AGP Executive Report

Liberia’s Mineral Governance: The EPA is pushing for stronger rules to manage Liberia’s mineral wealth responsibly, warning that critical minerals for the clean energy push can scar landscapes and poison waters without oversight. Climate Action & Energy: Liberia’s NDC 3.0 is framed as a big climate leap—cutting emissions, restoring forests, protecting the coast, and scaling renewables—while Mount Coffee’s new solar facility is set to boost clean power. Blue Economy & Oceans: UMU and the Carbon Markets Authority marked World Oceans Day, spotlighting Liberia’s ocean and coastal resources for livelihoods, food security, biodiversity, and climate resilience. Fisheries Modernization: Liberia and China reaffirmed cooperation to modernize fisheries and strengthen the blue economy, with talks focused on technical support and investment. TVET for Jobs: AITB says Liberia can’t develop without skilled human capital, launching capacity-building to align technical training with labor market needs. Local Power Access: Greenville is nearing electrification after 30+ years, as EU-backed Light Up Southeast moves toward final connections. Flood Risk in Monrovia: Residents in Lakpazee Zoo Road report severe flooding after a road project lacked proper drainage, urging urgent government action. Youth Leadership: UNDP backed YPLS Africa Cohort 13 in Monrovia, calling for ethical, inclusive leadership to drive Africa’s transformation.

TVET & Jobs: Liberia’s Agricultural and Industrial Training Bureau says development can’t happen without skilled human capital, launching a two-day workshop to strengthen TVET licensing, quality assurance, and industry-linked training. Constitutional Reform: The Civil Service Agency and the Governance Commission/Law Reform Commission are pushing dialogue on modernizing Liberia’s 1986 Constitution to better fit today’s governance, inclusion, and accountability needs. Climate Policy: Liberia’s NDC 3.0 is framed as an ambitious climate roadmap—cutting emissions, boosting renewables, protecting forests and coastlines—while the government commissions major solar capacity around Mount Coffee. Minerals Governance: Liberia’s EPA is calling for stronger rules to manage mineral wealth responsibly, warning that clean-energy minerals can still scar land and waters without oversight. Energy Access: Greenville is nearing electrification after 30+ years, with EU-backed works pushing toward power connection by late June/early July. Blue Economy & Fisheries: Liberia and China reaffirm cooperation plans for fisheries modernization and investment, while NaFAA highlights regional work to improve safety at sea. Community Flooding: Residents in Monrovia’s Lakpazee Zoo Road report severe flooding after a road project lacked proper drainage, urging urgent government fixes. SGBV Support: Medica Liberia rolls out a revised trauma-sensitive support manual and trains new staff to strengthen survivor care.

Ship Safety & Environment: India’s probe into the MSC ELSA 3 sinking says the vessel was “fully certified” yet still suffered serious safety lapses, with warnings about a dangerous list reportedly ignored—raising fresh questions about how maritime paperwork matches real-world checks. Cleaner Transport: Liberia’s EPA, with UNEP and UNDP, wrapped a validation workshop on cleaner fuels and vehicle strategies, linking the push to the ARREST Agenda’s environmental sustainability pillar as the vehicle fleet keeps growing. Blue Economy & Oceans: UMU and the Carbon Markets Authority marked World Oceans Day 2026, spotlighting Liberia’s ocean resources for livelihoods, food security, climate resilience, and biodiversity. Fisheries Modernization: Liberia and China reaffirmed cooperation plans for fisheries and maritime modernization, with talks focused on investment, technical support, and upgrading landing sites. Energy for Resilience: Liberia and the World Bank signed financing including US$57m for renewable energy upgrades and solar expansion, aiming to improve grid reliability and access to affordable electricity. Flood Risk in Monrovia: Residents in Lakpazee Zoo Road say flooding after road construction was worsened by poor drainage, calling for urgent government intervention. SGBV Support: medica Liberia launched a revised Stress- and Trauma-Sensitive Approach (STA) Manual and inducted new trainers to strengthen survivor support nationwide.

