To the fifty fifth Legislature
Monday, January 26, 2026
Theme: From Resolve to Outcomes: Constructing on Progress and Delivering for the Liberian Folks.
Mr. Vice President; Madam First Woman;
Mr. Speaker, and Members of the Home of Representatives; Madam Professional Tempore, and Members of the Senate;
Mr. Chief Justice, Affiliate Justices, and Members of the Judiciary; Madam Dean and Members of the Cupboard;
Mr. Doyen and Members of the Diplomatic Corps; Former Presidents;
Former Officers of Authorities; Heads and Officers of Political Events;
Prelates and Members of Non secular Organizations; Our Worldwide and Native Companions;
Conventional Leaders, Chiefs, and Elders of our land; My Fellow Liberians;
Distinguished Women and Gents:
Our deep gratitude is to God Almighty, the Sustainer and Preserver of our nation, for His enduring grace and blessings over the previous yr and all through our historical past.
We’re gathered right here in achievement of Article 58 of the Liberian Structure, which requires the President to current an annual message on the State of the Republic, the situation of the economic system, and the legislative Agenda for the yr forward.
This Annual Message critiques our progress within the second yr of this Administration, and units forth our priorities for 2026. It displays our dedication to reform, accountability, and outcomes that enhance the lives of the Liberian folks.
Mr. Speaker and Honorable Members of the Legislature, we’re painfully reminded, once more, of final yr’s arson assault on the Capitol Constructing. This assault on our image of democracy has pressured us, for the second yr, to meet in this courtyard as an alternative of the historic chamber.
The authorized course of to carry these liable for this heinous act continues to be ongoing. I, nevertheless, guarantee each Liberian that my administration is pursuing this matter with resolve and impartiality, and that anybody discovered responsible will bear the complete weight of the regulation! I use this time to remind these pushed by slender private pursuits that this nation is transferring ahead, not backward.
As Winston Churchill as soon as noticed, we should “by no means yield to the facility of the adversary if it contradicts honor.” In that spirit, our democracy is not going to be intimidated,
our establishments is not going to be diminished, our dedication to the rule of regulation and constitutional governance stays unshaken, and the progress we proceed to make is not going to be thwarted.
Honorable Members of the Legislature, over the previous two years, my Administration labored to sort out inherited challenges, stabilize the economic system, and ship key improvement milestones. Regardless of restricted assets, we made progress throughout key sectors, together with agriculture, infrastructure, training, well being, tourism, and the rule of regulation, alongside vital legislative initiatives. I’m happy to tell you that our nation is in a greater state than it was a yr in the past, and the progress of the previous two years is actual.
Trying forward, we are going to proceed implementing the ARREST Agenda to enhance livelihoods, strengthen democratic governance, and improve Liberia’s standing in the world.
Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Madam President Professional-Tempore, and Honorable Members of the Legislature. By means of collaboration and immediate passage of precedence laws, the federal government goals to strengthen establishments, develop the economic system, and enhance the well-being of all Liberians. Over the course of final yr, the Government submitted a number of payments to you for enactment into regulation.
I thank the members of this Physique for your service and collaboration in passing a number of essential payments throughout the Second Session of the Legislature. Key amongst these handed and signed into regulation are: the Ministry of Native Authorities Act to decentralize the federal government and permit larger participation in determination making on the native degree; the Liberia Nationwide Tourism Authority Act to stimulate financial progress by leveraging the nation’s pure points of interest and cultural heritage; an Act to set up the Nationwide Meals Help Company; and 9 financing agreements between Liberia and our bilateral and multilateral improvement companions.
Whereas the passage of those legal guidelines is commendable, pressing consideration should now be directed to advancing pending laws. Key amongst these is the Presidential Transition Act, which establishes procedures for the transition from one elected authorities to the subsequent. Our expertise exhibits the want for these procedures to keep away from arbitrary processes and conflicting expectations during times of transition.
Additionally pending earlier than you’re the payments to determine the Civil Service Fee, and the Third Modification to the Mineral Growth Settlement with ArcelorMittal Holdings, amongst others. Delays in passing these measures will weaken the reforms wanted for financial progress and institutional integrity.
Mr. Speaker and Honorable Members of the Legislature, I’ve additionally submitted 4 amendments to current anti-corruption legal guidelines, together with laws to deal with illicit enrichment and to take away the present statute of limitations on corruption circumstances.
In 2026, we are going to submit further precedence payments, together with laws to determine a Nationwide Planning Fee to strengthen improvement planning and budgeting,
and a specialised courtroom for property disputes to scale back the backlog of land circumstances. We’ll suggest a common medical insurance program and a invoice to determine a Nationwide Street Authority devoted to highway building and upkeep. We will additionally resubmit the revised Constitution of the College of Liberia to accommodate wanted reforms and administrative buildings.
We’ll increase the Liberia Agriculture Commodities Regulatory Authority’s mandate to improve the output, processing, and advertising and marketing of high quality agricultural commodities. We may also search an modification to the Government Regulation to restructure the Ministry of Overseas Affairs so it will probably higher serve residents and adapt to our evolving worldwide tasks.
Lastly, we are going to submit payments to repeal outdated Folks’s Redemption Council-era decrees that created public establishments that no longer serve right this moment’s governance wants.
Past laws, my Administration issued sixteen Government Orders to advance governance, financial, and social priorities according to our nationwide improvement targets. Every motion, whether or not by regulation or order, was taken for one objective: the profit of the Liberian folks.
We stay devoted to fostering cooperation amongst all branches of presidency by way of mutual respect and open dialogue, because the Structure requires.
Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Madam President Professional-Tempore, and members of the Legislature; Fellow Liberians. Final yr, we emphasised the financial challenges inherited by this Administration—not as an excuse, however to spotlight the hurdles it faces and the progress it has achieved.
By means of disciplined fiscal administration, sound insurance policies, and sturdy partnerships, we started restoring stability and belief. As of 2024, the economic system confirmed resilience, with regular progress, declining inflation, stronger reserves, and renewed momentum throughout key sectors. This progress continued into 2025, with macroeconomic stability and private-sector progress strengthening our commitments to the Liberian folks.
We’re proud to announce that the economic system grew by 5.1 % in 2025. This exceeds each the 4.6 % forecast and the 4.0 % progress recorded in 2024. The achievement was pushed by vital positive aspects in mining, agriculture, fisheries, and companies. Mining expanded by 17 %, and exports rose by 31.5 %.
Trying forward, ongoing reforms and infrastructure investments are anticipated to increase progress to over 5 % in 2026, with common progress projected at about 6 % from 2026 to 2028. Inflation fell to 4 % by December 2025 – the bottom in over two many years, down from 10 % when we took over in 2024. These achievements signaled efficient financial and monetary insurance policies, coupled with anticipated easing of import prices.
Liberia’s exterior sector carried out effectively in 2025. Gross worldwide reserves elevated from $475 million in 2024 to $576 million, surpassing the earlier yr by
US$101 million. Additionally, internet worldwide reserves exceeded IMF targets, doubtlessly reaching $280 million by December 2025, and exports grew over 31 % to about
$2.1 billion.
Our medium-term strategic gold initiative, or gold buy program, is predicted to additional strengthen reserves and improve financial resilience. We are proud to report that we met practically all IMF Efficiency Standards in June 2025, reaffirming our dedication. The IMF Exterior Credit score Facility stays essential for rebuilding reserves to cowl 3.3 months of imports by 2027, supported by prudent fiscal measures.
Overseas investments in iron ore mining will additionally increase exports and the present account. Since September 2025, the overseas alternate market has been steady resulting from good liquidity administration, fiscal self-discipline, and sturdy export earnings. The Liberian greenback appreciated by not less than 3 % in opposition to the US greenback. We’re dedicated to sustaining foreign money confidence and stability.
To advertise monetary inclusion, we accelerated Liberia’s digital finance revolution— processing over 275,000 transactions valued at greater than 375 million Liberian Greenback and US$2.7 million by December 2025. Our purpose is to increase monetary inclusion from 52 % in 2024 to over 70 % by 2029.
The Central Financial institution is rebuilding public belief by strengthening governance and accountability and managing authorities securities extra overtly. In 2025, it issued US$44.4 million, rolling over US$132.1 million, and 7.6 billion Liberian {Dollars}. And for the first time in many years, the Financial institution recorded consecutive operational surpluses in 2024 and 2025.
Mr. Speaker and Honorable Members of the Legislature, regardless of actual achievements in 2025, our improvement program confronted considered one of its hardest assessments. An abrupt slash in donor assist throughout the second quarter disrupted financing for important social and financial initiatives. This led to job losses, decreased incomes, and hardship for a lot of households. The federal government stepped in to shut funding gaps and hold crucial companies operating, however the disruption slowed implementation and strained our plans.
However these challenges, we’re happy to report that we weathered the storm by instituting a bundle of measures that included tighter fiscal controls, whereas defending crucial social expenditure in well being and training, and considerably enhancing home useful resource mobilization efforts.
Reaffirmed dedication from donor companions for 2025 amounted to US$381 million, together with US$63 million in direct finances assist and US$321.5 million for packages and initiatives.
Throughout the yr beneath evaluation, the Authorities concluded 9 financing agreements totaling US$334.98 million, together with US$98.58 million in concessional loans and US$236.4 million in grants, to advance nationwide priorities. These agreements
supported investments in infrastructure, human capital improvement, and pure useful resource administration.
Mr. Speaker and Honorable Members of the Legislature, I additionally knowledgeable you final yr that our engagement with the USA had positioned Liberia for a Millennium Problem Company Compact. I’m happy to report that after a evaluation and reassessment by the brand new US Authorities, Liberia’s eligibility for a second MCC Compact was reaffirmed in December 2025. The compact improvement course of has begun, specializing in investments in vitality and job creation.
We prolong profound appreciation to our bilateral and multilateral companions—together with the USA of America, European Union, the Folks’s Republic of China, the, the UK, Japan, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Morocco, the Worldwide Financial Fund, the World Financial institution, the African Growth Financial institution, the United Nations and its companies, the African Union and the Financial Group of West African States, and the Mano River Union—for their belief, assist, and ongoing dedication to Liberia as we try to revive stability and convey important aid and alternatives to our folks.
Strengthening Home Income Mobilization to Construct Fiscal Resilience
Final yr’s exterior funding lower was a wake-up name. It uncovered how weak we turn out to be and the dangers to our safety once we rely an excessive amount of on exterior assist. In my Annual Message final yr, I pledged to strengthen home income by aligning reforms with regional benchmarks, bettering tax compliance, and investing in digital programs, together with a contemporary customs inspection heart on the Freeport of Monrovia. We’ve made actual progress on these commitments, and the outcomes are clear.
Liberia can finance extra of its personal improvement if we put the best insurance policies in place and gather what’s due. For FY2025, we accredited a nationwide finances of US$880.5 million, funded largely by US$804.6 million in home income. By year-end, whole income reached US$885.8 million, exceeding the goal by US$5.1 million. Home income alone amounted to US$847.7 million, surpassing the goal by US$43.1 million—the very best ever recorded in Liberia. That is a rise of US$148 million over 2024, the largest single-year acquire in our historical past. Final yr, we submitted, and you accredited, a finances of extra than US$1.2 billion for FY2026, the highest in the historical past of our nation.
