AGP Executive Report

Hospitality & Jobs: Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung dedicated Liberia’s first purpose-built National Hospitality Training Center at BDOTC Paynesville, aiming to plug skills gaps for tourism and hospitality employment. Energy Budgeting: Liberia’s Energy and Environment Sector Working Group kicked off 2027 budget planning, bringing EPA, RREA, LERC, NOCAL, LPRC, LPRA, FDA and UNDP to align climate-smart priorities. Fisheries Media Capacity: EJF trained 12 Liberian journalists to improve reporting on fisheries governance, illegal fishing and the Inshore Exclusion Zone. Anti-Corruption & Drugs: CENTAL welcomed government action after major cocaine seizures, but urged deeper transparency and reforms beyond dismissals. Coffee Sector Support: ITC, FUNL and IITA wrapped a field visit under the EU ACP Business Friendly Coffee Project, checking farm progress and feeding into seedling distribution. Education for Industry: STEM manuals were launched to shift teaching from rote learning to practical problem-solving for a technology-driven economy. Oil & Gas Pipeline: LPRA will present Liberia’s next offshore licensing round strategy at Liberia Investor Day Houston. Maritime & Trade Risks: Liberia-flagged vessels faced wider shipping security pressures as global routes shift amid conflict and sanctions.

Fisheries & Media Skills: The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) trained 12 Liberian journalists in Monrovia to improve reporting on fisheries governance, illegal fishing, and the Inshore Exclusion Zone. Hospitality Jobs Pipeline: Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung dedicated Liberia’s first purpose-built National Hospitality Training Center at the BDOTC campus in Paynesville, aiming to boost tourism-ready skills for youth. Energy & Climate Budgeting: Liberia’s Energy and Environment Sector Working Group began 2027 budget planning, bringing together EPA, RREA, LERC, NOCAL, LPRC, LPRA, FDA and UNDP. Illegal Mining Crackdown: EPA officials raided an alleged illegal Chinese-owned gold mine, citing use of banned cyanide and calling it “unacceptable,” reigniting debate on enforcement. Drug Trafficking Pressure: Anti-corruption watchdog CENTAL backed government actions after major cocaine seizures (including 238kg at RIA and nearly 4 tons in Duazon) but demanded deeper transparency and reforms. Coffee Revival Support: ITC, FUNL and IITA completed a field visit under the EU-funded coffee project, while LACRA distributed 700,000 Liberica seedlings to revive production. Agriculture Inputs Handover: EU-backed Seeds4Liberia handed over improved seeds, cassava cuttings, seedlings, fish fingerlings and equipment, with farmers urged to take ownership for sustainability. Oil & Gas Next Steps: LPRA will present Liberia’s strategy for the next offshore licensing round at Liberia Investor Day Houston on Aug. 19.

Coffee Value Chain: ITC, FUNL and IITA wrapped a weeklong EU ACP Business Friendly Coffee Project field visit across Bong, Nimba, Lofa, Bomi and Montserrado, tracking farmer skills in production, harvesting and processing while flagging market and input limits. Public Finance Oversight: Liberia’s General Auditing Commission published 34 donor-funded project audit reports (about US$300m in annual disbursements), covering sectors from energy and agriculture to fisheries and youth programs. Hospitality Skills for Jobs: Government and partners dedicated Liberia’s first purpose-built National Hospitality Training Center in Paynesville, built for hands-on TVET in hotel and restaurant operations. Anti-Corruption & Security: CENTAL welcomed government action after major cocaine seizures, but warned that dismissals won’t fix border and security weaknesses without deeper reforms and full disclosure. STEM for Industry: Liberia launched practical STEM manuals to shift teaching from memorization to applied problem-solving for a technology-driven economy. Agriculture Inputs: EU-backed Seeds4Liberia handed over improved seeds, cassava cuttings, seedlings, fish fingerlings and equipment, while farmers’ groups urged cooperatives to take ownership for sustainability. Tourism Investment: LSEZA and LNTA signed an MOU to develop Liberia’s first Special Tourism Economic Zone at Lake Piso, Grand Cape Mount.

