Liberia and European Union to Sign €20 Million Financing Agreement to Boost Private Sector Development

Monrovia, June 15, 2025 – The Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and the European Union will on Monday, June 16, officially signed a €20 million financing agreement under the NDICI–Global Europe framework, titled Private Sector Development in Liberia NDICI Africa Act-62431.

The initiative marks an important step in enhancing Liberia’s private sector, with a focus on strengthening the cassava, fisheries, and food processing value chains.

The four-year project (2025–2029) aims to increase the competitiveness and environmental sustainability of these key sectors, thereby driving job creation, economic growth, and business competitiveness across the country.

In addition to developing value chains, the project will work to improve the business environment and investment climate through public-private dialogue and regulatory reforms.

It seeks to also promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, especially in rural and underserved communities.

The project will be implemented by Expertise France and international labour organisation.

The project is aligned with the EU’s Team Europe Initiatives on Safe and Sustainable Food Systems and Forestry and Biodiversity; this initiative also supports the EU Gender Action Plan III (2021–2025) in terms of fostering economic diversification and strengthening sustainable value chains with a strong gender-inclusive approach.

The project will directly contribute to Liberia’s advancement toward several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 5 Gender Equality, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13: Climate Action
Furthermore, the initiative aligns with the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID) by prioritizing agriculture, fisheries, and sustainable forest management as core pillars for national development and employment generation.

The implementation of this agreement reflects the shared commitment of Liberia and the European Union to building a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economic future.

MINISTER WILMOT PAYE MAKES COMPELLING CASE FOR LIBERIA AT MINING IN MOTION SUMMIT IN ACCRA, GHANA….

Liberia’s Minister of Mines and Energy, Wilmot Paye, is pushing Liberia’s agenda after joining regional, continental and global counterparts in the Ghanaian Capital – Accra, at the 2025 ‘Mining in Motion’ summit.

The Summit addresses problems in the Artisanal Small Scale Gold Mining sector.

Minister Paye, as pictorially depicted, joined on day-1 of the summit by Ghanaian President, John Dramani Mahama, who delivered special remarks during official opening ceremonies of the conference on Monday, June 2, 2025.

The King of the Ashati Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who ascended the throne in 1999 and is still serving as the political and spiritual head of the Asante people.

Also attending the ‘Mining in Motion’ summit is Ghana’s former President, John Kufour, who was among the many dignitaries at the opening proceedings.

The gathering of mining executives in Ghana is seeking to address several crosscutting concerns surrounding improvements in mineral trade, Ghana and Africa’s mining governance – reviewing and strengthening the mining code, and mechanisms to control and combat illicit financial flows in the Artisanal and Small Scale Mining (ASM) sector.

Global sector players from India, the World Bank Group, and World Gold Council, among others are participating in the ‘Mining in Motion’ summit in Accra.

Through break-up sessions and panel discussions, Minister Wilmot Paye and the other participants utilised peer-reviews and experience-sharing to find answers and solutions to having a vibrant and sustainable small scale mining sector in Africa.

An audit by the General Auditing Commission has revealed significant financial irregularities and legal violations in the National Port Authority’s contract with Global Maritime Tracking Systems for managing the Cargo Tracking Note program.

The report, covering July 1, 2018, to Oct. 31, 2024, highlights that the contract originally signed under the former Coalition for Democratic Change administration did not follow required procurement procedures.

The audit found no evidence that GTMS paid $2.15 million in throughput fees over five years, including $50,000 in 2020, $250,000 in 2021, $370,000 in 2022, and $580,000 in 2023, all under the CDC government. An additional $900,000 is listed for 2024 under the current Unity Party administration.

The report also found no record of the $3 million initial capital investment GTMS was required to make. The company reportedly failed to install necessary CTN equipment or deliver on contract obligations, while the NPA lacked adequate oversight"

Big Investment in Agriculture: South Korea’s MakeGroup Partners with Liberia

Liberia's agricultural sector is set for a huge transformation following a recent visit by a high-level 9-member delegation from South Korea's MakeGroup, led by Chairman James Juhee Han.

