Gov’t, Business Leaders Unite at Freeport of Monrovia to Address Economic Challenges”

Monrovia Liberia: Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with the business community, recognizing its crucial role in driving economic growth and boosting national revenue.

Speaking at a high-level stakeholders' meeting at the Freeport of Monrovia on Tuesday, Minister Ngafuan emphasized that sustained collaboration with the private sector is essential for achieving Liberia’s fiscal targets.

“The business community is a key partner in our revenue mobilization efforts. Our national budget depends on effective revenue generation over a twelve-month period, and this can only be achieved if we address the challenges businesses face,” Ngafuan stated.

The meeting, attended by key players in the private sector, focused on identifying operational hurdles within the business environment and discussing actionable solutions. Minister Ngafuan noted that this engagement built upon previous discussions with private sector representatives held in October of last year.

He reiterated that the Freeport of Monrovia, being Liberia’s primary trade hub, must function efficiently to sustain economic momentum. “The Freeport is the gateway to our economy. If we remove bottlenecks and streamline processes, we create a more business-friendly climate that encourages investment and growth,” he said.

Commerce and Industry Minister Marthaline Dagoseh, also present at the meeting, acknowledged the concerns raised by businesses regarding trade policies and the tariff structure at the port. She highlighted the importance of continuous dialogue to find practical solutions that balance government revenue needs with a competitive business environment.

“Engagements like these are vital. We must work together—government and private sector—to develop policies that facilitate trade while ensuring economic stability,” Minister Dagoseh remarked.

National Port Authority (NPA) Managing Director Sekou Dukuly echoed similar sentiments, stressing that stakeholder consultations are integral to enhancing trade facilitation. He noted that the NPA has designed a comprehensive trade facilitation package for the year but emphasized that ongoing collaboration with businesses is necessary to adapt to evolving challenges.

During the meeting, representatives from the business sector outlined pressing concerns, including customs duties, tariffs, and procedural inefficiencies. Their input, officials noted, will help shape policies aimed at creating a more conducive environment for business operations.

The government’s continued engagement with the private sector reflects a broader strategy to enhance economic resilience, streamline trade processes, and ensure sustainable revenue generation.