokens) and school fees. Trade Finance: Ghana International Bank and AfDB confirm a trade finance guarantee that can help keep cross-border deals moving, explicitly naming Liberia among target markets. Women & Health Costs: A menstrual pads tax fight heats up as lawmakers consider reducing taxes on pads and ActionAid urges free/low-cost support plus school water, toilets and education. Youth & Leadership: ActionAid challenges Liberian youth to demand real decision-making power now, not just “leaders of tomorrow.” Maritime & Fisheries Governance (Regional): Liberia is among countries backing new commitments to share fisheries data and crack down on illegal fishing, with a focus on transparency and vessel monitoring.

Mining & Concessions: The House of Representatives urged more scientific tests on a reported crude oil discovery in Grand Bassa, saying there’s no confirmed commercially recoverable petroleum yet. Lawmakers also pushed a major overhaul of Liberia’s concession model, moving from royalty-based terms toward profit-sharing and equity participation for future deals. Energy & Power: LEC says it has started cutting electricity imports from Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea after Mount Coffee returned to full 88MW output and a new 20MW solar facility came online; government also outlined plans to expand generation further by 42MW. Clean Cooking: The World Bank Group and partners validated findings to accelerate Liberia’s clean cooking push, where only about 0.8% of households use clean fuels. Gold Investment: Liberia’s Chamber of Commerce welcomed Mansa Resources’ reported US$600m Dugbe Gold Project, highlighting local content and supplier opportunities. Trade Finance: AfDB will cover up to 100% of default risk on trade deals confirmed by Ghana International Bank—explicitly including Liberia in the target markets. Digital Finance: Vita Money announced plans for a full digital banking platform with mobile payments, transfers, and bill payments. Gender & Health: A menstrual products tax fight is underway as girls in rural areas report using unsafe materials due to high costs. Fisheries: Civil society and media met to launch a fisheries transparency drive aimed at exposing illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

Hydrocarbons Oversight: The House Committee on Hydrocarbons is pushing for further scientific testing into a reported crude oil discovery in Grand Bassa, saying current findings don’t confirm commercially recoverable petroleum. Power & Industry Inputs: LEC has started cutting electricity imports from Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea after Mount Coffee hydropower returned to full capacity and a new 20MW solar facility added generation. Mining Governance Finance: Liberia and the AfDB signed a US$16.7m loan to boost fiscal sustainability and strengthen mining governance, with reforms aimed at improving revenue and transparency. Concession Reform Debate: Lawmakers want Liberia to redesign future concession deals, shifting from royalty-based terms to profit-sharing and equity participation—without changing existing agreements. Energy Infrastructure Rollout: EU-backed “Light Up Greenville” received single- and three-phase energy meters to support electrification and future customer connections. Digital Finance: Vita Money launched plans for a full digital banking platform for mobile payments, transfers, bill payments, and remittances, pending Central Bank of Liberia approval. Clean Cooking Planning: World Bank/ESMAP validated inputs for Liberia’s first National Clean Cooking Strategy and a proposed national clean cooking program, targeting the country’s very low clean-fuel use. Fisheries Transparency Push: A Liberia workshop launched activities under an Ocean5-funded project to improve fisheries transparency and oversight.

Illegal Fishing Crackdown: Liberia is among 15 countries signing the Mombasa Declaration at the Our Ocean Conference, pledging to modernize vessel registries, share fisheries data, and improve monitoring to fight IUU fishing and protect coastal livelihoods. Clean Cooking Push: The World Bank Group and ESMAP, with Liberia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy and RREA, validated plans for Liberia’s first National Clean Cooking Program after a study found only 0.8% of Liberians use clean fuels. Seed System Upgrade: CGIAR is expanding seed system reforms in Liberia under a five-year Seed Roadmap covering rice, cassava, maize, soybeans and aquaculture, aiming to strengthen certification, agrodealer networks, extension, financing and regulation. Mining & Fiscal Reform Funding: Liberia and the AfDB signed a US$16.7m loan to boost fiscal sustainability and improve mining governance through revenue mobilization and stronger public financial management. Digital Finance: Vita Money launched plans for a full digital banking platform for mobile payments, remittances, bill payments and tax services, seeking Central Bank licensing. Energy Access in Greenville: EU-funded “Light Up Greenville” delivered electricity meters to support household and business connections as distribution work advances. Urban Planning Training: The World Bank backed a risk-informed urban planning training as Liberia’s urban population is projected to surge by 2050. Cocaine Case Escalates: Liberia’s drug probe into a US$19.2m cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport is being elevated to a joint national security investigation with a wider transnational focus.