Over the previous two years, home income has risen by US$235.7 million. This displays stronger coverage selections, improved administration, digitalization, and higher compliance. I commend the Liberia Income Authority and all companion establishments for his or her professionalism, and I name on this Legislature to work with us to maintain these positive aspects and direct each greenback towards outcomes that enhance the lives of our folks.
Mr. Speaker and Honorable Members of the Legislature, I’m happy to report that on account of the sturdy income efficiency for 2025, the fiscal authorities are concluding processes that will lead to the submission of a supplemental finances to the Legislature subsequent month—the primary in a few years.
As of the tip of November 2025, authorities spending totaled US$709.7 million, together with each recurrent and capital spending. Spending on roads accounted for a serious share of capital expenditure.
Debt Inventory and Debt Service
Public debt stood at US$2.8 billion as of the finish of December 2025. Home debt— primarily owed to the Central Financial institution and industrial banks—was US$1.2 billion. Exterior debt, largely to the World Financial institution and the African Growth Financial institution, was US$1.6 billion.
Regardless of fiscal pressures, the Authorities remained largely present on its debt commitments, paying US$120.1 million in debt service to each home and exterior collectors in 2025. We’ll proceed prudent debt administration and monetary self-discipline.
Coverage Reforms
To strengthen the economic system and deal with fiscal constraints, my Administration has launched main monetary administration reforms to spice up income. enacted the Tax Expenditure Invoice, tightened exemption controls, and are making ready to implement a Worth-Added Tax system by 2027.
To assist the FY2026 US$1.2 billion finances, we will increase the tax base by cracking down on tax evasion, updating tax guidelines, elevating the Items Tax by a modest 1%, and revising Excise Charges.
Attracting Funding to Construct a Productive Economic system
The Authorities has strategically leveraged alternatives to draw credible investments and responsibly exploit pure assets for the good thing about Liberians.
In 2025, the Authorities signed key agreements to spice up financial progress, infrastructure, and employment, together with a Concession and Entry Settlement with Ivanhoe for the Yekepa–Buchanan rail hall, and an amended take care of ArcelorMittal Liberia. Collectively, these signify roughly US$4 billion in dedicated investments.
The Authorities has commenced the course of of reactivating the Putu Iron Ore Mine. This may increase job creation and speed up improvement in Grand Gedeh County and the southeastern area.
In the hydrocarbon sector, the Authorities signed eight new petroleum agreements— 4 with TotalEnergies and 4 with Oranto Petroleum. As soon as absolutely developed, these initiatives are anticipated to entice about US$800 million in funding to increase the sector.
Making Life Extra Inexpensive for Liberians
Mr. Speaker and Honorable Members of the Legislature, regardless of ongoing world provide pressures, our actions have helped decrease the price of important items. Costs have
eased for rice, flour, and gas—aid that households can really feel of their each day lives. As an illustration, a 25kg bag of Indian parboiled rice now retails at US$14.50, and flour has dropped to US$35 per 100lb bag.
Gas has additionally stabilized at about US$4 per gallon, serving to to scale back transport prices. We strengthened provide and high quality by finishing a 17,000-cubic-meter gas storage tank and a contemporary testing laboratory on the Liberia Petroleum Refining Firm, thereby bettering storage capability, gas requirements, and nationwide vitality safety.
Mr. Speaker and Honorable Members, I commend the Vice President and the Value Committee for performing to stop unjustified value will increase that hurt our folks. Let me be clear: companies that exploit customers will likely be held accountable!
Job creation stays a high precedence for my Administration. Our job creation technique has centered on addressing binding and structural constraints to progress, together with investments in roads, vitality, and different infrastructure. On this connection, we now have created greater than 70,000 brief and medium-term jobs throughout Infrastructure, Agriculture, Social Safety, and small companies, amongst different sectors.
Going ahead, the Youth Entrepreneurship and Funding Financial institution undertaking, launched in 2025, will assist 30,000 youth-led companies, creating over 120,000 direct and oblique jobs for youth. A Nationwide Employment Acceleration Technique, centered on agriculture, public works, expertise coaching, and assist to small enterprises, is being finalized. This may facilitate extra Liberians to earn first rate livelihoods with dignity.
The Nationwide Growth Plan
Honorable Members of the Legislature, on January 15, 2025, the Liberian Authorities launched the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Growth (2025–2029) and the Fifteen County Growth Agendas in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County. These initiatives reaffirm the nation’s dedication to Imaginative and prescient 2030, specializing in delivering measurable outcomes by way of decisive implementation. The present finances allocates US$290 million for capital investments in Public Sector Funding Initiatives, making this one of many largest current authorities packages.
The ARREST Agenda goals to diversify Liberia’s economic system past extraction and increase productiveness by way of extra than 370 interventions throughout sectors like agriculture, infrastructure, vitality, tourism, governance, training, well being, and sanitation, concentrating on annual progress above 5 %. The broader targets will embrace elevating GDP per capita above US$1,050 by 2029, decreasing the commerce deficit, and decreasing poverty charges.
Delivering Outcomes Throughout Sectors for Improved Livelihood with Agriculture on the Coronary heart of the ARREST Agenda
Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Madam President Professional-Tempore, and members of the Legislature, I’m happy to report right this moment that we now have made substantial progress throughout key sectors, together with agriculture, the guts of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Growth and a driver of job creation, meals safety, and progress.
In 2025, over 198,000 farmers acquired authorities assist, main to expanded rice and cocoa cultivation and elevated aquaculture output. Infrastructure enhancements, together with the completion of 166 kilometers of feeder roads, have decreased transport prices and enhanced market entry, enabling 33,755 Liberians to maneuver from meals insecurity to meals safety.
In 2026, we are going to prioritize agribusiness, scaling rice manufacturing, increasing mechanization, operationalizing the One County—One Precedence Commodity program, and bettering sector financing by way of new banking laws.
Moreover, the introduction of Liberia’s first fiberglass semi-industrial fishing vessel, the SEA KING, marks a milestone in boosting home fish manufacturing and meals safety. The authorities encourages personal sector and investor engagement to drive inclusive agricultural progress.
Street Growth – Connecting Communities
Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislature, practically three years in the past, I assured the nation that roads can be our focus—not as a slogan however reasonably a dedication to connecting communities with alternatives.
In furtherance of this dedication, we centered on restoring key corridors and increasing secondary roads. We elevated Liberia’s paved roads from beneath 12 % to not less than 20 %, and maintained greater than 780 km of main routes, guaranteeing year-round entry. Connectivity improved between Brewerville and Bopolu, Salayea and Mendikorma, Tappita and Zwedru, as effectively as Buchanan and Greenville, decreasing prices and easing hardships for residents.
Key roads like Ganta–Saclepea (now 56 %), Saclepea–Tappita (as much as 92 %), and Sanniquellie–Logatuo (at 86 %) have superior, whereas the Kelipo– Fish City route is now absolutely paved. Further initiatives, together with the Buchanan– Greenville freeway, are within the pipeline, due to companion assist from the African Growth Financial institution, World Financial institution, and others. Efforts will be made to make Vahun extra accessible to the remainder of the nation through highway. The Military Corps of Engineers will play a job in delivering this initiative.
In our ongoing dedication to take care of highway entry for our residents, I’m happy to announce that the extensively mentioned 285 “Yellow Machines” procured by the federal government final yr are at the moment being shipped to Liberia. These belongings will likely be positioned at county hubs and used to assist highway upkeep and will likely be a vital a part of our catastrophe response preparedness throughout the nation.
Mr. Speaker, Honorable Members of the Legislature, Fellow Liberians, we proceed to make progress in connecting county capitals and main belongings. Though the RIA Street Hall undertaking confronted delays resulting from ongoing audits and scope modifications, we nonetheless elevated the size of the pavement from 20 to 25 kilometers. With the audit and rescoping nearing completion, full work on this hall is anticipated to resume in 2026.
The Pavifort Concession Settlement, which is designed to advertise public-private partnerships in highway improvement, has been signed following your approval. Lined beneath this settlement are the Saint Paul Bridge to Bo Waterside, Medina to Robertsport, and Mendikorma to Voinjama corridors. Building on this undertaking is scheduled to start subsequent month with a groundbreaking ceremony.
City enhancements on alleyways, drainage, and lighting in communities resembling Sinkor, Vai City, and Caldwell, the Japan Freeway, and Marshall are ongoing, bettering entry and safety for communities. Work on the overpasses on Tubman Boulevard has commenced and is about for completion by 2027.
In rural areas, 411 km of rural roads and 122 km of city roads have been paved since this Administration started. Trying forward, the purpose is to surpass 485 km of paved roads by 2029, strengthening nationwide unity.
Power: The State of Electrical energy
Mr. Speaker, Honorable Members of the Legislature, electrical energy is the crucial enabler for industrialization and different crucial improvement packages. In 2025, the authorities, by way of the Liberia Electrical energy Company, centered on stabilizing the vitality sector and increasing entry as a part of the ARREST Agenda and our Nationwide Power Compact.
Over 63,000 new connections have been established, masking communities in Montserrado and electrifying 124 villages in Grand Bassa, Rivercess, Bong, and Nimba. By means of these initiatives, 17,000 households have entry to energy for the primary time.
Electrical energy tariffs have been lower to ease family prices, positioning vitality as a driver for progress. By means of the Rural and Renewable Power Company, we used solar energy to offer electrical energy for 88 clinics throughout 14 counties in rural areas. Harper, Barclayville, Kanweaken, and Zorzor have every benefited from 117 streetlights as a part of the lighting-up rural communities initiative.
We’ve put in 3,791 streetlights by way of the CLSG Rural Electrification program, benefiting over 124 cities and villages in Nimba, Grand Bassa, River Cess, and Bong Counties. This system additionally supplied electrical energy to 2 universities (ABC and Cottington), two hospitals (Rivercess District and Mom of Mild Rehab), and is strengthening the cross-border grid in Nimba, Bong, and Margibi Counties.
Mount Espresso Hydropower remained dependable, outages decreased, and electrical energy gross sales rose by 24 %. Income topped US$71 million, and assortment effectivity reached 94 %. Additional funding in reforms at the LEC will intention to deal with inefficiencies, stabilize the utility, and guarantee dependable service.
In 2026, we plan to have 100,000 new connections, deploy superior transmission traces and sensible meters, and scale back system losses to 35 %, with extra enhancements forward. Main initiatives underway embrace a 250MW gas-to-power plant, a 200MW photo voltaic plant with storage, and a brand new hydropower undertaking on the St. John River, alongside current photo voltaic, thermal, and hydropower capability—totaling over 700MW.
Telecommunication, Connectivity, and Digital Transformation
By means of our digital initiative, we created a new ICT Strategic Motion Plan to modernize the nationwide telecom framework, and half of the federal government companies have transitioned to a unified ICT system. By November 2025, 56 % of those entities had put in fiber-optic networks, and 80 % of their crucial ICT infrastructure was secured with cybersecurity measures.
