AGP Executive Report

Coastal Climate Support: Liberia’s EPA has sent three technical experts to India for a week-long training to strengthen hydrometeorological monitoring and climate forecasting, targeting gaps in weather observation capacity. Flood Watch (Monrovia): Doe Community on Bushrod Island launched a drainage cleanup to reduce flooding risk as heavy rains are expected during Liberia’s peak rainy season. EPA Secures Home Base: EPA bought its Sekou Toure Avenue headquarters and laboratory site in Mamba Point for US$800,000, aiming to stabilize operations and improve environmental governance. Rainfall Alerts (Regional): A tropical wave moving across Costa Rica is expected to bring heavy rain and thunderstorms, raising sudden flooding risks—another reminder of how fast weather can turn dangerous. Forest & Wildlife Pressure: A new global report warns intact forest landscapes are shrinking fast, driven by fires and mining—threatening carbon storage and biodiversity, including hard-to-study species like West Africa’s tree-climbing crocodile. Illegal Mining Crackdown: Liberia announced a task force to combat illegal mining, promising stronger inspections and enforcement of environmental and labor rules. Press Freedom: A former PUL leader warned politicians against intimidating journalists with unproven bribery claims, saying it undermines democracy and press freedom.

Climate & Disaster Preparedness: Liberia’s EPA has sent three technical experts to India for a week of training to strengthen climate monitoring and weather forecasting, targeting gaps in hydrometeorological equipment and improving forecast accuracy for disaster preparedness. Community Health: West African College of Physicians (WACP) Liberia Chapter launched a major free medical outreach in New Kru Town, combining specialist consultations, screenings, and disease-prevention education ahead of its annual meeting. Jobs & Skills: ArcelorMittal Liberia expanded local opportunity through Learning Ability Battery assessments in Grand Bassa, testing math, English and fitness to place residents into competency categories and vocational training pathways. Governance & Environment: Liberia’s Protect Our Resources Taskforce (PORT) moves to curb illegal mining with stronger inspections, enforcement, and environmental standards. Public Accountability: The Press Union of Liberia warns against media intimidation over bribery claims, urging politicians to stop unverified accusations that threaten press freedom. Digital Inclusion: Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan says digital payments are boosting revenue collection and account ownership via mobile money and the Pay Na-Na instant payment system.

Women Peacekeeping & CRSV: India told the UN Security Council that women peacekeepers are a “proven measure” to deter conflict-related sexual violence, citing Liberia’s 2007 all-women Formed Police Unit as a model and announcing UN recognition for Indian officers. Illegal Mining Crackdown: Liberia launched a Protect Our Resources Taskforce (PORT) to strengthen inspections, enforce mining rules, and curb illegal gold mining that fuels environmental damage and lost revenues. EPA Boosts Environmental Monitoring: Liberia’s EPA received US$100,000 lab equipment and secured an Mamba Point headquarters purchase (US$800,000) to improve local testing, reduce reliance on foreign labs, and strengthen enforcement. Blue Economy & Fisheries Transparency: NaFFA partnered with the media, launching an Open Media House and a five-year communication plan, plus a fisheries call center to improve public access to information and reporting. Renewables Progress: Liberia reported 86% renewable energy generation and progress on household connections under the Mission-300 Energy Compact, while noting delays and limited clean-cooking adoption. Cemetery Cleanup for Independence: Monrovia City Corporation intensified work to rehabilitate Palm Grove Cemetery—clearing waste, vegetation, and drainage—to restore a key heritage site. Media Capacity for Climate: CJID expanded environmental and investigative journalism support across West Africa, including Liberia, to strengthen climate resilience reporting and accountability.

