AGP Executive Report

Liberia–China Trade Surge: Liberia’s exports to China topped US$200m in Q1 2026, up more than 30-fold year-on-year, driven by renewed iron ore shipments and natural rubber exports after mining resumed at Bong and Bomi. Energy & Cost Relief: Liberia commissioned its first grid-connected 20MW solar plant, cutting generation costs from about 28¢ per unit to 3¢, with World Bank/IFC backing. EU Market Access Fight: A public clash between Liberia’s agriculture regulator and the Ministry of Agriculture over the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is raising fears of lost access to key export markets. Local Governance & Accountability: Nimba County endorsed a General Auditing Commission report alleging over US$2m withdrawn from county accounts via over-the-counter transactions, calling for full accountability. SME Policy Push: MoCI is backing a local content policy aimed at boosting Liberian SMEs. Regional Education Power: ECOWAS @50 delivered solar systems to six high schools in Margibi.

Ebola Response Watch: China sent a five-person medical team to Kinshasa in the DRC as cases are revised down to 344, while experts warn the outbreak’s economic hit is worst for women forced to choose between infection risk and hunger. Energy & Cost Relief: Liberia commissioned its first grid-connected 20MW solar plant, cutting power costs from 28¢ to 3¢ per unit and easing pressure on the national budget. Trade Push: Liberia’s exports to China jumped more than 30-fold in Q1 2026 under China’s zero-tariff policy, with iron ore and mining-linked gains highlighted. EU Deforestation Clash: A deep dispute inside Liberia’s agriculture governance is brewing over the EU Deforestation Regulation, with LACRA warning market exclusion risks for farmers. Local Governance & Jobs: President Boakai asked lawmakers to amend the LACE Act to strengthen oversight and donor coordination, while Paynesville rolled out a new HR management system to modernize city administration. Accountability in Counties: Nimba endorsed an audit finding over US$2m withdrawn over-the-counter from county accounts, calling for full accountability.

Liberia–China Trade Boom: Liberia’s exports to China surged more than 30-fold in the first quarter of 2026, topping US$200 million, as Beijing’s zero-tariff policy for African countries with diplomatic ties boosts iron ore and other shipments. Liberia–India Commerce: Bilateral trade with India hit US$390.06 million in 2025–2026, with Liberian exports to India up over 120% to about US$44.91 million, supported by India’s duty-free access scheme. Local Content Push: Liberia’s Ministry of Commerce backs a Local Content Policy to expand opportunities for Liberian-owned firms and keep more value from major investments inside the country. ECOWAS Solar for Schools: ECOWAS @50 delivered solar power systems to six high schools in Margibi’s Kakata, improving learning conditions and youth engagement. Nimba Public Finance Scrutiny: Nimba County endorsed GAC findings after reports of over US$2 million withdrawn over-the-counter from county accounts, calling for full accountability. Governance & Service Delivery: Boakai seeks amendments to the LACE Act to strengthen oversight and capacity; Paynesville hands over a new HR management system to modernize city staffing. Human Rights & Justice: INCHR urges passage of Economic and War Crimes Courts, including an Anti-Corruption Court, to curb impunity.

Local Governance & Finance: Nimba County Administration backs General Auditing Commission findings after reports of over US$2m withdrawn from county accounts via over-the-counter transactions, calling for full accountability. Energy & Education: ECOWAS @50 celebrations delivered solar power systems to six high schools in Margibi, with tablets for a winning quiz team. Public Sector Modernization: Paynesville City Corporation hands over a Soft Human Resource Management System to streamline HR with trained staff and better service delivery. Decentralization Watch: Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan and officials clarify revenue-sharing and fiscal decentralization progress before the Senate amid calls for clearer local fiscal structures and the fiscal board’s operationalization. Trade & Jobs: Liberia–India trade hit US$390.06m in 2025–26, with Liberian exports to India up over 120% to US$44.91m, boosted by zero-duty access under India’s DFTP scheme. Sports Funding Gap: Lone Star AFCON qualifiers face a US$5m–US$10m funding shortfall, with lawmakers urged to address hotel-debt and weak preparation issues. Justice & Accountability: A grand jury indicted 11 people in Liberia’s biggest trafficking ring case, alleging exploitation of 57 victims and extortion of over US$124,000. Governance Reform: President Boakai asks lawmakers to amend the LACE Act to strengthen oversight, leadership, and donor coordination.

