AGP Executive Report

Mining Reform: LEITI and the Millennium Challenge Corporation are discussing reforms to strengthen transparency and oversight in Liberia’s mining sector, as the MCC assesses gaps and supports work on new mining laws. Pollution and Land Rights: A French investigative report accuses ArcelorMittal of taking farmers’ land and likely contaminating water in northern Liberia. The company disputes the claims, saying compensation cases have been addressed. Forest at Risk: In Gbarpolu, a logging contract overlaps a mining exploration licence in a community forest; the EPA previously fined the mining company for operating without a permit and contaminating a watercourse. Climate Resilience: Liberia’s EPA chief warns that rising seas and shifting rainfall threaten coastal communities and farmers, while the agency is pushing for a climate law and more funding. Monrovia has also endured another destructive rainy season.

Climate Risks: Liberia’s EPA chief says rising seas threaten coastal homes and roads, while shifting rainfall makes farming harder; he urges stronger planning and investment in resilience. Forest and Mining Pressure: In Gbarpolu, a logging contract overlaps a mining exploration license across a community forest. The EPA previously fined the miner $95,000 for operating without an environmental permit and found contamination of a local watercourse. Mining Oversight: Liberia’s mines minister has called for tougher enforcement, warning that illegal mining can expose communities to mercury and other risks. Concession Impacts: An investigation alleges ArcelorMittal’s operations in Nimba have taken farmland from nearly 1,000 farmers and polluted rivers and drinking-water sources. Coastal Pollution: Oil-coated birds have been reported after a fire on the Liberia-flagged tanker Aframax Rio off Russia’s Black Sea coast, though Russian authorities dispute reports of contamination.

Climate Risks: Liberia’s EPA chief says rising seas, flooding and shifting rainfall threaten coastal communities and farmers, even though Liberia contributes little to global emissions. Forest Protection: In Gbarpolu, a logging contract overlaps a mining exploration licence in a community forest, raising fears of conflict and further damage; the EPA fined the mining company in 2024 for operating without an environmental permit and contaminating a watercourse. Mining Oversight: Mines Minister R. Matenokay Tingban called for stronger enforcement to curb irresponsible mining and protect communities from mercury exposure, while Bomi officials pressed for transparency and local benefits. Concession Impacts: An investigation alleges ArcelorMittal’s operations in Nimba have displaced nearly 1,000 farmers and polluted water sources; the company’s iron ore exports supply steelmakers in France. Climate Policy: The EPA is also pushing for a climate change law and increased funding as Monrovia faces another destructive rainy season.

Mining and Land Rights: A new investigation accuses ArcelorMittal of taking land from nearly 1,000 Liberian farmers and poisoning rivers and drinking-water sources around its Nimba operations. The company shipped 12.7 million tonnes of Liberian iron ore to mainland France between 2020 and August 2026, the report says. Mining Oversight: At a Bomi County town hall, Mines Minister R. Matenokay Tingban urged stronger EPA enforcement, warning that illegal mining exposes communities to mercury and other risks. County officials also called for mining revenues to deliver visible local benefits. Climate and Energy: Liberia’s EPA is pushing for a climate change law and more funding, as Monrovia faces another destructive rainy season. The University of Liberia is nearing completion of a solar-powered utility park designed to provide reliable electricity, water and sanitation.

Renewable Energy: The University of Liberia’s $680,000 Solar Oasis is nearing completion at Fendall. The complex will use solar power to provide round-the-clock electricity, water, sanitation and Wi-Fi, with an opening planned for December. Environmental Protection: The EPA is urging the government to pass a climate change law and increase its funding. The agency reports 1,621 compliance inspections in the first half of 2026, and says it shut 30 water companies for violations. Climate Resilience: Monrovia has faced another destructive rainy season, renewing concern about the city’s exposure to worsening climate impacts. Water Access: The Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation says six communities could gain piped water by December 2026 or June 2027, if ongoing projects receive the needed support.

Climate Policy: Liberia’s EPA is calling for a comprehensive Climate Change Law and more funding, reporting 1,621 compliance inspections across the country in the first half of 2026 and the closure of 30 water companies for violations. Flooding: Monrovia’s low-lying communities face worsening floods as heavier, less predictable rain combines with clogged drains and construction in wetlands. Nearly 20,000 families have been affected, with seven deaths reported; residents want waterways cleared, while officials call for better forecasting, wetland protection and disaster funding. Water Access: LWSC says six cities and communities could gain piped water by late 2026 or mid-2027, if projects receive the support needed to finish.