Environmental Monitoring Boost: Liberia’s EPA says it has secured US$100,000 in advanced lab equipment (with IAEA support) to test locally and cut reliance on outside facilities, plus a US$800,000 permanent headquarters in Mamba Point to strengthen enforcement. Blue Economy & Fisheries Transparency: NaFFA launched an Open Media House and a Five-Year Communication Strategy, alongside a new Fisheries Call Center to connect coastal and inland communities with fisheries information and reporting channels. Forest & Biodiversity Pressure: CSO-OPWG warns undocumented cross-border migration is increasing pressure on Liberia’s forests and biodiversity, linking it to illegal mining, unauthorized farming, and land conflicts—calling for urgent coordinated government action. Local Heritage Cleanup: Monrovia City Corporation is rehabilitating Palm Grove Cemetery ahead of Independence Day, clearing waste and overgrowth and reopening blocked drainage to restore a key historical site. Renewables Progress: Mission-300 reports 86% renewable energy generation and progress on household connections, while flagging delays in policy approvals and electrification financing. Wildlife Under Threat: A feature highlights the West African slender-snouted crocodile facing growing threats as its rainforest habitat shrinks. Governance & Accountability: UNDP backs integrity and governance dialogue, while Liberia’s anti-corruption push enters a new phase with calls for stronger accountability and public participation. Energy & Clean Learning: The Benjamin Project is building solar-powered, water-and-sanitation upgrades for students at Booker Washington Institute in Kakata, aiming for a safer, cleaner learning environment.

Wildlife Under Pressure: West Africa’s slender-snouted crocodile (Mecistops cataphractus) is facing a growing threat as forests shrink and scientists still struggle to count the species, highlighting how little is known about Liberia-region biodiversity. Environmental Monitoring Boost: Liberia’s EPA says it has secured US$100,000 lab equipment and a permanent Mamba Point headquarters (US$800,000) to strengthen local testing, product checks, and enforcement. Blue Economy & Media Access: NaFFA launched an Open Media House and a five-year communication plan, plus a fisheries call center, to improve public engagement and transparency in fisheries and blue economy reporting. Forest, Migration & Security: A civil society group warns undocumented cross-border migration is increasing pressure on Liberia’s forests and biodiversity through illegal mining, farming, and land conflicts—now framed as a national security issue. Renewables Progress: Liberia reports 86% renewable energy generation and progress on household electricity connections under Mission-300, while noting policy and financing delays. Governance & Integrity: A national dialogue calls for a major institutional reset to strengthen anti-corruption and accountability—key for public trust in service delivery. Road Funding Move: President Boakai submitted a bill to amend the National Road Fund Act to improve oversight and transparency in road user charging and fund distribution.

UN Reform Debate: UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock says the UN must be updated to stay fit for purpose as the world changes fast. Renewables & Power Access: Liberia reports 86% renewable energy generation and progress toward household connections under the Mission-300 Energy Compact, while noting policy and financing delays. Road Funding Oversight: President Boakai asks lawmakers to amend and restate the National Road Fund Act to improve road user charging, oversight, and fair funding. Environmental Monitoring Boost: Liberia’s EPA secures US$100K lab equipment with IAEA support to strengthen local testing and environmental enforcement. Blue Economy & Fisheries Transparency: NaFFA launches an Open Media House and a Fisheries Call Center, aiming for better public engagement and investment in fisheries. Forest & Biodiversity Pressure: CSO-OPWG warns undocumented migration is increasing illegal mining, farming, and forest encroachment—now also framed as a security risk. Media Capacity for Climate Reporting: CJID expands environmental and investigative journalism support across West Africa, including Liberia, to improve climate resilience coverage. Health Crisis: Protests and a workers’ strike keep Phebe Hospital in Suakoko largely shut, disrupting services for thousands. Tax Incentives Accountability: LRA rolls out the Tax Expenditure Management Act to tighten oversight of tax incentives and protect revenue. Rubber Value Addition: RPAL and RDFI urge turning Liberia’s raw rubber export ban into permanent law to grow local processing jobs.