Local Content Policy Push: Liberia’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry backed the proposed Local Content Policy, saying it could unlock more opportunities for Liberian-owned SMEs and keep more investment benefits inside the economy as a validation workshop in Monrovia moves toward a final national framework. National Security Overhaul: President Joseph Boakai launched Liberia’s 10-Year National Security Strategy (2026–2036), shifting from a military-heavy approach to a whole-of-society, people-centered model tied to jobs, rights, and economic prosperity. ECOWAS Integration & Road Safety: Liberia’s ECOWAS Brown Card office marked 44 years of the scheme, highlighting compulsory third-party insurance that supports smoother cross-border movement of people, vehicles, and goods. Diplomacy: Liberia’s Ambassador John Ballout presented credentials to ECOWAS President Omar Touray, reaffirming support for regional integration and raising air transport affordability concerns. Governance & Accountability: The House of Representatives passed a vote of no confidence in Ambassador Sheikh Moustapha Kouyateh after he refused to apologize over remarks alleging corruption in the Legislature. Trade Impact: China’s zero-tariff policy is driving a major export surge, with Liberia’s exports to China up more than 30-fold in early 2026, boosting prospects for mining and agriculture. Telecom Controversy: A dispute over the Numtel JV Numbase LLC has raised questions about transparency and regulatory maneuvering involving the Liberia Telecommunications Authority. Health Preparedness: Liberia’s National Public Health Institute plans to vaccinate frontline health workers and port-of-entry staff to strengthen readiness for possible Ebola cases.

UN Security Council Election: Austria, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, Zimbabwe and first-timer Kyrgyzstan won non-permanent seats for 2027-28, while Germany suffered a historic loss. Liberia–China Trade: Liberia’s exports to China jumped more than 30-fold in early 2026 after Beijing’s zero-tariff policy took effect, boosting iron ore and other sectors. Energy Access (Regional): A World Bank-backed West Africa power programme says it has expanded electricity access to over 3 million people, built 4,000+ km of transmission lines, and readies a regional electricity market. Telecom Governance: Liberia’s telecom sector faces renewed controversy over a little-known Numtel JV Numbase LLC, with questions on transparency and regulatory process. Oil Sector Oversight: The Senate moves to address a dispute between LPRA and NOCAL over petroleum agreements, warning of risks to investor confidence. National Security Strategy: President Boakai launched Liberia’s 2026-2036 National Security Strategy, shifting focus toward jobs, rights, climate resilience and coordination. Public Health Preparedness: NPHIL plans Ebola vaccination for frontline health workers and port-of-entry staff, alongside strengthened surveillance and screening. Emergency Care: Liberia’s Ministry of Health commissioned 25 ambulances to improve emergency referral across counties. Education Costs: Salvation Army Polytechnic University cut tuition by 50%, lowering credit-hour fees for multiple colleges. US Visa Processing: Liberia welcomed reports that the US may keep full visa processing at the Monrovia embassy, potentially turning it into a regional hub. Right to Information: Transparency International research highlights strong RTI laws but persistent access gaps in Liberia and neighboring states.

Liberia-Linked Safety & Travel Shock: A deadly hotel fire in New Delhi’s Malviya Nagar killed 21 people, including at least 17 foreign nationals reportedly from Liberia, Nigeria, Mozambique and Bangladesh; Delhi police arrested the hotel owner and filed a culpable homicide case, while India’s MEA said it is coordinating with embassies and that several injured victims are on ventilators. Decentralization Funding Pressure: Liberia’s decentralization push faces a projected US$179.4m shortfall by 2029, threatening county service delivery, as a new policy brief flags weak fiscal transfers and capacity gaps. Local Revenue & Property Tax Drive: UNDP, Sweden and Liberia’s Revenue Authority are pushing real property tax expansion in Grand Bassa, Margibi and Nimba using digital mapping and bill generation to strengthen local governance. Maritime & Offshore Activity: TDI-Brooks’ R/V Gyre arrived in Liberia for a seep detection campaign with NOCAL support, aiming to reduce exploration risk offshore. Youth Sector Accountability: Minister Cornelia Kruah’s 100-day report highlights stalled youth center/TVET upgrades, weak systems and logistics, including the lack of a standalone ministry headquarters. Drug Enforcement Results: LDEA reported 233 arrests and 422.08kg of narcotics seized in Q1 2026.