Climate Policy: Liberia’s Environmental Protection Agency is urging lawmakers to pass a comprehensive climate law and increase its budget. It reports 1,621 compliance inspections, 181 complaints investigated and 30 water companies shut for violations in the first half of 2026. Flooding: Heavier, less predictable rain, clogged drains and building on wetlands are worsening floods across Monrovia’s low-lying communities. Nearly 20,000 families have been affected, with deaths, displacement and disrupted schooling reported. Residents want waterways cleared; officials are calling for better forecasting, drainage, wetland protection and disaster funding. Resource Management: Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf renewed calls to move beyond exporting raw materials, arguing Liberia must build local processing and capture more value from its natural resources.

Climate Policy: Liberia’s EPA is urging lawmakers to pass a comprehensive climate change law and increase funding for environmental enforcement and resilience. The agency says it carried out 1,621 compliance inspections across the 15 counties in the first half of 2026 and investigated 181 complaints. Flooding: Heavier, less predictable rains, clogged drains and wetland construction are worsening floods in Monrovia’s low-lying communities. Nearly 20,000 families have been affected across two counties, with seven deaths reported; residents are calling for waterways to be cleared, while officials point to better drainage, forecasting and wetland protection. Water Access: The Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation says six communities could gain piped water by December 2026 or June 2027, if projects receive the support needed to finish. The expansion would extend service beyond Monrovia, where the aging network also needs attention.

Climate Policy: Liberia’s EPA is urging passage of a comprehensive climate law and more funding for resilience and enforcement. In the first half of 2026, it carried out 1,621 inspections, investigated 181 complaints and shut 30 water companies for violations. Flood Risk: Heavier, less predictable rain, clogged drains and building on wetlands are worsening floods in Monrovia. Nearly 20,000 families have been affected across two counties, with seven deaths reported; residents want waterways cleared and officials call for better drainage, forecasting and wetland protection. Water Access: The Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation says six communities could gain piped water by December 2026 or June 2027, if projects receive the support needed to finish.

Climate Policy: Liberia’s EPA is urging passage of a comprehensive climate law and more funding, reporting 1,621 compliance inspections across all 15 counties in the first half of 2026. It also says it investigated 181 complaints and closed 30 water companies for violations. Black Sea Pollution Risk: Conflicting reports followed the fire on Liberia-flagged tanker Aframax Rio off Sochi. Russian authorities reported no pollution, but Greenpeace analysts said satellite images showed an oil-products slick covering about 25 square kilometres. Flooding: In Monrovia, heavier, less predictable rains, clogged drains and building on wetlands are worsening floods. Nearly 20,000 families have been affected across two counties, with seven deaths reported; residents and officials are calling for clearer waterways, better drainage and stronger disaster response.

Climate Policy: Liberia’s Environmental Protection Agency is urging lawmakers to pass a comprehensive Climate Change Law and increase its funding. The agency says it carried out 1,621 environmental inspections in the first half of 2026, investigated 181 complaints and shut down 30 water companies for violations. Flood Risk: Heavier, less predictable rain, clogged drains and construction in wetlands are worsening floods in Monrovia’s low-lying communities. Nearly 20,000 families across two counties have faced displacement, disrupted schooling and lost income, with seven deaths reported. Residents want waterways cleared; officials are calling for better drainage, wetland protection and stronger disaster response. Water Access: The Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation says six communities could gain piped water by December 2026 or June 2027, if projects receive the funding and institutional support needed to finish. The plan includes Greenville, Pleebo and Zwedru.

Flooding and Climate: Heavier, less predictable rains, clogged drains and building on wetlands are worsening Monrovia’s floods. Nearly 20,000 families have been affected across two counties, with seven deaths reported; residents and officials are calling for cleared waterways, better drainage, wetland protection and stronger disaster response. Safer Housing: With about 70% of Liberia’s urban population living in slums or poor housing, architects urge safer, affordable homes and settlement upgrades that avoid forced displacement. Mining Impacts: China Union is assessing pollution and road damage in mining communities after FPA reporting, while civil society groups press for mining-sector reforms. Forests and Cocoa: A new analysis says major chocolate companies have reduced cocoa-related emissions, with forest protection rules influencing sourcing; the report highlights cocoa-driven forest clearing in Lofa County. Fisheries: EJF and NaFAA have launched a three-year effort to clean up Liberia’s fisheries sector.