The delegation's discussions with Liberia's Ministry of Agriculture focused on strategic investments aimed at enhancing the country's agricultural infrastructure and productivity. Chairman Han emphasized the importance of a binding Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) over a traditional Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), focusing on actionable commitments in general agriculture and poultry sectors.

The proposed investments include the establishment of agro-processing facilities, cold storage and refrigerated warehouses, agricultural machinery hubs with maintenance support, and the creation of a \$100 million Universal Bank to support agriculture and housing initiatives. These initiatives align with Liberia's National Agriculture Development Plan (NADP 2024–2030), which targets the development of 50,000 hectares for rice production, the construction of the country's first starch-processing plant, and the establishment of 18 machinery hubs. The focus on poultry encompasses maize production, feed mills, hatcheries, and slaughterhouses, aiming to reduce reliance on imported poultry products.

This collaboration is part of Liberia's broader strategy to enhance agricultural development and food security. In August 2024, Liberia officially joined the Korea-Africa Food & Agriculture Cooperation Initiative (KAFACI), a platform established to promote sustainable agriculture, food security, and economic cooperation between Korea and African nations. Minister of Agriculture Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah expressed optimism about the partnership, highlighting its potential to boost productivity, create job opportunities, and empower youth and women in the agricultural sector. The collaboration with MakeGroup and involvement in KAFACI signify a commitment to modernizing Liberia's agricultural sector, improving productivity, and fostering economic growth.

𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐉𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐋𝐚𝐰𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠

The House of Representatives' Judiciary Committee, alongside its legal team, is expected to escort at least seven lawmakers identified as persons of interest in the ongoing arson investigation into the Capitol Building fire incident.

A release issued by the House Press Bureau on Thursday, June 5, 2025, states that the Liberia National Police (LNP) formally requested the meeting, scheduled for Friday, June 6, 2025, at 10:00 AM at LNP Headquarters.

The LNP’s communication to the House of Representatives quotes Inspector General Gregory O. W. Coleman as emphasizing that the meeting is expected to mark the final phase of the investigation.
Among the lawmakers involved are Representatives J. Fonati Koffa, Frank Saah Foko, Abu B. Kamara, Dixon W. Seboe, Priscilla A. Cooper, J. Marvin Cole, and Jacob C. Debee.

The House Press Bureau confirmed that the Judiciary Committee and legal experts will be present to ensure due process and provide necessary legal guidance throughout the proceedings.

The House of Representatives remains confident that the matter will be handled professionally, with further developments expected following Friday’s meeting.

Liberia’s Maritime Revolution! NPA & MakeGroup Korea Seal Game-Changing Shipbuilding Deal
June 3, 2025

A high-level meeting to discuss a transformative partnership aimed at establishing a state-of-the-art multi-user hub for shipbuilding, maintenance, and a fully integrated shipyard in the Ports of Monrovia and Buchanan was held today between the Management of the National Port Authority (NPA) and the Make Group company in Korea.

Speaking at the opening of the meeting, NPA Managing Director Hon. Sekou A. M. Dukuly welcomed the delegation to the NPA and expressed his profound gratitude to them for choosing the NPA, the gateway to the Liberia economy to invest. Hon. Dukuly said, his administration is dedicated to transparency, accountability, and operational excellence, emphasizing, port development reforms will strengthen Liberia’s Maritime Sector and contribute to the government’s broader economic agenda.

“This investment, Hon. Dukuly underscored aligns perfectly with His Excellency President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s vision for building a resilient, inclusive economy that creates sustainable jobs and empowers our citizens,” remarked MD Dukuly. “We welcome MakeGroup Korea and assure them of our unwavering support throughout this important endeavor.”

For his part, the Chairman of MakeGroup company in Korea Mr. James Juhee Han, who was accompanied by a 10 men delegation, said they were in the country to explore avenues in the Maritime sector for development purposes. Chairman Han said his Makegroup intends to focus on establishing partnership with the NPA that will address port development and the provision of job and training opportunities for thousands of Liberians.

He said the envisioned development for Liberia represents a major milestone for Liberia’s maritime and industrial sectors. According to him, establishing a state-of-the-art multi-user hub in Liberia which is a value chain is expected to contribute significantly to the national economic growth—projected to boost the country’s GDP by an estimated 5%. In addition, it is poised to create over 3,000 direct jobs, signaling a substantial step toward employment generation and skills development for Liberians.

This transformative initiative when finalized is expected to commence within the next three months and will introduce a robust ship cycling program that will enhance the capacity and competitiveness of Liberia’s marine industry.

The NPA remains committed to advancing infrastructure, driving innovation, and opening new avenues of international collaboration to strengthen Liberia’s economic future

National News Published by Global Dream Radio 

MONROVIA — The Liberian government has directed the Ministry of Agriculture to assume full regulatory control over national rubber pricing, a landmark decision aimed at protecting farmers and ensuring fair market practices across the country’s struggling rubber sector.

The mandate, which takes effect in June, follows the formation of the Liberia National Rubber Pricing Committee by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to establish a transparent, enforceable pricing mechanism. The move comes after years of complaints from local farmers about exploitative buying practices and unregulated price fluctuations.

The committee—chaired by the Ministry of Agriculture—includes high-level representatives from the Ministries of Finance, Commerce, and Justice, as well as the National Investment Commission, the Rubber Development Fund Incorporated, and the Rubber Planters Association of Liberia. Firestone Liberia and other major processors are also members, tasked with determining and publicly posting the official monthly price of rubber.

“This initiative marks a turning point for Liberia’s rubber industry,” Agriculture Ministry officials said during a formal signing ceremony held Saturday at the Ministry’s headquarters in Monrovia.

According to documents obtained by The Liberian Investigator, the new pricing formula will calculate the monthly rate based on the average daily price per ton on the Singapore Commodity Exchange. It will be adjusted for a 58 percent dry rubber content, with production costs subtracted and a 10 percent profit margin factored in for processors.

New System to Start June 2025

Beginning the last week of June, the committee will announce the official price for each upcoming month. The rate will be published in national media and posted at all rubber purchasing points to ensure widespread compliance.

Buyers who fail to adhere to the set price will face penalties, including potential legal action. The committee has also reserved the right to revise the pricing formula to reflect market realities or operational challenges.

Push for Executive Order on Unprocessed Rubber Exports

In a related move, the committee plans to recommend that President Boakai issue an Executive Order imposing a surcharge on unprocessed rubber exports. The goal is to incentivize local processing and secure raw materials for domestic factories, bolstering Liberia’s industrial growth.

Rubber remains one of Liberia’s most significant export commodities, but price instability and limited domestic value addition have long hindered the sector’s development.

Stakeholders welcomed the government’s action as a step toward restoring confidence among farmers and investors alike.

“This is a bold and necessary step,” said one senior member of the Rubber Planters Association. “For too long, smallholders have been at the mercy of an unpredictable market.”

Justice Ministry Reopens Cold Cases from Previous Administration

By: Prince MillerNational News

Monrovia June 2— Justice Minister Oswland Tweh has announced that the Ministry of Justice is launching fresh investigations into several high-profile alleged murder cases from the previous administration, including the case involving a former Executive Protection Service (EPS) boss and the mysterious disappearance of three boys.

Speaking on "Class Reloaded" on Punch FM, Minister Tweh acknowledged public concern over delays in the legal process but explained that the ministry is starting many of the investigations from scratch due to the absence of critical records and evidence.