Cleaner Transport & Air Quality: Liberia’s EPA, with UNEP and UNDP, wrapped a validation workshop on promoting cleaner fuels and vehicle strategies, linking the push to ARREST’s environmental sustainability goals as the vehicle fleet keeps growing. Blue Economy & Oceans: UMU and the Carbon Markets Authority marked World Oceans Day 2026, spotlighting Liberia’s ocean for livelihoods, food security, climate resilience, and biodiversity. Fisheries Modernization: Liberia and China renewed talks on fisheries and maritime cooperation, aiming at modernization, investment, and technical support to unlock the blue economy. Illegal Fishing Crackdown (Regional): West Africa faces major losses from illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, with regional groups calling for stronger coordination and enforcement. Energy Access: Greenville is set to be electrified after more than 30 years as the EU-funded Light Up Southeast programme nears completion. Flood Risk From Infrastructure: Residents in Monrovia’s Lakpazee Zoo Road community report severe flooding after a road project lacked proper drainage, urging urgent government action. World Bank Climate-Linked Support: The World Bank approved new financing for Liberia, including renewable energy upgrades and grid reliability improvements. Gender & Community Safety: Local leaders and CSOs pledged stronger action to prevent sexual and gender-based violence, launching a nationwide assessment across eight counties. Governance & Rights: Liberia’s House voted to create a Primary Health Care and Immunization Caucus to strengthen health security and preventive services.

Constitutional Reform Dialogue: Liberia’s Governance Commission and Law Reform Commission launched a two-day public policy dialogue on whether the 1986 Constitution should be amended or fully revised, aiming for national consensus on governance, accountability, decentralization, inclusion, and sustainable development. Local Governance Push: President Boakai opened an international roundtable in Harbel calling for sweeping decentralization so development reaches every county and community, not just Monrovia. Cleaner Transport Plan: EPA with UNEP and UNDP validated a national push for cleaner fuels and vehicle strategies, linking it to the ARREST Agenda and responding to rapid growth in Liberia’s vehicle fleet and aging imports. Energy Financing: The Government and World Bank signed US$125m financing, including US$57m for renewable upgrades under RESPITE—hydropower improvements, solar expansion, and battery storage to stabilize the grid. Wildlife Crime Crackdown: Liberia’s EU-supported wildlife taskforce seized 735.5kg of pangolin scales and arrested two suspects, targeting trafficking networks. Flooding After Road Works: Residents in Monrovia’s Lakpazee Zoo Road community report severe flooding tied to a new road lacking drainage, calling for urgent government intervention. Health Caucus Set Up: The House approved the Liberia Primary Health Care and Immunization Caucus to strengthen PHC and immunization oversight, financing, and preventive services. Fisheries Enforcement Warning: Grand Kru CMA leaders warn fishermen not to sell NaFAA-donated outboard engines to foreigners, threatening sanctions for violators. SGBV Support Training: Medica Liberia inducted new trainers and launched a revised Stress- and Trauma-Sensitive Approach (STA) manual to better support survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.

Cleaner Transport & Air Quality: Liberia’s EPA and partners validated a national push for cleaner fuels and vehicle strategies, aiming to cut emissions as the registered vehicle fleet keeps growing. Wildlife Crime Crackdown: An EU-supported taskforce seized 735kg of pangolin scales and arrested two suspects, targeting trafficking networks linked to illegal markets. Fisheries Governance: NaFAA’s chief wrapped up talks in Morocco to boost fisheries safety, training, value addition, and landing-site development; meanwhile, Grand Kru CMA leaders warned fishermen not to sell NaFAA-donated outboard engines to foreigners. Health Policy Oversight: The House approved creation of the Liberia Primary Health Care and Immunization Caucus to strengthen PHC and immunization financing and accountability. Energy & Climate Resilience: The World Bank approved US$55.8m for Liberia’s resilient growth reforms, including renewable energy investment frameworks and disaster-risk financing. Flood Risk in Monrovia: Residents in Lakpazee Zoo Road say a new road’s poor drainage triggered severe flooding that submerged homes after heavy rain. Solar Power Boost: Liberia commissioned a US$16m, 20MW solar plant under RESPITE to ease chronic power shortages. Youth Leadership: UNDP-backed YPLS Africa Cohort 13 opened in Liberia, calling for ethical, inclusive leadership across Africa.