Digital finance superior with cellular cash use rising from 46 % to 58 % in 2025. The Central Financial institution launched the Inclusive Immediate Cost System, enabling real-time transactions and cross-border funds throughout Africa. Cell community protection expanded into underserved areas, bettering entry and participation in the digital economic system.
Port Infrastructure Growth (Air and Sea)
The Nationwide Port Authority stays a crucial gateway to Liberia’s economic system. Following my go to to Morocco final November, a Moroccan port improvement entity agreed to put money into tools and logistics for the Port of Monrovia, breaking a longstanding monopoly and boosting competitors.
Grasp plans for the ports of Monrovia and Buchanan have been developed. Tariff reforms are driving income progress. Additional upgrades will embrace dredging the port of Monrovia for bigger ships, easing congestion, decreasing prices, and introducing 24-hour operations.
At Roberts Worldwide Airport, vital upgrades have been accomplished, together with the reopening of Taxiway Bravo, rehabilitation of the apron and jet bridge, and set up of recent navigational aids. These enhancements have been finalized forward of Turkish Airways’ inaugural flight on Could 11, 2026, representing a serious development for Liberian aviation.
Moreover, an settlement has been secured with South Korea’s Make Group to develop a ship recycling heart and set up a Non-public-Public-Partnership home airline in Liberia with an preliminary fleet of three plane.
Public Transport
Mr. Speaker and Honorable Members of the Legislature, public transport is a crucial service that each Liberian deserves. The Nationwide Transit Authority has lengthy confronted neglect, with deteriorated infrastructure and unchecked corruption. We’re altering that.
Final yr, we procured 64 buses, now deployed and serving Liberians nationwide. We additionally broke floor for a contemporary NTA headquarters, a step that may improve service supply and remodel public transport in our nation.
Reclaiming Our International Maritime Presence
Since 1948, Liberia’s maritime program has been central to our economic system and world standing, that includes the world’s largest open ship registry and expert mariners. Current
modernization initiatives within the sector embrace a Home Watercraft Monitoring Program with AIS, the primary in many years, and Vessel Monitoring System expertise for enhanced security.
Additionally, our re-election to the Worldwide Maritime Group’s Class A affirms Liberia’s management in maritime governance.
Sector Interventions: Advancing Social Growth for Higher Livelihoods Schooling
Schooling is prime to Liberia’s renewal and progress in human capital. In furtherance of the unified, data-driven reform adopted in 2024, entry to high quality studying for all kids has been assured. Lecturers’ dignity was restored by eradicating over 1,000 ghost names from the payroll. Consequently, over 2,000 certified volunteer lecturers have been employed throughout all counties.
By means of the US$88.7 million EXCEL Venture, supported by the World Financial institution and the International Partnership for Schooling, we prioritized literacy and numeracy for Grades 1- 3, guaranteeing that primary expertise are acquired by third grade.
Our Nationwide Digital Studying Platform now reaches distant villages with multimedia classes, together with signal language assist. Additionally, 156 colleges have been geared up with laptop labs, and practically 300 lecturers have acquired expertise coaching.
As a part of our training efforts, we improved the educational surroundings by supplying over 26,000 desks and chairs by way of the “One Youngster, One Chair” initiative. We additionally invested in constructing mannequin colleges in Bong, Margibi, and Nimba Counties along with renovating 40 colleges and distributing 22,000 STEM kits.
By means of a partnership with Tuskegee College and Booker Washington Institute, younger Liberians will have the alternative to pursue additional technical coaching in a vary of vocations. Our nationwide college feeding packages supported greater than 239,000 college students. Transparency and governance improved with the resumption of the Annual College Census, which covers 6,394 colleges after a four-year pause.
The launch of a Digital College Allow Platform, and expanded scholarships with native recipients growing from 378 to 1,000, whereas all arrears for 210 college students overseas have been settled. Funds have been additionally allotted to renovate the College of Liberia and public colleges to deal with congestion and enhance services.
To additional reveal our dedication to training, we supplied funds for the renovation of the College of Liberia and a number of public colleges throughout the nation. This intervention will deal with the longstanding publish–civil battle downside of congestion.
Well being
Final yr, the well being sector noticed vital enhancements: maternal deaths dropped nationwide, immunization protection for youngsters beneath one reached 88 %, and medication stockouts decreased from 95 % to 5 %. We thank Gavi, the
Vaccine Alliance, for strengthening Liberia’s immunization program. With their assist, Liberia has expanded vaccine entry and improved public well being, whereas assembly all co-financing commitments for the primary time in ten years.
We recorded vital progress in addressing infrastructural constraints confronting the well being sector. Reconstruction work on the C. H. Rennie facility in Margibi County is underway on the new Kakata location, the place it should now embrace a midwifery college. Building work on a Neuro-psychiatric Hospital in Bensonville is now at 75 %, whereas work on the Regional Diagnostics Middle in Bong County is at 85 %. To assist the continual supply of high quality companies within the sector, a brand new midwifery coaching program has been initiated at Bomi Group School, and a finances has been allotted for the graceful operation of ELWA Hospital.
Knowledge is very important for planning and response, so the authorities set up the Nationwide Well being Intelligence Middle to enhance data-driven decision-making. The system has demonstrated effectiveness, as current knowledge point out that tuberculosis notifications rose by 7.6 % over the previous yr, whereas incidence and mortality decreased by 28 % and 49 %, respectively.
Our efforts in opposition to drug abuse intensified, with the launch of Liberia’s first Nationwide Anti-Drug Motion Plan, offering a strategic roadmap to scale back each demand and provide of illicit medicine. By the shut of the yr, over 800 at-risk youth have been enrolled in restoration packages.