Environmental Monitoring Boost: Liberia’s EPA says it has secured US$100,000 in advanced lab equipment (with IAEA support) to test locally and cut reliance on outside facilities, plus a US$800,000 permanent headquarters purchase in Mamba Point to strengthen enforcement and environmental data. Blue Economy & Fisheries Transparency: NaFFA launched an “Open Media House” and a five-year communication plan, alongside a fisheries call center, to improve public access to fisheries information and encourage better reporting and investment. Forest & Biodiversity Pressure: The Civil Society Oil Palm Working Group warns undocumented cross-border migration is increasing pressure on Liberia’s forests and biodiversity, fueling illegal mining, unauthorized farming, and land conflicts—calling for coordinated government action. Media & Accountability: CJID announced plans to expand environmental and climate journalism training across West Africa, including Liberia, and to support investigative reporting and independent newsrooms as funding shrinks. Governance & Integrity: UNDP-backed dialogue in Monrovia calls for a stronger anti-corruption and integrity reset to improve public service delivery and citizen participation. Renewables Progress: Liberia reports 86% renewable energy generation and progress on household electricity connections under the Mission-300 Energy Compact, while flagging policy and financing delays. Mining Law Reform: House joint committees begin/continue hearings on reforms to Liberia’s Mining and Minerals Law, citing climate, environmental protection, and new strategic minerals.

Environmental Governance Boost: Liberia’s EPA says it has upgraded its capacity with US$100K laboratory equipment (with support from the IAEA) to improve local testing for environmental and product checks, plus a US$800K move to a permanent headquarters in Mamba Point. Blue Economy & Media Accountability: NaFFA launched an Open Media House and a five-year communication plan, alongside a Fisheries Call Center, aiming to make fisheries information more accessible and improve public engagement and transparency. Forest & Biodiversity Pressure: The Civil Society Oil Palm Working Group warns that undocumented cross-border migration is worsening forest encroachment, illegal mining, unauthorized farming, and land conflicts—calling it an emerging national security threat. Investigative Journalism for Climate: CJID announced expanded support for environmental and climate reporting across West Africa, including Liberia, with training for journalists and backing for independent newsrooms. Mining Law Reform: House joint committees wrapped up hearings on proposed reforms to Liberia’s Mining and Minerals Law, citing climate change, environmental protection, and new strategic minerals as reasons for a modern overhaul. Energy Access, With Risks: Liberia’s solar boom is expanding electricity reach, but experts caution about substandard equipment, e-waste, fire risks, and the limits of solar alone to fix generation shortages. Anti-Illegal Mining Enforcement: Liberia’s Protect Our Resources Taskforce (PORT) has started operations to curb illegal mining and strengthen compliance monitoring nationwide. Electricity Tariff Cut: LERC approved a 12% reduction in LIBENERGY tariffs and slashed new single-phase connection fees to US$40, effective Aug. 1, 2026.

EPA Boosts Environmental Oversight: Liberia’s Environmental Protection Agency says it has acquired US$100,000 lab equipment (with support from the IAEA) and bought a permanent headquarters in Mamba Point for US$800,000 to strengthen local testing and enforcement. Fisheries Transparency Push: NaFFA launched an “Open Media House” and a five-year communication strategy, plus a fisheries call center, to improve public access to fisheries information and reporting. Packaging for Local Industry: LSEZA signed contracts for a Liberia Packaging Solutions Center to offer filling, labeling and packaging services for SMEs, aiming to help locally made goods meet market standards. Forest, Migration, Security Alarm: The Civil Society Oil Palm Working Group urged a coordinated government response to undocumented migration into forest areas, warning it is linked to illegal mining, encroachment and land conflicts. Complaint Handling Under Scrutiny: EPA acknowledged delays and is reviewing a complaint involving Golden Veroleum Liberia, saying it will investigate thoroughly and improve complaint response systems. Anti-Illegal Mining Starts: The Protect Our Resources Taskforce (PORT) began operations with a nationwide campaign framework to curb illegal mining and strengthen enforcement. Energy Access Moves, But Gaps Persist: LERC cut LIBENERGY tariffs by 12% and reduced new connection fees, while Liberia’s Mission-300 energy compact review flagged coordination and financing challenges. Health Crisis Hits Phebe Hospital: Protests and a workers’ strike have left Phebe Hospital largely paralyzed, with demands for leadership changes. Tax Incentives Tightened: LRA launched the Tax Expenditure Management Act of 2025, citing a widening customs-related tax waiver gap and calling for better oversight of incentives.