Marine Safety & Pollution: India’s Kerala High Court probe into the MSC Elsa 3 sinking is moving after the Directorate General of Shipping filed a preliminary report, citing mechanical failures, ignored port warnings about a dangerous list, and crew inability to control ballast flooding—raising fresh pressure as claims against MSC and insurers continue. Wildlife Protection: Liberia’s EU-supported wildlife taskforce seized 735kg of pangolin scales, arresting two suspects and pointing to a wider trafficking network feeding illegal trade. Youth & Governance: UNDP opened YPLS Africa Cohort 13 in Monrovia, urging ethical, inclusive youth leadership, while Liberia’s Governance Commission calls for public constitutional reform talks. Energy & Climate Resilience: World Bank approved US$55.8m for reforms and resilience, and Liberia commissioned its first grid-connected solar plant—cutting power costs sharply and easing chronic electricity shortages. Health Policy: The House approved a Primary Health Care and Immunization Caucus to strengthen oversight and push for a financing roadmap and trust fund. Fisheries & Food Security: West Africa intensified action against illegal fishing, with regional coordination efforts aimed at protecting stocks and livelihoods.

Youth & Governance: YPLS Africa launched its 13th cohort in Liberia, bringing over 200 young leaders from across Africa to push ethical leadership and democratic renewal. Skills for Growth: River Gee Technical College graduated 203 pioneer students, while 4Life Zoe expanded vocational training to Ganta to meet demand in construction and road-building. Climate & Biodiversity Finance: Liberia’s EPA welcomed new GEF funding decisions totaling US$232.5M for biodiversity, climate and land-degradation work, while Liberia also secured major World Bank support for resilience and reforms. Energy Transition: Liberia commissioned its first grid-connected 20MW solar PV plant, cutting power costs sharply and boosting cleaner electricity access. Wildlife Protection: An EU-supported taskforce seized 735kg of pangolin scales, arresting suspects and targeting trafficking networks. Pollution Watch: Stakeholders in Montserrado raised alarms over soil, water and waste pollution, including lead contamination and unsafe recycling practices. Fisheries & Food Security: West Africa intensified action against illegal fishing, with losses estimated at over US$2.3B annually. Policy Tension: Liberia’s EU deforestation regulation debate is sparking a clash between agriculture agencies over how to respond.

Energy Transition: Liberia commissioned its first grid-connected 20MW solar PV plant at the Mount Coffee Hydropower Complex under the RESPITE project, cutting power costs from about 28¢ to 3¢ per unit and reigniting debate on how to stabilize electricity for households and investors. World Bank Financing: The government signed three World Bank deals totaling US$125M for digital integration (WARDIP 2), emergency solar power (RESPITE additional financing), and road asset management (SECRAMP), aiming to boost connectivity, electricity access, and regional integration. Climate Finance: Liberia’s EPA welcomed new GEF Council decisions, including US$232.5M for 24 projects across 22 countries, as the country pushes for more support to protect forests and manage climate risks like coastal erosion and extreme weather. Pollution Watch: Stakeholders in Montserrado raised alarms over soil, water, and waste pollution, including lead contamination and unsafe recycling, calling for stronger policies and community awareness. Carbon Trading Debate: The African Development Bank challenged Liberia’s carbon market plans, rejecting claims that a carbon trading agreement was a precondition for support, as civil society warns the policy is being rushed and may threaten land rights. Safe Water: A new global drinking-water quality assessment flags unsafe water as a major public health risk, with many African countries among the lowest-ranked.