Energy & Industry Infrastructure: The EU-funded “Light Up Greenville” project has delivered single-phase and three-phase electricity meters to the Greenville Warehouse, a key step toward connecting households, businesses and public institutions under a €42m electrification push in Greenville, Buchanan and Barclayville. Mining & Fiscal Governance: Liberia and the AfDB signed a US$16.7m loan to support fiscal sustainability and mining-sector governance reforms under the ARREST Agenda. Education & Skills for Jobs: A US$1m philanthropic education facility project launched for Barnersville and Margibi will build a modern center and expand vocational training in trades including electricity, carpentry and plumbing. Urban Planning for Growth: The World Bank flagged fast-rising urbanization and trained officials on risk-informed urban planning through the Liberia Urban Resilience Project. Agriculture & Food Security: President Boakai renewed calls for stronger farmer support and domestic production, while government handed over 3,600mt of China-donated rice to stabilize the market. Water, Sanitation & Public Health: Liberia marked the Day of the African Child with renewed focus on universal water, sanitation and hygiene—an issue also highlighted by Ebola response concerns in the region. Anti-Drug Enforcement & Aviation Security: Court ordered RIA to produce documents and CCTV tied to the US$19.2m cocaine seizure, as Boakai vowed to expose and destroy trafficking networks. Local Governance & Accountability: Nimba County audit fallout continues after a US$12m audit-linked official stepped aside amid allegations of misapplied funds. Energy Workforce: LERC and the University of Liberia signed an MoU to develop Liberia’s first energy auditing curriculum.

Drug Enforcement & Courts: Liberia’s President Boakai vowed to “expose and destroy” cocaine trafficking networks after a major Roberts International Airport bust, while a Margibi court ordered RIA to produce shipping waybills and CCTV tied to the US$19.2m seizure. Agriculture & Food Security: Boakai pushed for an agriculture boom with stronger farmer support and strict MCC rice oversight as 3,600mt of Chinese donated rice arrived; FAO also urged better storytelling to advance food security across West Africa. Energy Skills & Efficiency: LERC and the University of Liberia signed an MoU to build Liberia’s first energy auditing curriculum, aiming to grow local capacity for a stronger electricity sector. Water & Public Health: A human rights lawyer highlighted the push for universal clean water for children, as Ebola response teams in DR Congo warned clean water shortages are worsening transmission risk. Urban Services: Monrovia and Paynesville launched a PPP framework to tackle the garbage quagmire and improve solid waste collection and disposal. Migration Pressure: LRRRC estimates about 140,500 Burkinabe migrants are in southeastern Liberia, stressing strain on health, education, land and social cohesion. Energy/Power Infrastructure: Greenville’s solar project milestone and Liberia’s first utility-scale solar plant coming online point to continued electricity expansion.

Drug Enforcement & Ports: Liberia’s Margibi court has ordered Roberts International Airport (RIA) to produce documents and CCTV tied to a $19.2m cocaine seizure, with RIA management set to appear June 22. Public Accountability: A civil society coalition is also pushing the LDEA to publicly name everyone linked to the case, arguing secrecy undermines trust. Energy Skills & Efficiency: The Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) and the University of Liberia (UL) signed an MoU to build the country’s first energy auditing curriculum, aiming to boost energy efficiency and regulatory compliance. Electricity Expansion: Liberia switched on its first grid-connected utility-scale solar plant, the 20MW Mount Coffee Solar Park, with plans to scale up via World Bank-backed upgrades. Agriculture & Food Security: President Boakai renewed support for farmers and domestic food production, while government also handed over 3,600mt of Chinese donated rice to stabilize the rice market. Urban Services: Monrovia and Paynesville launched a PPP framework to tackle the garbage crisis and improve waste collection and disposal. Mining & Power Investment: Liberia will host LIMEC 2026, a major international mining and energy conference targeting a new wave of investment. Regional Migration Pressure: LRRRC estimates about 140,500 Burkinabe migrants are in southeastern Liberia, stressing strain on health, education, and land resources.

Ebola Watch: Africa CDC warns Congo’s Ebola outbreak could be the worst yet, citing “missing cases” as spread continues undetected. Macroeconomy: The World Bank trims Sub-Saharan Africa’s 2026 growth outlook, blaming higher energy costs and weaker demand. Power & Skills: Liberia’s LERC and the University of Liberia sign MoUs to build energy auditing training, while the first grid-connected 20MW Mount Coffee solar plant begins operating and EU-funded solar work in Greenville hits major PV milestones. Grid Expansion: New electricity meters arrive in Buchanan under an EU program to expand distribution and customer connections. Electrical Workforce: LERC and IECD Liberia sign an MoU to strengthen licensing and certification for electrical professionals and contractors. Mining & Energy Pipeline: Liberia announces LIMEC 2026 (Oct 28–29) to pull in investment for mining and energy, pitching a US$3bn wave. Agribusiness: LACRA tours coffee seedling sites in Bong and signals legislative moves plus interest from a Dubai investor for large-scale coffee investment. Maritime Security: Liberia joins the Combined Maritime Task Force Gulf of Guinea, aiming to protect the blue economy and trade routes. Trade & Compliance: Liberia’s LRA pushes back on claims of high customs charges, saying its regime is among the lowest in the subregion. Public Scrutiny: Civil society demands transparency over a US$19m cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport.