MONROVIA – Liberia is set to receive a US$32 million investment for the establishment of a manufacturing facility producing diapers, sanitary pads, wet wipes and other household hygiene products, following the signing of an agreement between the Liberia Special Economic Zone Authority (LSEZA) and Softcare Liberia Company Limited.
The investment is expected to create an estimated 150 direct jobs and 200 indirect jobs, according to details of the agreement, as the government seeks to attract investment, expand domestic manufacturing and create employment opportunities.
The agreement provides the framework for establishing and operating a Softcare Special Economic Zone facility at the Monrovia Freezone.
Softcare, a manufacturer of hygiene and household consumer products with operations in several African countries, plans to establish the facility to serve the Liberian market and potentially supply products to other countries in West Africa.
Prince A. Wreh, Executive Director of LSEZA, said the agreement had been in the works for several months.
“This agreement has been a work in progress over many months,” Wreh said.
He said LSEZA is mandated to support investments that contribute to economic diversification and job creation.
Wreh welcomed Softcare to Liberia and assured the company of the government’s commitment to protecting its investment.
“In the wisdom and in the voice of the President, he says, and I quote, ‘when you bring your investment to Liberia, your investment will be protected; when you bring your money to Liberia, your money will be safe,’” Wreh said.
Softcare’s planned operation will produce several hygiene products consumed in Liberia.
According to the company profile included in the agreement, Softcare specializes in manufacturing baby diapers and baby pants, sanitary pads, wet wipes and other fast-moving consumer and hygiene products.
The planned facility is expected to serve the Liberian market while potentially positioning Liberia as a manufacturing base for the wider West African region.
For Liberia, the investment could help expand domestic production, reduce reliance on imported manufactured goods, and create opportunities for local employment and businesses.
Representing Softcare at the signing, Bai Gunagxue said the company’s decision to invest in Liberia reflects its confidence in the country’s investment environment.
“Today marks an important milestone in our partnership,” Gunagxue said. “This Investment Agreement reflects our shared commitment to promoting industrial development, creating employment opportunities, and supporting Liberia’s economic growth.”
He said Softcare plans to establish a modern manufacturing facility and work with the government and other stakeholders to ensure the project is successfully implemented.
“We are committed to long-term investment, innovation, and sustainable growth, and we are proud to continue expanding our presence in Africa,” he said.
The agreement comes as the government promotes the Special Economic Zone model as a means of attracting investors and expanding Liberia’s industrial base.
For Liberia, however, the significance of the agreement will ultimately be measured by its implementation, whether the proposed facility becomes operational and delivers the jobs, local production and economic opportunities expected from the investment.
“Together, let us turn today’s signing into tomorrow’s success,” Gunagxue said.