Global Environmental Funding: Liberia’s Environmental Protection Agency welcomed new decisions from the 71st GEF Council, including US$232.5M for 24 projects across 22 countries, as the world pushes a “final sprint” to 2030 on climate, biodiversity, land degradation and chemicals. Renewable Energy Push: Liberia commissioned its first grid-connected 20MW solar plant at Mount Coffee, cutting power costs from 28¢ to 3¢ per unit and reigniting debate on stabilizing electricity supply. Pollution Alarm in Montserrado: Stakeholders flagged rising soil, water and waste pollution risks, including lead contamination, calling for stronger policies, awareness and baseline sampling in vulnerable communities. Carbon Trading Debate: The African Development Bank weighed in on Liberia’s carbon market plans, rejecting claims that a carbon trading agreement was a precondition for Bank support amid civil society concerns over land rights and consent. Water Safety Watch: A new Environmental Performance Index assessment highlights unsafe drinking water risks across Africa, pointing to infrastructure gaps, sanitation limits and climate pressure. Maritime Governance: Nigeria will host a West and Central Africa port state control capacity-building workshop for 22 countries, aiming to strengthen maritime safety and oversight.

Renewables in focus: Liberia has commissioned its first grid-connected 20MW solar plant, cutting power costs from 28¢ to 3¢ per unit and easing pressure on the national budget. Pollution alarm: Stakeholders in Montserrado are calling for urgent action on soil, water and waste pollution, including lead contamination and unsafe recycling practices. Energy access for schools: ECOWAS @50 delivered solar power systems to six high schools in Margibi, aiming to improve learning conditions with reliable electricity. Climate policy fight: Liberia’s carbon trading plans are under scrutiny after the AfDB rejected claims that a carbon market policy was a precondition for its support, while civil society warns the process is rushed. Trade and environment link: Liberia’s exports to China topped US$200M in Q1 2026, driven by iron ore and rubber as zero-tariff access takes effect—raising the stakes for sustainable production and compliance. EU deforestation dispute: A government rift is growing over how Liberia will respond to the EU Deforestation Regulation, with farmers’ market access at risk.

Solar Power Push: Liberia commissioned its first grid-connected 20MW solar plant, cutting electricity costs from 28¢ to 3¢ and boosting a cleaner, more climate-resilient power future. Pollution Alarm in Montserrado: Stakeholders raised urgent concerns over soil, water, and waste pollution, including lead contamination and unsafe recycling, calling for stronger action and public awareness. Carbon Trading Debate: The AfDB challenged Liberia’s carbon market plans, rejecting claims that a carbon trading agreement was tied to AfDB support—while civil society warns the policy is being rushed and may threaten land rights. EU Deforestation Rule Rift: A public clash inside Liberia’s agriculture system erupted over the EU Deforestation Regulation, with fears it could shut farmers out of key export markets. Trade Boost with China: Liberia’s exports to China topped US$200M in Q1 2026, driven by iron ore and rubber as Beijing’s zero-tariff policy takes hold. Water Safety Focus: A global assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major health risk, with many African countries among the worst affected. Border Surveillance Support: Sierra Leone received equipment to strengthen border checks for pests and contamination—support that highlights the wider regional push for safer food systems.

Safe Water Watch: A new Environmental Performance Index review flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, with many African countries among the lowest-ranked—linked to weak infrastructure, sanitation gaps, and climate pressure. Renewables Boost: Liberia commissioned its first grid-connected 20MW solar plant, cutting power costs from about 28¢ to 3¢ per unit and easing pressure on the national budget. Pollution Alarm in Montserrado: Stakeholders are calling for urgent action on soil, water, and waste pollution, including lead contamination and unsafe recycling practices, pushing for stronger awareness and policy enforcement. Carbon Trading Scrutiny: The African Development Bank challenged Liberia’s carbon market plans, rejecting claims that a carbon trading agreement was a condition for support—while civil society warns the policy is being rushed and may threaten land rights. Energy Access for Schools: ECOWAS @50 delivered solar power systems to six high schools in Margibi, aiming to improve learning conditions through reliable electricity. Trade & Environment Link: Liberia’s exports to China jumped past US$200M in Q1 2026 under China’s zero-tariff push—driven by iron ore and rubber—raising the stakes for sustainable mining and land stewardship.

