Liberia Targets Eco-Tourism Growth with Planned Special Tourism Zone at Lake Piso

MONROVIA – Liberia is taking a major step toward expanding its tourism industry after the Liberia Special Economic Zones Authority (LSEZA) and the Liberia National Tourism Authority (LNTA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish the country's first Special Tourism Economic Zone (STEZ) at Lake Piso in Grand Cape Mount County.
The agreement lays the foundation for the two institutions to jointly develop an eco-tourism zone designed to attract private investment, stimulate economic activity, protect the environment and create opportunities for surrounding communities.
Officials say the initiative forms part of the government's broader effort to diversify the economy by extending the Special Economic Zone program beyond manufacturing and trade into tourism and hospitality.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, LSEZA Executive Chairman Prince A. Wreh described the partnership as a milestone in Liberia's economic development strategy.
According to Wreh, the proposed tourism zone will help attract investors, generate employment, strengthen local businesses and transform Lake Piso into a leading eco-tourism destination in West Africa.
Under the agreement, LSEZA will be responsible for designating and administering the Special Tourism Economic Zone, coordinating investment incentives, supporting infrastructure development and providing a one-stop investment service for prospective investors.
The Liberia National Tourism Authority, headed by Director General Princess Eva Cooper, will oversee tourism standards within the zone, promote Lake Piso as an international tourism destination and build the capacity of tourism and hospitality operators.
The proposed Special Tourism Economic Zone is expected to support sustainable tourism development while encouraging environmental conservation and greater community participation in the local economy.
Officials from both institutions said the MOU marks the beginning of a long-term partnership aimed at unlocking the tourism and investment potential of Lake Piso and strengthening Liberia's competitiveness as an eco-tourism destination.