MONROVIA – In a move aimed at addressing one of the biggest constraints facing Liberia’s manufacturing sector, the Liberia Special Economic Zones Authority (LSEZA) has signed a construction contract with Liberian-owned Ducheck General Construction Service to build the Liberia Packaging Solutions Center, a facility expected to improve the quality, branding and marketability of locally produced goods.
For years, many Liberian manufacturers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), have struggled to compete with imported products because of poor packaging, limited access to modern processing equipment and the high cost of meeting commercial packaging standards. The government says the new facility is intended to help close that gap.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, LSEZA Executive Chairman Prince Wreh described the project as a landmark investment in Liberia’s productive sector and one that places local businesses at the center of the country’s industrialization agenda.
“This is a monumental step in our drive to help our SMEs, bringing them on the path to ensure they are participants in our Special Economic Zone regime,” Wreh said. “This is a testament to the government policy on ensuring that our local businesses are participants in our economy. We look forward to our SMEs having the opportunity to package their value-added goods right here in Liberia.”
Wreh also acknowledged Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine K. Ngafuan for supporting the initiative, noting that the project aligns with President Joseph Boakai’s ARREST Agenda, which prioritizes private sector development, job creation and economic transformation.
According to LSEZA’s executive, the construction is expected to be completed within 12 months. Once completed, the facility is expected to provide modern packaging and processing services that could lower production costs, improve product quality and help Liberian businesses access new markets by meeting international packaging standards.
Representing the contractor, Ducheck General Construction Service General Manager Alexander Freeman welcomed the award of the contract, describing it as both an opportunity and a responsibility for a Liberian-owned company.
“This is an honor for us,” Freeman said. “We can assure the public that we will do our best to do a perfect and great job.”
Freeman also commended LSEZA for conducting what he described as a transparent and competitive procurement process that enabled a local construction company to secure the contract.
Construction activities are expected to begin immediately following the contractor’s mobilization to the project site.
The project, financed under the Government of Liberia’s Public Sector Investment Project (PSIP), will provide centralized product filling, labeling, and packaging services for local businesses. Officials believe the facility will improve product presentation, ensure compliance with domestic and international market requirements and expand opportunities for Liberian-made products to compete in regional and global markets.
The Packaging Solutions Center forms part of LSEZA’s broader strategy to strengthen industrial infrastructure and support local value addition. Although successive Liberian governments have pledged to expand domestic manufacturing, inadequate industrial infrastructure, high production costs, and limited processing facilities have continued to hinder the growth of local industries.
The Liberia Special Economic Zones Authority, established by an Act of the Legislature, is responsible for developing and managing Special Economic Zones across the country to attract investment, stimulate industrial production, and create sustainable employment opportunities.