Energy & Shipping: Liberia’s LPRA will outline its strategy for the next offshore oil and gas licensing round at Liberia Investor Day Houston on Aug. 19, with renewed exploration momentum after eight Production Sharing Contracts were ratified in 2025. Governance & Public Finance: CENTAL welcomed government moves after major drug trafficking actions, but pressed for full disclosure and deeper reforms; separately, PPCC began rolling out ICT equipment for Phase Two of Liberia’s e-GP system to boost digital procurement. Industry & Infrastructure: President Boakai directed the University of Liberia to accelerate campus renovation after slow progress on a US$6.3m allocation. Agribusiness: EU-backed Seeds4Liberia handed improved seeds and farming inputs to farmers in Bong County, while the Farmers Union urged cooperatives to take ownership for sustainability. Local Business & Power: Allegations surfaced that the Monrovia Consolidated School System illegally tapped electricity during LEC’s prepaid transition drive. Trade & Regional Policy: Liberia’s tourism push gained traction as LSEZA and LNTA signed an MOU to develop the first Special Tourism Economic Zone at Lake Piso in Grand Cape Mount.

STEM for Industry: Liberia’s government, with UNIDO, PEN, and EU/Sweden support, has launched practical STEM manuals under the Youth Rising Project to shift classrooms from rote learning to hands-on skills for a technology-driven economy. University Infrastructure: President Boakai ordered the University of Liberia to speed up campus renovation after delays despite about US$6.3M allocated. Agriculture Inputs, Real Ownership: EU-backed Seeds4Liberia handed over improved seeds, cassava cuttings, fish fingerlings and equipment, while the Farmers Union urged cooperatives to take ownership to protect inputs and boost yields. Mining Community Support: ArcelorMittal Liberia marked Independence Day by reaching 6,500+ children across host and railway corridor communities with education and safety activities. Governance & Transparency: LEMCOL reports progress on legislative transparency, but flags quorum breaches and falling women’s participation. Public Procurement Digital Push: PPCC began phase two distribution of ICT equipment for the e-GP system to help ministries move toward digital procurement. Power Sector Accountability: MCSS was accused of illegal power theft during LEC’s prepaid transition rollout, raising calls for equal enforcement. Tourism Investment: LSEZA and LNTA signed an MOU to develop Liberia’s first Special Tourism Economic Zone at Lake Piso in Grand Cape Mount. Extractives Transparency: LEITI says Liberia scored 80 in the latest EITI validation, with transparency gaps still to close.

Tourism & SEZ Push: LSEZA and LNTA signed an MOU to develop Liberia’s first Special Tourism Economic Zone at Lake Piso, Grand Cape Mount, aiming to attract eco-tourism investment, create jobs, and protect the environment. Power Sector Accountability: MCSS was accused by LEC of illegal power theft during the prepaid rollout, sparking calls for equal enforcement against government and ordinary users. Digital Procurement Upgrade: PPCC began phase two distribution of ICT equipment to ministries and agencies under the e-GP system rollout, supporting the shift to digital procurement. Electrical Safety Licensing: LERC issued Class A electrical contractor licenses to four firms to professionalize installations and reduce fire risks. Agribusiness Market Linkages: The U.S. Embassy reaffirmed support for private investment in Liberia’s agriculture value chains (cocoa, coffee, rice, rubber, maize, cassava). Extractives Transparency: LEITI boss Jeffrey Yates shared Liberia’s EITI Validation results, scoring 80 overall and flagging transparency gaps to fix before the next review. Maritime Risk for Liberia-Flagged Ships: A Liberia-flagged vessel, Minoan Pioneer, was hit near Oman in the Strait of Hormuz; crew abandoned ship and one seafarer is missing, underscoring shipping security concerns.

Extractives Governance: LEITI boss Jeffrey Yates says Liberia scored 80 points in the latest EITI Validation—“Very Good” overall—with strengths in stakeholder engagement and outcomes, but a transparency gap that needs urgent work before the next review. Electricity Sector: LERC licensed four electrical firms (Best Solar, Extrow Energies, Electric Construction and Control System, Excellent Electric) to improve safety and reduce fire risks, while LIBENERGY has appealed LERC’s tariff cut, warning it could hurt revenue and service delivery. Industrial Expansion: LSEZA sealed a US$32M, 25-year deal with Softcare Liberia to build a Monrovia Free Zone manufacturing hub for hygiene and household consumer products, targeting 150+ direct jobs. Agriculture Investment: The U.S. Embassy reaffirmed support for private-sector investment in Liberia’s value chains—cocoa, coffee, rice, rubber, maize and cassava—after talks with the agriculture minister. Shipping & Security: A Liberia-flagged bulk carrier (Minoan Pioneer) was hit by a projectile near Oman in the Strait of Hormuz; the crew abandoned ship and one seafarer is missing, as regional route talks (“middle corridor”) continue amid heightened tensions. Finance: The Central Bank granted a commercial banking license to First Atlantic Bank Liberia, bringing operating commercial banks to ten.