Sanitation
Mr. Speaker and Honorable Members of the Legislature, Poor sanitation and restricted entry to scrub water have lengthy threatened public well being, particularly in city areas like Monrovia, the place 42 % of residents lacked primary sanitation services.
In 2025, we accomplished the Bopolu Water Provide System, commenced new water provide initiatives in Greenville and Pleebo, and started the rehabilitation and growth of the Zwedru Water Provide System. These initiatives are set to learn over 43,000 folks.
The 48-inch White Plains to Monrovia Pipeline Venture is nearing its first part of completion. Plans are underway for the the rest of the undertaking, which is anticipated to learn over a million residents in Montserrado County.
Social Safety: Gender and Kids
Years of battle left many Liberians weak. In response, the Authorities expanded social safety packages to make sure truthful alternatives for all residents.
In 2025, the “Save the Future Venture” reintegrated greater than 8,000 road kids into secure environments and enrolled over 2,700 out-of-school kids. Over the previous two years, roughly 13,500 kids have been reunified with their households. About 4,000 of those have returned to high school, whereas over 3,700 caregivers gained assist by way of grants, coaching, and household packages.
Due to a philanthropist’s assist, we now have acquired 5 containers full of numerous gadgets, together with kids’s clothes and footwear. The Ministry of Gender, Kids, and Social Safety is collaborating with the Ministry of Schooling to be certain that this stuff are delivered to school-age kids throughout the nation.
Below the REALISE Venture, the federal government supplied earnings assist by way of money transfers to over 15,000 poor households, delivering over One Billion Liberian {Dollars} to assist them cowl primary family wants.
The Liberia Ladies Empowerment Venture additionally reached 3,300 girls with earnings assist and is increasing to profit over 32,000 extra girls throughout a number of counties. These efforts promote financial alternatives and family welfare.
Youth Growth
Mr. Speaker, Honorable Members of the Legislature, Fellow Liberians, younger folks, who make up over half the inhabitants, are Liberia’s best asset. This yr, we superior youth improvement by launching the Nationwide Youth Coverage (2025–2030) and the Youth Peace and Safety Motion Plan.
We elevated job, skill-building, and livelihood alternatives for weak youth and ladies. By means of the REALISE Venture, greater than 15,000 younger folks acquired assist for earnings technology and coaching, and over 1,400 youths accomplished technical and vocational packages.
Mr. Speaker, Honorable Members of the Legislature, distinguished women and gents. Sports activities unite folks and foster self-discipline, teamwork, and nationwide satisfaction. To assist this, the Authorities and Bea Mountain Mining Company are launching soccer academies in Bong and Montserrado Counties, creating direct routes to nationwide groups and encouraging professionalism and progress in Liberia’s sports activities sector.
We prioritized at-risk youth with drug prevention and rehabilitation and upgraded the Youth Agricultural Coaching Middle.
Housing
Mr. Speaker and members of the Legislature, offering sufficient housing stays a precedence. Many Liberians dwell in overcrowded, insecure circumstances. To deal with this, the Nationwide Housing Authority will start constructing 600 social housing models throughout six counties in February of this yr.
Transparency and Accountability
Mr. Speaker and members of the Legislature, Liberia’s longstanding governance challenges have weakened our establishments and eroded public belief. My Administration is dedicated to restoring confidence by way of strengthening integrity, accountability, and transparency. A step on this route is a requirement for heads of establishments to signal efficiency contracts and comply with clearly outlined requirements beneath our newly established Efficiency Administration and Compliance System.
Working with the Liberia Anti-Corruption Fee, we secured 11 indictments, obtained two convictions, and had one acquittal. 4 prosecutions are ongoing. In the meantime, we enforced administrative measures by suspending or dismissing officers concerned in misconduct. Moreover, we now have strengthened asset declaration guidelines and launched ethics textbooks in colleges.
The Basic Auditing Fee made main strides, finishing 94 of 105 audits. This contains the Home Debt Audit from 2018 to 2023, which rejected over US$704 million in unsupported claims. For the primary time, a system audit of the Home of Representatives for 2021 to 2024 was performed, with the report anticipated in March 2026.
Compliance with audit suggestions rose from 13 % in 2024 to 37 % in 2025. And we will hold working with the Legislature to guarantee the Basic Auditing Fee can absolutely perform its constitutional obligation to guard the general public curiosity.
Public procurement
My authorities is advancing authorized reforms to make e-procurement the usual and to advertise truthful, inclusive participation. In 2025, the Public Procurement and Concessions Fee superior Liberia’s procurement system by increasing digital procurement and strengthening oversight throughout greater than 50 public entities. These steps will tighten controls, scale back waste, and assist the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Growth.
Safety and Justice
In 2025, justice and safety have been strengthened by way of expanded entry to justice, improved felony prosecutions, and upgrades to correctional and judicial services. Logistical assist to key regulation enforcement companies was enhanced. The Liberia Drug Enforcement Company seized practically 10 metric tons of illicit medicine and arrested over 550 suspects, whereas the Immigration Service enhanced border safety and migration processes.
The Liberia Nationwide Hearth Service boosted emergency response with extra than 10 new hearth engines and different firefighting tools. These initiatives have elevated public belief within the justice and safety system in comparison with pre-2024 ranges.
To deal with congestion at the Edward B. Kesselly army barracks, we renovated the Camp Jones army barracks in Margibi County and the Camp Grant army barracks in Nimba County. This has accommodated the relocation of over 600 troopers, bettering dwelling circumstances for our army households.