Energy Transition: Liberia commissioned its first grid-connected 20MW solar PV plant, cutting power costs from about 28¢ to 3¢ per unit and signaling a major shift away from expensive generation. Environmental Governance Clash: A deepening dispute inside Liberia’s agriculture leadership is erupting over the EU deforestation regulation, with LACRA warning resistance could shut farmers out of key export markets. Pollution Watch: Stakeholders in Montserrado raised alarms over rising soil, water, and waste pollution, including lead contamination and unsafe recycling practices, calling for stronger action and public awareness. Border Surveillance for Food Security: Liberia’s agriculture ministry received motorbikes and diagnostic equipment to boost surveillance and disease detection at key entry points, including Freetown Port and border posts. Carbon Markets Debate: The African Development Bank pushed back on Liberia’s carbon trading plans, rejecting claims the policy was tied to AfDB support and urging better handling of land rights and community consent. Regional Anti-IUU Fishing: West Africa stepped up efforts against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, building on the Dakar Declaration with more coordinated surveillance and community involvement.

Trade & Environment: Liberia’s exports to China jumped more than 30-fold in the first quarter of 2026, with Chinese officials pointing to Beijing’s new zero-tariff policy that took effect May 1—an early boost for iron ore and agriculture. Pollution Watch (Montserrado): Stakeholders are sounding the alarm over rising soil, water, and waste pollution, including lead contamination risks, pushing for stronger data collection, awareness, and policy action. Carbon Markets: The African Development Bank has challenged Liberia’s carbon trading plans, rejecting claims that the policy was tied to AfDB support—while civil society warns the process is being rushed and may threaten land rights and consent. Renewables for Schools: ECOWAS @50 delivered solar power systems to six high schools in Margibi, aiming to improve reliable electricity for learning. Illegal Mining Crackdown (Gbarpolu): President Boakai ordered joint security forces to act against illegal miners, citing water pollution and governance breakdown. Climate Justice: The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution reinforcing states’ legal duties to prevent climate harm, while noting ongoing pressure and persecution of climate activists. Wildlife Protection: Costa Rica’s crackdown highlights how removing seashells can be treated as wildlife trafficking, with serious penalties. Energy Access (West Africa): A World Bank regional power programme reports expanded electricity access and cross-border transmission gains across West Africa.

Solar for Schools: ECOWAS @50 delivered solar power systems to six high schools in Margibi, aiming to improve reliable electricity for learning and youth engagement. Pollution Alarm in Montserrado: Stakeholders flagged rising soil, water, and waste pollution, including lead contamination risks, pushing for stronger waste management and community awareness under a Pure Earth-funded project. Carbon Trading Clash: The African Development Bank challenged Liberia’s carbon market push, rejecting claims that the policy was tied to AfDB support while civil society warns about rushed approval and land-rights concerns. Human Trafficking Case: A Monrovia grand jury indicted 11 people over trafficking and exploitation of 57 victims, after allegations that bribery helped derail earlier parts of the case. Illegal Mining Crackdown: President Boakai ordered joint security forces to act against illegal miners in Gbarpolu, citing polluted water sources and threats to lawful mining governance. Electricity Access Boost: The World Bank reported progress in West Africa’s power integration, including thousands of kilometres of transmission lines and millions gaining electricity access, with Liberia included. Climate Rights Push: Ahead of World Environment Day, the UN backed a resolution reinforcing states’ legal duties to prevent climate harm, while activists still face persecution.