Shipping & Security: A Liberia-flagged bulk carrier, Minoan Pioneer, was hit by an unknown projectile near Oman while transiting the Strait of Hormuz; the crew abandoned ship and one seafarer is missing, with reports saying the engine room was struck and a fire broke out. Energy & Trade: Iran and Oman are said to be nearing a deal to reopen Hormuz with ships moving via an Iranian-controlled entry route and an Oman-controlled exit route, with “service fees” discussed—while the U.S. signals progress and warns of escalation if talks fail. Industrial Investment: LSEZA sealed a US$32M, 25-year agreement with Softcare Liberia to build and operate a special economic zone in the Monrovia Free Zone for hygiene and household consumer manufacturing, targeting diapers, sanitary pads and wipes, with 150+ direct jobs. Power Sector: LIBENERGY has appealed LERC’s tariff cut, arguing the new rates and lower meter contributions could weaken its finances and service delivery. Governance & Accountability: Liberia dismissed a dozen officials after major cocaine busts, and the LTA chairman declined to disclose annual revenue figures, reigniting transparency questions. Agribusiness & Food Security: A UN FAO report says global hunger fell, but Africa still lags, with 20% of Africans food insecure in 2025.

Maritime Security: A Liberia-flagged bulk carrier, Minyuan Pioneer (reported also as Minoan Pioneer), was struck by an unidentified projectile near Oman while transiting the Strait of Hormuz; the crew abandoned ship, one seafarer is missing, and a fire was reported in the engine room/accommodation area. Energy Regulation: LIBENERGY has appealed LERC’s new electricity tariff, arguing the August 1 rates cut its operating revenue and meter-related contributions, threatening service delivery in southeastern Liberia. Industrial Expansion: LSEZA signed a US$32M, 25-year deal with Softcare Liberia to build a Monrovia Free Zone special economic zone producing hygiene and household consumer products, targeting 150+ direct jobs. Governance & Transparency: LTA Chairman Clarence Massaquoi declined to disclose last year’s revenue totals, renewing calls for clearer public reporting on the regulator’s finances. Land & Housing: Allegations of fraud and abuse have hit the National Housing Authority after a complaint claims officials resold land already bought and occupied by an elderly widow, using armed police to remove her. Banking Milestone: The Central Bank of Liberia licensed First Atlantic Bank Liberia, bringing commercial banks to ten. Agribusiness: LACRA and IITA distributed 700,000 Coffee Liberica seedlings to revive Liberia’s coffee industry. Consumer Protection: FAL destroyed 76,000+ expired energy drink cans and says it uncovered a scheme to alter expiration dates and return unsafe products to market. Health Infrastructure: Government broke ground on a US$700K Bong County Health Team headquarters to strengthen county healthcare administration. Digital Growth: A MoU links Blue Cloud Softech’s Liberia National Digital Infrastructure Project to a PPP model for data and cybersecurity resilience. Finance for Forests: A loan scheme tied to Salayea Community Forest is helping women’s groups earn income while reducing illegal farming/mining inside the forest.

Security & Gender Inclusion: Liberia’s Ministry of National Defense and UN Women launched a week-long awareness drive in western Liberia to boost women’s recruitment into the Armed Forces of Liberia, targeting misconceptions and aiming for higher female representation by 2030. Media & Accountability: The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) called an emergency meeting after the police inspector general alleged drug traffickers have infiltrated parts of the media, raising fresh questions on press freedom and state oversight. Digital Infrastructure: Blue Cloud Softech signed a Liberia MoU for the Liberia National Digital Infrastructure Project under a PPP model, covering data centers, sovereign cloud, cybersecurity, digital identity, payments, and 5G. Telecom Regulation Scrutiny: Questions are mounting over the Liberia Telecommunications Authority’s handling of information about NUMBTEL, including basic office and management details. Agribusiness & Exports: LACRA and IITA distributed about 700,000 Coffee Liberica seedlings across five counties to revive Liberia’s indigenous coffee industry. Food Safety Enforcement: Liberia’s Food Authority destroyed 76,000+ expired energy drink cans after inspections alleged expired dates were altered and unsafe products returned to market. Health Infrastructure: Government broke ground on a US$700k permanent Bong County Health Team HQ to strengthen county healthcare administration. Justice System Pressure: Victims and advocates urged the Chief Justice to rescind a key appointment of a lawyer accused of bribery to protect traffickers in the country’s largest human trafficking case.