Liberia’s Decentralization Under Strain: A new study warns the decentralization agenda could face a US$179.4m funding shortfall by 2029, citing weak fiscal transfers, institutional gaps, and procurement bottlenecks. Local Governance Push: UNDP, Sweden, and the Liberia Revenue Authority back field work to strengthen property tax systems and local revenue mobilization in Grand Bassa, Margibi, and Nimba. Oil Sector Tension: The Senate is being asked to intervene in a jurisdictional fight between LPRA and NOCAL over oil block dealings, raising concerns for investor confidence and regulatory clarity. Telecom Controversy: Allegations swirl around Numtel JV Numbase LLC and the Liberia Telecommunications Authority, with questions on transparency and how approvals were handled. Tax Modernization: The Liberia Revenue Authority seeks South Korea’s experience to upgrade tax administration and taxpayer services. Trade Boost: Liberia’s exports to India more than doubled in 2025-2026, driven by crude palm kernel oil and natural rubber. Public Safety & Economy: LDEA reports 233 arrests and 422.08kg of narcotics seized in Q1 2026, while the NTA moves to improve transport with new buses and cargo trucks.

Decentralization Funding Crunch: A Naymote Partners study warns Liberia’s counties could face a cumulative financing gap of about US$179.4 million by 2029, citing weak coordination, procurement bottlenecks, and funding shortfalls that are slowing community-driven projects. Tax Modernization Push: The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) is in South Korea to deepen partnerships for digital tax administration, holding talks with firms like Hyundai Steel and LG Consultancy on improving taxpayer services and compliance. Remittances Under Fire: A proposed US$1 levy on remittance transfers is sparking backlash, with critics calling it a “tax on survival” that could hit household stability and local spending. Energy & Climate Investment: Liberia officially launched the US$103.9m SARTLA climate-resilience agriculture project (2025–2030) to boost food security and livelihoods, while a 20MW solar farm is advancing renewable power supply. Governance & Justice Pressure: Citizens are urging lawmakers to pass the War and Economic Crimes Court and National Anti-Corruption Court bills, warning delays could cost votes. Trade & Business Ecosystem: Liberia won the WIPO-ARIPO regional IP high school club competition, highlighting growing focus on creative industries and IP awareness. Regional Maritime Cooperation: Nigeria and Liberia deepened maritime ties to expand the West African blue economy and youth training.

U.S. Visa Overhaul for Africa: The State Department plans to cut visa-processing missions across Africa from nearly 50 to 20 regional hubs, including Monrovia (Liberia), Lagos, Accra and others—meaning more travel and higher costs for applicants outside the hubs. Deportations Watch: The U.S. also released names and photos of 355 West Africans facing deportation, with Liberia listed among the highest numbers (94), alongside Nigeria (110) and others. Liberia’s Digital Economy Push: Alkebuleum Foundation says Liberia is helping lead a continental “digital trust network” to verify online records, identities and payments through “Proof of Reputation and Authority.” Energy & Climate Finance: Liberia launched the US$103.9m SARTLA climate-resilience agriculture project (2025–2030) and opened its first solar farm at Mount Coffee under the World Bank’s RESPITE program. Housing & Land Disputes: Residents of NASSCORP Village accuse the National Housing Authority of selling land meant for public facilities, with cases now in court. Justice & Anti-Corruption: Citizens are pressuring lawmakers to pass the War and Economic Crimes Court and the National Anti-Corruption Court bills ahead of elections. Blue Economy Cooperation: Nigeria and Liberia renewed maritime cooperation to boost capacity and the West African Blue Economy.