Mining Law Reform: Liberia’s House joint committees (Mines, Energy, Natural Resources, Environment and Judiciary) wrapped up public hearings on proposed reforms to the Mining and Minerals Law, aiming for stronger governance, sustainable investment and a modern legal framework that reflects climate change and new strategic minerals. Anti-Illegal Mining Push: The Protect Our Resources Taskforce (PORT) has started operations, launching a nationwide campaign to curb illegal mining, improve compliance monitoring and strengthen accountability amid concerns over environmental destruction and revenue loss. Fisheries Media Strategy: NaFAA launched its One Media House and a five-year communication plan to boost transparency and public engagement across Liberia’s fisheries sector. Electricity Access Cut: LERC approved a 12% tariff reduction for LIBENERGY and slashed new single-phase connection fees, effective Aug. 1, 2026, to expand affordable power in southeastern Liberia. Solar Boom, Risks: Liberia’s solar imports are surging and expanding access, but experts warn about substandard equipment, e-waste, fire risks and ongoing generation capacity gaps. Environmental Complaint Process: EPA acknowledged SDI and community forest body concerns in a complaint involving Golden Veroleum Liberia, saying it is reviewing the case and will investigate after delays in responses. Blue Economy Comms: NaFAA’s fisheries outreach and broader “blue economy” communication efforts signal a push to keep environmental stakeholders informed.

Solar Push, Energy Reality Check: Liberia’s solar boom is bringing record panel imports and faster electrification, but experts warn about access gaps, substandard equipment, e-waste, and fire risks. Electricity Affordability: The Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission cut LIBENERGY’s tariff by 12% and slashed new single-phase connection fees from US$110 to US$40, effective Aug. 1, 2026. Mining Crackdown: President Boakai’s Protect Our Resources Taskforce (PORT) has started operations to curb illegal mining, tackle environmental damage, and improve enforcement. Forest Rights Under Pressure: EPA acknowledged a complaint against Golden Veroleum Liberia after SDI and a community forest body raised allegations of environmental destruction and rights violations; the agency says it’s investigating. Nutrition Funding: A US$3M child nutrition project (China–UNICEF–Liberia) targets the first 1,000 days in River Cess, Montserrado, and Grand Kru, training health workers and supplying nutrition commodities. Community & Environment: LACE and LPRC signed a corporate partnership to expand community development and CSR efforts.

Rural Roads & Access: ArcelorMittal Liberia rehabilitated 167km of rural roads across Nimba, Bong and Grand Bassa, restoring key routes that were nearly impassable in the rainy season and improving links to markets, schools and health centers. Forest & Accountability: Liberia’s EPA acknowledged a complaint by SDI and the Nitrain Community Forest Management Body against Golden Veroleum Liberia, saying it is reviewing the case and will investigate allegations of environmental destruction and community-rights violations. Child Nutrition & Health: Liberia and partners launched a US$3m “first 1,000 days” nutrition project with UNICEF and China, targeting River Cess, Montserrado and Grand Kru to boost maternal and newborn care and deliver nutrition supplies. Press Freedom Watch: Liberia slipped in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index, scoring 64.54 and landing in a “problematic” category—an issue that can affect how environmental and public-health concerns get reported. Coastal Safety & Fisheries: Fishermen’s groups condemned the arrest of eight artisanal fishers after they sought refuge in the Port of Monrovia during dangerous rainy-season conditions, calling for emergency protection for sea-trapped crews. Urban Resilience Abroad: A World Bank-backed climate resilience project in Madagascar targets flood protection, drainage, solid waste management and resilient housing—useful context for Liberia’s own climate risk planning.