“There were alleged murder cases under the past regime including the former EPS boss, three missing boys, and a lot more. Some of these cases you don't find records or pieces of evidence for them,” Tweh said.

He emphasized that the lack of documentation has forced the Ministry to rebuild the cases from the ground up, a process that requires time and thorough investigation.

In addition, the Justice Minister addressed the matter of former officials who were sanctioned by the U.S. government. Tweh confirmed that the Liberian government is in discussions with U.S. authorities to obtain evidence related to the sanctions in order to move forward with domestic prosecutions.

“They sanction them, and we need to get the files on their crimes to prosecute them,” he stated.

The Ministry’s renewed efforts signal a push for accountability and transparency in cases that have long been shrouded in mystery and controversy.

Minister Giddings Dedicates Reconstructed ITI Bridge, Urges Strict Enforcement of Load Regulations

ITI Town, Rivercess County, May 27, 2025:
The newly reconstructed ITI Bridge was officially dedicated today by Liberia’s Minister of Public Works, Roland Layfette Giddings, during a site visit that drew a large crowd of jubilant residents, traditional leaders, and security officials. The bridge had collapsed in December 2024 after a lowbed truck carrying an excavator far exceeding the 25-ton weight limit—attempted to cross, severely damaging the structure.

Speaking at the dedication ceremony, Minister Giddings reaffirmed the government’s commitment to rebuilding critical infrastructure and ensuring the safety of all road users. He praised the technical team from the Ministry’s Bridge Unit for completing the reconstruction efficiently.

"We are proud to return this vital bridge to the people of Rivercess County; but this must come with a renewed commitment from all of us, especially the security sector, to ensure that the mistakes of the past are not repeated," Minister Giddings said.

The Minister re-emphasized that the bridge was designed to carry a maximum load of 25 tons and warned that any vehicle found violating this limit would be dealt with according to the law. He called on the Liberia National Police and the Joint Security Task Force to be vigilant in monitoring vehicular traffic and enforcing load restrictions without compromise.

Community members welcomed the renovated bridge with great enthusiasm. Cheers and applause broke out amongst inhabitants, as they recounted difficulties they had to endure for months before the renovation. Elders, women leaders, youth representatives, and local officials expressed gratitude to the Ministry and pledged their support to ensure compliance with the load restrictions.

During his remarks, Minister Giddings also revealed that aside from ongoing road maintenance in the region, the government is finalizing plans to commence pavement of the Coastal Highway within a year. This, he said, will significantly boost trade and connectivity along the southeastern corridor.

As the ceremony concluded local leaders, police officials, and community groups thanked the Ministry and pledged to uphold the bridge’s weight regulations and protect national infrastructure from misuse and neglect.

The Minister's tour terminated at the Grand Bassa University Bridge, where he had gone to get status update on the progress made on the both abutments of the bridge. During such visit, the Minister met shortly with the University President and assured him of the Government's intention to work at an appreciable speed to get the bridge completed.

Minister Giddings furthered that the manufacturer has assured the Ministry that the bridge will be completed and delivered no later than August of this year, and that the installation will immediately follow upon delivery.

𝐋𝐄𝐂 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐲𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐲: 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬

𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐚, 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟖, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓: In solidarity with institutions around the world, the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) today joined the global celebration of World Menstrual Hygiene Day by reaching out to over 200 schoolgirls across four schools in Montserrado County.

Through its Gender, Employee Relations, and HRIS Department, LEC carried out a meaningful school outreach that included menstrual hygiene awareness and the donation of essential sanitary supplies. The outreach targeted four schools, two each from the West Point community and the Harrisburg area. In West Point, the team visited N.V. Massaquoi High School and John Kofi United Methodist High School, while in Harrisburg, the beneficiaries were St. John High School and Harrisburg Public School.

At each school, LEC staff engaged students in discussions about menstrual hygiene, health, and self-care, aiming to break the stigma surrounding menstruation and empower young girls with knowledge and confidence. As part of the outreach, the Corporation distributed sanitary pads and personal care items, including shavers, to over 200 girls.