Food Safety Crackdown: Liberia’s Food Authority destroyed 76,000+ cans of expired energy drinks after an inter-agency probe found alleged “altered expiration dates” and plans to resell unsafe products in Monrovia, raising fresh alarms over consumer protection and supply-chain oversight. Telecom Accountability: Questions are mounting over the Liberia Telecommunications Authority’s handling of information tied to NUMBTEL, with reporters reportedly unable to get basic details like office location and management structure. Banking Expansion: President Boakai launched First Atlantic Bank Liberia, framing the entry as a sign of investor confidence and a boost for regional trade and investment. Mining & Skills: ArcelorMittal Liberia awarded foreign master’s scholarships to 24 Liberians in STEM fields, continuing its long-running academic support under its Mineral Development Agreement. Energy & Infrastructure Finance: Liberia and the Arab Coordination Group wrapped up talks, including a US$50 million Saudi Fund for Development pledge for national electricity expansion. Health Infrastructure: Government secured 50 acres for C.B. Dunbar Hospital’s expansion to ease overcrowding and add specialized diagnostic and treatment capacity in Bong County. Public Scrutiny: Mines Minister Tingban faces calls for investigation after donating 150 motorbikes to Nimba chiefs and elders, with critics questioning the funding source. Digital Infrastructure Deal: Blue Cloud Softech signed a non-binding MoU with Liberia and GCIB Africa to develop national digital infrastructure under a PPP model, including data centers, cybersecurity, digital identity, payments, and 5G. Regional Security: Nigeria deployed 86 troops to ECOWAS’s mission in Guinea-Bissau, reinforcing regional stability efforts. Agritech Finance: UfarmX says it has credit-scored 17,000+ smallholder farmers across Liberia and helped drive millions in farm commerce, aiming to close Africa’s farm financing gap with data-driven credit.

Red Sea Shipping Shock: A drone attack hit the U.S.-managed LNG unit ENERGOS WINTER near Egypt’s Damietta, with fire spreading to GASLOG SALEM, while OFAC moved to disrupt Iran’s Hormuz-linked extortion and shadow-fleet operations—raising new risks for regional energy and shipping corridors. Africa Capital & Commodities: Indian billionaires are deepening investments across Africa in telecom, mining, ports, energy and solar, signaling stronger competition for minerals and power supply chains. Liberia Infrastructure Push: President Boakai and the Saudi Fund for Development inaugurated the 81km Gbarnga–Salayea Road (with Arab partners), and the House pledged fast-track legislative support for the wider road agenda—aimed at boosting trade, farm access and services. Women in Security: MoD and UN Women launched a nationwide drive to recruit more women into Liberia’s Armed Forces, targeting 40% female representation by 2030. Agribusiness Finance: UfarmX says it has credit-scored 17,000+ smallholder farmers across Liberia and is helping close a $100bn financing gap using digitised value-chain data. Governance & Accountability: Liberia’s Anti-Corruption Commission is assessing a complaint involving the Liberia Telecommunications Authority’s traffic monitoring arrangement, with possible full investigation ahead. Public Health Watch: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged to the world’s second-largest on record, underscoring fragile health systems and response gaps.

Infrastructure & Trade: Liberia’s road push stays in focus as President Boakai and the Saudi Fund for Development inaugurate the 81-km Gbarnga–Salayea Highway, with co-financing from BADEA, OPEC Fund and KFAED—aimed at cutting transport costs and boosting market access for farmers and businesses. Legislative Support: The House backs the wider road agenda, pledging priority to executive road proposals and related instruments. Agribusiness Finance: UfarmX says it has credit-scored 17,000+ smallholder farmers across Nigeria, Senegal and Liberia, facilitating $6.8m in farm commerce—using digitised value-chain data to unlock lending. Rubber Value Chain: Liberia’s export ban on unprocessed natural rubber takes effect, pushing producers toward local processing and manufacturing. Anti-Corruption Watch: The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission is assessing a complaint involving the Liberia Telecommunications Authority’s traffic monitoring arrangement with NUMTEL. Health System Capacity: Bong County breaks ground on a modern County Health Team office complex funded by the Ministry of Health (over US$700k). Women in Security: MoD and UN Women launch a campaign to recruit more women into the Armed Forces of Liberia, targeting 40% female representation by 2030. Global Health Shock (Regional Impact): DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak hits record scale as it becomes the world’s second-largest on record, underscoring pressure on fragile health systems.