Flooding: Heavier, less predictable rain—compounded by clogged drains and building on wetlands—is worsening floods in Monrovia. Nearly 20,000 families have been affected, with seven deaths reported. Residents want waterways cleared; officials point to better drainage, forecasting, wetland protection and disaster funding. Oil Spill Risk: A Liberia-flagged tanker caught fire off Russia’s Black Sea coast after an unmanned-vessel attack. Its 23 crew members were rescued, and environmental monitors reported no pollution. Forests and Cocoa: A new analysis says major chocolate companies’ cocoa-related emissions fell by a quarter in three years, while reported deforestation-free sourcing rose. It suggests the EU’s deforestation rules are helping drive change, with implications for cocoa-growing forests in Liberia. Climate-Smart Farming: In Monrovia, 55 urban farmers, women, young people and people with disabilities received training in gardening, composting and climate-smart practices to strengthen food production and resilience.

Black Sea Pollution Watch: A Liberia-flagged tanker carrying crude caught fire off Sochi after an unmanned-boat attack. All 23 crew members were rescued, and Russia’s environmental watchdog says monitoring has found no pollution—though beaches were restricted as a precaution. Safer Settlements: Liberia’s architects are urging upgrades to informal neighborhoods that reduce flood and building risks without forcing residents from their homes. Mining Accountability: Communities report polluted water and damaged roads near mining sites, prompting calls for stronger rules and enforcement so local people share in the benefits. Climate-Smart Farming: A Monrovia training equipped 55 urban residents with skills in backyard gardening, composting and climate-resilient agriculture. Coastal and Forest Protection: Ireland has committed €1.5 million to coastal resilience and mangrove conservation in southeastern Liberia, while a new analysis points to falling cocoa-related deforestation emissions as companies prepare for the EU’s deforestation law.

Offshore Oil Push: Liberia’s LPRA will present its 2026 Offshore Direct Negotiation Licensing Round in Cape Town, offering 16 offshore blocks across the Liberia and Harper basins with major seismic data backing—raising big hopes for investment and jobs. Maritime Pollution Watch: After a tanker fire in the Black Sea tied to an attack on a Liberia-flagged vessel, Russia’s environmental watchdog says there are currently no signs of pollution. Mining Accountability: Civil society and mining-affected communities are calling for urgent mining governance reforms, pointing to polluted water, damaged roads, and weak benefits for communities despite extraction. Climate & Cocoa: A new analysis says EU’s zero deforestation law is already pushing down deforestation-linked cocoa emissions, even before full enforcement—relevant for Liberia’s cocoa-linked forest risks. ECOWAS Justice: Liberia’s Charlyne M. Brumskine and four others were sworn in as ECOWAS Court judges, with leaders urging impartial, credible decisions. Roads Funding: Liberia’s Road Fund reports 130 valid contracts worth over US$203M, with US$121M disbursed and about US$81M still outstanding. Food & Farming Resilience: A €375,000 project will train smallholder farmers in climate-smart, organic practices to boost nutrition and soil health in Nimba and Montserrado.

Mining governance & community impacts: Environmental, transparency and accountability groups are pushing for an urgent overhaul of Liberia’s mining rules after reports that extraction is leaving communities with polluted water, damaged farmland and bad roads—highlighting Ziah Town in Grand Gedeh as a case study ahead of the Liberia International Mining and Energy Conference. Oil & local jobs: NOCAL has signed a Joint Development Agreement with Nigeria’s LADOL to build a Buchanan shorebase, aiming to keep more logistics, waste disposal and technical services inside Liberia and avoid repeating past offshore drilling benefits going abroad. Climate-smart farming: Green Cities, Action Against Hunger and a farmers’ cooperative launched a €375,000 NOURISH Family Farms project to support 600 smallholders with organic biofertilizers and biopesticides, targeting better soil health and nutrition in Nimba and Montserrado. Weather risk & early warning: WMO support is helping strengthen multi-hazard early warning systems, including Liberia’s work to improve observation and data exchange. Human-wildlife & local landmarks: An environmental health specialist in Bong County is urging authorities to halt cutting a historic cotton tree tied to superstition, warning that fear should not override real threats like unsafe water and poor roads. Financial education push: Liberia’s Central Bank trained and certified 50 Financial Education Campaign trainers to expand financial literacy nationwide. Digital skills for educators: ArcelorMittal Liberia trained 38 teachers and administrators in Yekepa to improve classroom and administrative digital skills. Implementation accountability: Naymote says only 12 of President Boakai’s 385 ARREST Agenda interventions are fully completed, with many still ongoing or not rated.