Press Freedom Watch: Liberia scored 64.54 in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index, landing at 58th out of 180, with RSF citing ongoing threats, intimidation and attacks on journalists. Environmental Accountability: SDI and a forest community group have threatened to sue Liberia’s EPA over alleged inaction after a complaint tied to Golden Veroleum Liberia’s forest destruction in Sinoe, including areas flagged as critical habitat for the endangered western chimpanzee. Wildlife Trade Online: A new investigation says Meta platforms have become the biggest online marketplace for illegal wildlife trade, with recommendation and monetization tools helping traffickers reach buyers. Health + WASH: China committed US$3m to a 24-month “first 1,000 days” child nutrition and neonatal care push, including WASH support, to cut malnutrition and newborn deaths. Coastal Safety + Fisheries: Liberia’s artisanal fishermen association condemned the arrest of eight fishermen after they sought refuge in the Port of Monrovia during dangerous rainy-season conditions. Governance + Data: UNDP handed ICT equipment to the PPCC to improve digital operations and continuity amid frequent power interruptions.

Electoral Integrity & Media Trust: Liberia’s National Elections Commission (NEC) held final consultations on its Draft Communications Strategy, Policy and Protocol with journalists and civil society, aiming to boost transparency and public confidence in future polls. Forest Protection Under Pressure: Sustainable Development Institute (SDI) and a forest management body threatened to sue the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over alleged environmental destruction tied to Golden Veroleum Liberia, including claims of clearing about 1,000 hectares in Sinoe and impacts on critical habitat. Renewable Energy Push: The House ratified a US$57M loan to expand solar generation and add battery storage at Mount Coffee, targeting stronger grid stability and reduced reliance on thermal power. Women, Peace & Security: Liberia validated its Third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, moving toward implementation through 2031 with support from UN Women and the African Union. Coastal Livelihoods: NaFAA signed an agreement to design and run a women’s sustainable fisheries and livelihood incubator across Liberia’s nine coastal counties. Water & Jobs: LWSC launched short-term employment for graduates and TVET students to build practical workplace skills.

Illegal Mining Crackdown: Liberia operationalized the Protect Our Resources Taskforce (PORT) to curb illegal mining, mineral smuggling, and environmental damage, with intelligence-led enforcement starting July 1. Renewable Power Push: The House ratified a US$57M loan to expand solar generation and add battery storage at Mount Coffee, aiming for steadier, cleaner electricity. Fisheries Safety & Rights: LAFA condemned the arrest of eight artisanal fishermen after they sought shelter during rough rainy-season seas, calling for emergency protection for fishers. Coastal Governance & Infrastructure: The ruined Kablaken Immigration Checkpoint at the Liberia–Côte d’Ivoire border is hampering operations, forcing officers into makeshift setups. Water & Waste Resilience: LWSC launched short-term jobs for youth to build practical skills, while earlier reporting highlights post-flood waste pressure and the need for better sanitation systems. Women, Peace & Security: Liberia validated its Third NAP on Women, Peace and Security, moving into phase three to strengthen women’s roles in peacebuilding and security. Community Development Partnership: LACE and LPRC signed a corporate partnership to expand community empowerment and CSR support. Governance for Transparency: Liberia joined an Africa-wide push to strengthen tax transparency and recover lost revenue through cross-border information sharing.

Renewables & Energy Security: Liberia’s House ratified a US$57M loan to expand Mount Coffee solar generation from 20MW to 30MW and add 12MW/12MWh battery storage—aimed at stronger grid stability and less reliance on thermal power. Mining Governance & Environment: Government launched the Protect Our Resources Taskforce (PORT) to clamp down on illegal mining and smuggling, citing environmental damage and revenue losses; the Mines Ministry also called for urgent mining law amendments. Women & Sustainable Livelihoods: NaFAA signed an agreement to roll out a Liberian Women Sustainable Fisheries and Livelihood Incubator across nine coastal counties, backed by the OPEC Fund via LIFSSP. Urban Safety & Clean Infrastructure: LURP installed 650 solar streetlights across 13.59km on Bushrod Island to improve night visibility, road safety, and deter crime. Youth, Jobs & Skills: LWSC launched short-term placements for graduates and TVET students to build practical workplace experience. Water & Climate Context: A new global map highlights extreme water stress in many countries—an urgent reminder for climate and water planning. Health & Outbreak Awareness: MSF opened a “Keep Life Breathing” exhibition focused on humanitarian crises and an Ebola outbreak in DRC.