Civil Service
Throughout the yr beneath evaluation, we made vital progress in bettering the civil service. We positioned greater than 3,400 long-serving volunteers in training and well being onto the nationwide payroll. To spice up morale and productiveness, we elevated the salaries for over 23,000 frontline staff in well being, training, safety, and agriculture.
We’re additionally strengthening the system for the longer term. Advantage-based hiring is being strengthened by way of a brand new Civil Service Testing Middle, and employees welfare is bettering by way of automated authorized companies. Lastly, we’re dedicated to investing in our staff by providing a 50 % salary-advance choice, increasing long-term mortgage packages, and offering further coaching alternatives each at residence and overseas.
Environmental Safety and Local weather Change
My Administration strengthened safety by imposing key environmental and biodiversity legal guidelines, updating local weather commitments, bettering entry to local weather finance, and establishing the Carbon Market Authority. Moreover, we took steps to additional preserve our treasured wildlife by initiating a strategy of clearing the Sarpo Nationwide Park of intruders to open it up for tourism and different points of interest.
We additionally established a contemporary environmental laboratory, ratified the Biodiversity Past Nationwide Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Settlement, and decentralized environmental governance. Liberia stays dedicated to accountable stewardship, guaranteeing that environmental safety, financial progress, and prosperity advance collectively for this technology and the subsequent.
Land Governance
Honorable members of the Legislature, land governance stays a persistent problem that impacts livelihoods, meals safety, tradition, the economic system, improvement, and local weather change. Poor administration has led to land grabs, disputes, and social conflicts. In 2024, we imposed a moratorium on public land gross sales to stop speculative land grabs. It was lifted solely after clear pointers and a standardized nationwide deed system have been established in 2025. These measures now guarantee future land allocation is truthful, clear, and accountable.
Decentralization – Advancing Native Authorities
In 2025, the Authorities continued decentralization efforts by deploying County Service Middle Coordinators throughout all 15 counties, serving over 32,000 residents, and boosting native income technology. County improvement planning models and treasury assessments strengthened fiscal administration. A complete evaluation led to the reclassification of cities primarily based on authorized standards.
To advertise participatory governance, greater than 1,800 conventional leaders have been appointed, and a Nationwide Meeting of Chiefs was convened in Gbarnga, Bong County, in November 2025. Lastly, the Authorities additionally superior institutional reforms by passing the Act establishing the Ministry of Native Authorities, a serious step towards decentralization.
To carry companies nearer to residents, passport facilities have been opened in Grand Gedeh and Bong Counties, making it simpler for folks to entry identification paperwork domestically.
Liberia Repositioned: Restored Worldwide Standing and Enhanced International Engagement
Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, and Members of the Legislature, my overseas coverage is guided by a agency dedication to the worldwide system, grounded within the United Nations, multilateralism, and worldwide regulation. I imagine these are very important for world cooperation and peaceable battle decision.
In 2025, we labored to revive Liberia’s worldwide credibility and reestablish it as a revered member of the world neighborhood. Our overseas coverage now prioritizes nationwide pursuits, integrity, and outcomes, specializing in tangible advantages for Liberians and strengthening our nation’s standing.
Liberia’s election to a non-permanent United Nations Safety Council seat for 2026– 2027, with 181 out of 193 Basic Meeting votes, demonstrates renewed world confidence in our management. This historic achievement raises Liberia’s profile and permits us to contribute to worldwide peace, with emphasis on girls, youth, local weather, and stability in our area
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Liberia continues to play a number one function in ECOWAS, the Mano River Union, and the African Union. We’ve additionally deepened our bilateral relations with the USA of America, as evidenced by extending the validity of B1/B2 visas for Liberians from 12 to 36 months and launching a US$124 million well being partnership.
Prior to now yr, Liberia strengthened ties with France, Serbia, Morocco, China, Barbados, Bahamas, UAE, Rwanda, Mano River Union, ECOWAS, African Union, and the European Union.
Financial diplomacy is now a transparent precedence. We’re shifting from help dependence to commerce and funding. We’ve engaged over 50 overseas and diaspora buyers in precedence sectors: agriculture, vitality, and infrastructure.
Honorable Members of the Legislature, Liberia’s progress in 2025 displays renewed worldwide credibility. As we take our seat on the UN Safety Council and strengthen regional management, this Administration will pursue a overseas coverage that promotes peace, prosperity, inclusion, and nationwide satisfaction.
Liberia can also be set to strengthen its world standing by internet hosting worldwide conferences. To this finish, we have undertaken the building of the Mano River Union Presidential Middle for Regional Peace and Growth in Foya Lofa County. The facility is absolutely owned by the Authorities of Liberia and features a 500-seat convention corridor and safe lodging (villas) for visiting dignitaries.
We’re happy to acknowledge the invaluable contribution of the Angie Brooks Ladies’s Middle’s State of affairs Room in selling peace and democracy. It is usually commendable that the United Nations Safety Council has acknowledged them as an exemplary mechanism for monitoring potential hotspots and incidents involving violence, harassment, and intimidation. The MRU Presidential Middle will function a big useful resource to assist their future efforts.
The Liberian Diaspora
Mr. Speaker and members of the Legislature, the Liberian Diaspora isn’t just our household overseas; they’re a significant nationwide asset, bringing expertise, capital, and satisfaction to Liberia’s improvement. In 2024, we pledged to strengthen diaspora engagement, and I’m happy to report actual progress. The inaugural Liberia Diaspora Convention in Washington, DC, led to clear suggestions, together with the institution of a Diaspora Fee. We’ll quickly carry this proposal to the Legislature.
Throughout the nation, diaspora entrepreneurs and professionals are returning to put money into infrastructure, agriculture, well being, training, and expertise. Many are additionally constructing properties and launching new enterprises. We acknowledge these efforts by way of the Yr of Return Program.