Infrastructure & Trade: Liberia’s Gbarnga–Salayea Highway (81 km) has been inaugurated, with President Boakai and the Saudi Fund for Development marking the project’s ribbon-cutting; the road is expected to cut transport costs, boost market access for farmers, and improve access to schools and healthcare. Road Governance: The House of Representatives says it will fast-track legislative support for the wider national road agenda, backing the Executive’s infrastructure push. Women in Security: MoD and UN Women launched a nationwide drive to recruit more women into the Armed Forces of Liberia, aiming for 40% female representation by 2030. Agribusiness Finance: Agritech firm UfarmX says it has credit-scored over 17,000 smallholder farmers across Nigeria, Senegal and Liberia, helping unlock financing for farmers previously shut out of formal credit. Gender & Growth: The World Bank warns women’s financial exclusion is costing Liberia billions in lost economic growth, despite women producing most of the country’s food. Anti-Corruption: Liberia’s Anti-Corruption Commission is assessing a complaint involving the Liberia Telecommunications Authority’s proposed traffic monitoring arrangement with NUMTEL. Health Systems: Bong County breaks ground on a modern County Health Team office funded by the Ministry of Health (over US$700k) to strengthen county-level coordination. Public Health Watch: The DRC Ebola outbreak has become the world’s second-largest on record, with 3,532 cases and 1,556 deaths reported.

Road & Connectivity: President Boakai and the Saudi Fund for Development inaugurated the 81-km Gbarnga–Salayea Highway, co-financed with loans from BADEA, OPEC Fund and KFAED, aimed at cutting transport costs and boosting access to markets, schools and healthcare. Infrastructure Oversight: The House of Representatives reaffirmed it will fast-track legislative instruments tied to road development under Boakai’s infrastructure agenda. Anti-Corruption Watch: Liberia’s Anti-Corruption Commission is assessing a complaint involving the Liberia Telecommunications Authority’s proposed traffic monitoring arrangement with NUMTEL, with a possible full investigation next. Women & Finance: The Africa Women Leaders Network (AWLN) and the Central Bank of Liberia launched a national conference on women’s financial inclusion, pushing practical steps to expand access to services and credit. Agribusiness Finance: UfarmX says it has credit-scored 17,000+ smallholder farmers across Nigeria, Senegal and Liberia and is building data-driven credit infrastructure to unlock the $100bn financing gap. Rubber Policy: Liberia’s export ban on unprocessed natural rubber takes effect, pushing value-add and local manufacturing. Health Systems: Bong County breaks ground on a modern County Health Team office complex funded by the Ministry of Health. Public Safety: Police in Gbarnga arrested five people over alleged theft of 17 chickens from a poultry project. Global Trade/Shipping: A Liberia-flagged vessel worker died after a metal beam struck him at Mackay Harbour, as maritime authorities investigate. Regional Industry Risk: Congo’s Ebola outbreak is now the world’s second-largest on record, with contact-tracing gaps and insecurity straining response capacity.

Road & Connectivity: Liberia’s House pledges top priority to President Boakai’s road agenda as the Gbarnga–Salayea Highway is commissioned, with Saudi Fund for Development co-financing (USD 20m concessional loan) and other Arab partners backing the wider corridor push. Women & Finance: AWLN Liberia and the Central Bank of Liberia kick off a two-day National Conference on Women’s Financial Inclusion, aiming to expand women’s access to financial services and enterprise. Agriculture Finance: UfarmX, operating across Nigeria, Senegal and Liberia, says it has credit-scored 17,000+ smallholder farmers and facilitated USD 6.8m in farm commerce using digitised value-chain data. Public Health: DRC’s Ebola outbreak is now the second-largest on record, with contact-tracing gaps and unknown transmission chains undermining containment—an urgent reminder for regional preparedness. Governance & Oversight: Liberia’s Anti-Corruption Commission confirms it is assessing a complaint involving Liberia Telecommunications Authority plans for traffic monitoring with NUMTEL. Education/Institutional Tension: University of Liberia President Dr. Layli Maparyan warns faculty supporting a go-slow could face suspension or dismissal. Agribusiness & Jobs: LACRA launches nationwide distribution of 750,000 coffee seedlings to revive Liberica coffee production and rebuild the value chain. Security/Crime: Police in Gbarnga arrest five over alleged theft of 17 chickens from a poultry project. Industry Policy: Liberia bans export of unprocessed natural rubber, pushing more local processing and manufacturing.