Liberia’s Political Pressure Test: A political analyst says the opposition under President Joseph Boakai’s Unity Party is “weak” and acting like “spectators,” pointing to the Presidential Villa renovation and the removal of ex-House Speaker Fonati Kofa as missed chances to demand transparency. Trade & Customs Loss: Former NCBAL president Ivan I. F. Tumbey has died in Monrovia after collapsing; he was a leading customs and freight-forwarding advocate pushing for reforms. Courtroom Business Fight: Liberia’s Supreme Court will hear MONCO’s US$2.5m judgment case against Global Bank, tied to a long-running cement import dispute and alleged improper bank handling. Tax Reform Push: The Liberia Revenue Authority is in South Korea to learn from advanced digital tax systems and data-driven compliance to boost domestic revenue. Agriculture Regulation Update: LACRA says the suspension of Deputy Director General Alpha Gongolee remains in force amid ongoing administrative processes over alleged cocoa export permit violations. Market & City Services: Traders at the Duala Market complain of worsening sanitation and blocked drainage, blaming weak municipal waste management. Business Climate Warning: A report says Liberia’s procurement and contract access now requires multiple certifications and tax clearance, adding red tape that slows SMEs. Regional Maritime Cooperation: Nigeria and Liberia reaffirm plans to deepen maritime collaboration under the Blue Economy agenda. Health & Mobility: The U.S. plans to scale visa processing in Africa to about 20 hubs, including Monrovia, reshaping travel and business access.

Ebola Watch: The WHO has declared the DRC Ebola outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, with the DRC already reporting 500+ cases and 130 deaths—raising pressure on regional preparedness. Education & Credentials: Ghana’s GTEC warns the public about 70 unrecognised tertiary institutions, including 14 in Ghana, urging due diligence before accepting certificates. Court & Banking: Liberia’s Supreme Court will hear MONCO’s US$2.5m judgment case against Global Bank on June 2, a dispute tied to a major cement import arrangement. Tax Reform: The Liberia Revenue Authority begins a weeklong partnership push with South Korea’s National Tax Service to modernize tax administration and boost domestic revenue. Business Climate: A new report says Liberia’s procurement and registration requirements are piling up red tape for SMEs, with multiple certificates needed to bid or get paid. Aviation & Infrastructure: Liberia starts the process for Roberts International Airport’s first ICAO aerodrome operating certificate. Extractives Governance: LEITI renews commitments to transparency and beneficial ownership disclosure after a mid-year retreat in Ganta. Local Economy & Jobs: The LRA reports domestic revenue hitting US$636.8m by May 26—over half the annual target—while Liberia’s BDOTC graduates 213 TVET trainees.

Extractives Transparency: LEITI and its Multi-Stakeholder Group renewed their push for stronger extractive sector transparency after a mid-year retreat in Ganta, focusing on Liberia’s response to the International EITI validation process. Tax Modernization: The Liberia Revenue Authority intensified staff training on its automated Loan Purchase Agreement platform (“Thomas Doe-Nah LPA Scheme”) and also sent a delegation to South Korea to learn from advanced digital tax administration. Roads & Trade Links: Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan urged faster AfDB support for the long-delayed Buchanan–Cestos corridor and better integration with SAPZ to cut transport costs and boost cross-border trade. Co-op Finance: Teachers Credit Union (NTALCUCS) reported a 2025 net surplus of over L$20.4m and broke ground for its first permanent headquarters. EU Electoral Reform Pressure: The EU urged Liberia to accelerate electoral reforms ahead of 2029 to protect public trust and election credibility. Youth & Entrepreneurship: Multiple youth-focused initiatives in Liberia highlighted digital skills, cybersecurity, and entrepreneurship as job-security paths amid automation. Climate Resilience for Agriculture: Government and UNDP are set to launch the SARTLA climate resilience project to help rural communities adapt and protect livelihoods.