I should additionally stress that we are appalled by the distressing losses suffered by members of our diaspora neighborhood in numerous housing initiatives, together with the Millennium Property Housing Venture. We’ll proceed to work with all events to make sure justice for these impacted.
Reconciliation
Mr. Speaker and Honorable Members of the Legislature, a nation that refuses to reconcile hinders its personal progress and stays sure to the load of its previous. As such, reconciliation is important for our nation’s progress, enabling therapeutic and progress for future generations. My Administration has taken significant steps, together with implementing Fact and Reconciliation Fee suggestions.
Final yr, we reburied former Presidents William R. Tolbert, Jr. and Samuel Ok. Doe, Sr. with dignity and respect, and we formally apologized on behalf of the Liberian State for its function within the battle. These actions have been obligatory steps towards therapeutic, acknowledgment, and nationwide closure.
We’re contemplating a Reconciliation Fee and have established the Workplace for the Conflict and Financial Crimes Courtroom, which has accomplished draft legal guidelines for your evaluation. Reconciliation, nevertheless, doesn’t imply forgetting, nor does it imply abandoning justice. True reconciliation should embrace justice to make sure lasting peace for Liberia.
Mr. Speaker and members of the Legislature, in my deal with to this Honorable Physique final yr, I prolonged a hand throughout the political divide and referred to as on our compatriots within the opposition and others to hitch us in constructing an inclusive authorities. At the moment, I renew that decision.
Throughout the yr in evaluation, the nation mourned the lack of a number of distinguished residents. Amongst these have been Choose Luvenia V. Ash-Thompson, Former Probate Courtroom Choose and Former Dean of the Louis Arthur Grimes College of Regulation, Honorable Dr. Amelia Angeline Hooke Ward, Former Minister, Ministry of Planning and Financial Affairs; Nimba County Senator Prince Y. Johnson; Honorable Joyce Musu Freeman-Sumo, Former Senior Senator for Montserrado; Honorable (Amb.) James Teah Tarpeh,
Former Liberia Ambassador, Federal Republic of Nigeria; Former Ambassador to the Republic of Benin and the Republic of Togo; Honorable Dr. El Mohamed Sherif, Former Vice Chairman, Council of State, Liberia Nationwide Transitional Authorities (LNTG); Madam Nancy Bohn Doe, Former First Woman of the Republic of Liberia; Honorable Sylvester M. Grigsby, Former Minister of State for Presidential Affairs and Chief of Employees to the President, Republic of Liberia; Professor Florence Serena Blyden, Former Professor, College of Liberia, and a bunch of others. A fuller record will likely be revealed.
Mr. Vice President, Madam First Woman, Mr. Speaker, Madam Professional Tempore, and Members of the Legislature; Mr. Chief Justice, Affiliate Justices, and Members of the Judiciary; Madam Dean and members of the Cupboard:
In conclusion, I invite us to pause for a last second of reality, guided at all times by the supreme curiosity of our nation. Past the progress we rejoice right this moment, unresolved issues proceed to weigh on our nationwide conscience, have an effect on our dignity, and demand decisive motion. Accordingly, I’ll take the next steps directly.
First, I’ll be certain that we proceed to comprehensively evaluation our concession framework to appropriate historic inequities within the extraction and administration of our pure wealth and to make sure that Liberia and its folks obtain truthful and lasting advantages.
Second, I’ll take fast motion to resolve the long-standing situation of relocating the Palm Grove Cemetery, the place the stays of former Presidents and different distinguished residents lie. It is a matter of nationwide honor, historic accountability, and respect for individuals who served our Republic.
Third, I’ll act to rehabilitate decaying public buildings in Monrovia and throughout the nation, restoring dignity to public service and safeguarding nationwide belongings for future generations.
Fourth, I will provoke the course of of laying out main cities all through Liberia, in line with current decentralization initiatives and the newly enacted zoning regulation of Liberia.
Fellow Liberians, we started this journey along with a agency perception that Liberia’s potential is limitless. That perception stays unshaken. Over the previous yr, we now have intentionally constructed on the progress already made, strengthening confidence and restoring hope that the promise of this nation can certainly be unlocked for the good thing about all.
After one other yr of service, we can say with confidence that the State of our Nation is stronger than when we final stood right here. The positive aspects we have recorded are not an finish in themselves. They’re a basis and clear proof that purposeful management, anchored in service, can ship outcomes. These achievements affirm our perception that Liberia’s greatest days are forward of us. But we should not turn out to be complacent.
As we deepen the implementation of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Growth this yr and past, we transfer ahead with resolve, braveness, and readability of objective. We’re guided by a easy however enduring reality. Management just isn’t outlined by titles or privilege, however by humility, constancy to our oath, and honor to the Republic.
We’re right here to serve the Liberian folks, not ourselves. If our objective strays from service, disappointment will comply with, and the reality will likely be unavoidable that we belong elsewhere. Service is the measure of management.
We stand right this moment at a defining second between our previous and our future. The alternatives we make now will decide whether or not we advance or fall behind, whether or not we honor or betray the hopes entrusted to us. Let us subsequently commit, collectively and with one coronary heart, to maneuver ahead and never backward, aware that what we do right this moment will form the Liberia of tomorrow.
Allow us to govern, legislate, and decide within the supreme curiosity of the Liberian folks, realizing that historical past will render its verdict on whether or not we rose to this second and adjusted the course of our nation for the higher.
With religion in God, confidence in our folks, and love for nation, allow us to assume Liberia, love Liberia, and collectively construct Liberia.
Could God bless us all and protect the state.