This initiative is a demonstration of LEC’s commitment not only to electrification and national development, but also to the health and well-being of the communities we serve. The outreach formed part of a broader corporate social responsibility effort by LEC to ensure that students, especially girls, are not left behind due to challenges related to menstrual hygiene. The Corporation reaffirmed its dedication to supporting education, health, and dignity for all, especially in underserved communities.

World Menstrual Hygiene Day is marked annually on May 28 to raise awareness and combat taboos surrounding menstruation while highlighting the importance of good menstrual hygiene management.

#MenstrualHygieneDay

Liberia to Host First-Ever Annual Diaspora Conference in Washington, DC

The Government of Liberia has officially announced the formation of a National Steering Committee to lead the planning of the 2025 Annual Liberia Diaspora National Conference.

The high-level conference is set to take place in Washington, DC, USA, in line with President Joseph N. Boakai’s vision to strengthen ties between Liberia and its citizens living abroad.

The announcement, made through the Office of the Diaspora Affairs at the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs, highlights the importance of the Diaspora Strategic Plan (2024–2027).

According to Mr. Erasmus T. Williams, the Head of the Diaspora office in the Office of the President, the plan was introduced during the first Cabinet Retreat under President Boakai and forms part of the government’s “Arrest Agenda for Inclusive Development” (AAID).

According to the statement issued on Wednesday, June 28, 2025, the Diaspora Affairs Office at the Ministry of State will chair the Steering Committee, while the Diaspora Affairs Office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will serve as co-chair. The committee includes members from key government ministries, civil society organizations, diaspora groups, and international partners.

Notable public and private partners on the Planning Committee include:

Ambassador Emmett L. Dunn – Chairman
Madam Macdella Cooper – Co-Chair
Hon. Paul T. Lamin – Chair on Finance
Mrs. Robena Vincent – Chair on Fundraising
Eminent Emmanuel S. Wettee – Chair on Diaspora Engagement
Representative Naquetta Ricks – Member
Honorable O. Natty B. Davies – Member
Mrs. Louise K. Tamba – Advisor, Diaspora Office
Mrs. Georgietta Gray – Member
Hon. Nathaniel T. Kwabo – Advisor, Planning Team
Mr. Anthony V. Kesselly – Advisor on Diaspora Affairs
Mr. Ivan JM Grigsby – Member
Madam Cynthia Blandford – Member
Madam Lisa White – Member

MEMBERS OF THE SECRETARIAT
Director General of the Cabinet Office
Ministry of Finance
Ministry of Information culture Affairs & Tourism
Ministry of Internal Affairs/Peace Building Office (PBO)

MEMBERS
National Investment Commission
Ministry of Commerce
Chamber of Commerce
Liberia National Police
LRRRC
Ministry of Health
House of Senate (A Senator)
House of Representative (A
Representative)
Liberia Immigration Service
Liberia Business Association (LIBA)
University of Liberia Diaspora Center
Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR)
All Diaspora Organizations

Partners:
International Organization for migration (IOM)
United Nations Resident Coordinator Office (UNRCO) - Peace Building Fund -Secretarial
United Nation Development Program (UNDP)
United Nations Women Empowerment (UN Women)
United Nations Children’s Funds

PUBLIC-PRIVATE SECTOR STAKEHOLDERS:

The Steering Committee is a public-private partnership initiative, incorporating all sectors of the nation both home and abroad.

“This conference reflects President Boakai’s deep commitment to engaging Liberians abroad and making them key players in national development,” said Mr. Erasmus Tiampa Williams, Coordinator/Deputy Minister Rank.

The Steering Committee, as constituted and chaired by Dr. Emmett Dunn and co-chaired by Hon. Macdella Cooper is hereby charged with the responsibility for the planning and full execution of the Annual Liberia Diaspora National Conference 2025.