Maritime & Trade: NIMASA DG Dr. Dayo Mobereola met Liberia’s honorary consul in Lagos, pushing deeper Nigeria–Liberia maritime cooperation to build capacity and create youth opportunities in the Blue Economy. Power & Jobs: The World Bank’s West Africa power integration programme says electricity access has reached over 3 million people, with thousands of jobs and cross-border grid links across 15 countries, including Liberia. Agriculture Skills: Liberia’s agriculture officials began a 21-day intensive training in Beijing focused on cutting post-harvest losses through storage, processing and value addition. Climate Resilience: Liberia and UNDP are set to launch the five-year SARTLA project (2026–2030) to help rural communities adapt to climate impacts and protect livelihoods. Youth & Entrepreneurship: PYAC urged Africans to shift from remittances to sustainable investments, while a diaspora entrepreneur proposed a Liberia entrepreneurship and SME empowerment framework. Local Business Policy: Liberia validated a Draft Local Content Policy and Supplier Development Portal with partners, aiming to boost Liberian participation in concessions and procurement. Governance & Travel: Boakai issued a cabinet directive tightening foreign travel approvals and pushing virtual participation first. Transport Integrity: Liberia’s Transport Ministry denied social media claims that LTMI tried to forcibly remove license plates. Human Trafficking Case: A court in Grand Gedeh convicted/advanced a case involving a Nigerian woman accused of trafficking three minors to Liberia for forced sex work.

Maritime & Trade: Liberia-flagged cable-laying vessel and a UAE-registered container ship collided at Karachi Port; a preliminary report cites alleged negligence by both captains, and the ships are barred from sailing as a joint Mercantile Marine Department/Karachi Port Trust probe continues, with MV Neva towed back for repairs. Shipping Finance: India’s government issued the first ship recycling credit note to Liberia-based Bella Shipping for scrapping the Capesize bulk carrier “Kosta” in Alang, with a credit value of ₹29.81 crore valid to May 28, 2029. Energy & Power: President Boakai submitted a US$57m concessional financing request to lawmakers to expand Liberia’s electricity infrastructure and renewable generation and strengthen West African Power Pool interconnectivity. Governance & Business Climate: Boakai also restricted official foreign travel for Cabinet and senior officials and pushed “Virtual Participation First” for international meetings. Local Industry Push: Government and partners validated Liberia’s Draft Local Content Policy and Supplier Development Portal to boost local participation in concessions and supply chains. Ports & Costs: A House committee will investigate alleged unlawful charges and delays at Monrovia Freeport tied to Central Tracking Numbers, which lawmakers say are raising costs and hurting importers. Investment Outlook: AfDB and WEF launched the HRI Roadmap for Africa, with pilots already underway in Liberia to mobilize private capital into fragile economies.

World Bank Financing: The World Bank approved a US$500m package for Ghana’s GMACP to rehabilitate and maintain 1,000+ km of rural feeder roads, aiming to cut transport costs, reduce post-harvest losses, and directly benefit 550,000 people through jobs and better market access. Frontier Investment Push: The AfDB and World Economic Forum launched the Humanitarian and Resilience Investing (HRI) Roadmap for Africa, with pilots already underway in Liberia and other fragile economies to mobilize private capital and narrow Africa’s big financing gap. Local Business Support: Liberia’s Governance Commission and partners validated a Draft Local Content Policy and Supplier Development Portal under LIFT-P, targeting stronger Liberian participation in concessions and supply chains. Energy & Power: President Boakai submitted a US$57m concessional financing deal to lawmakers to expand renewable generation, strengthen grid reliability, and boost regional power links under the WAPP framework. Governance & Travel Controls: Boakai issued a cabinet directive restricting foreign travel by ministers and senior officials and prioritizing virtual participation for international meetings. Trade & Port Oversight: A House committee was set up to probe alleged unlawful charges at Monrovia’s Freeport, including fees tied to Central Tracking Numbers that importers say cause delays and losses. Mining & Exploration: Zodiac Gold reported new trenching results at its Ben Ben North area in Liberia and moved to drill a new priority target. Health Alert: Nigeria’s public health panic over Ebola risk continues as Africa CDC flags multiple countries at potential transmission risk.