The Minister of Commerce described the launch as a historic milestone in the nation’s economic journey.
Monrovia – Liberia has officially launched its National Implementation Strategic Policy Document for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with the Minister of Commerce and Industry describing the move as a blueprint for development.
Speaking at the occasion marking the launch of the document at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, Minister Magdalene Ellen Dagoseh pointed out that the framework will serve as a blueprint for unlocking the country’s trade and economic potential.
Established on March 21, 2018, the AfCFTA represents one of the most ambitious integration efforts globally. It seeks to create a single continental market for goods and services, allowing the free movement of people and capital, with the broader aim of fostering economic diversification, industrial development, and inclusive growth across Africa. With 54 signatories and 48 ratifications, including Liberia, the AfCFTA promises to reshape the continent’s trade dynamics by boosting intra-African trade and unlocking economies of scale for African enterprises.
The Minister of Commerce described the launch as a historic milestone in the nation’s economic journey, calling it “more than just the unveiling of a document,” but “a collective commitment to a vision” of a united, dynamic African market. The document, she said, provides a roadmap to achieve these goals.
She said the newly launched strategy outlines how Liberia will engage with the AfCFTA framework, reflecting national priorities, economic aspirations, and the belief that inclusive, well-managed trade can drive development, innovation, and job creation.
According to her, fully harnessing the opportunities of the AfCFTA will require strengthening productive sectors, investing in infrastructure, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and building workforce capacity.
Minister Dagoseh urged stakeholders to see the launch not as the conclusion of a process, but as “a new beginning” and a call to action to align strategies and work collaboratively to unlock Africa’s economic potential.
“Together, we can build an Africa that trades more with itself, grows faster, and prospers more inclusively. I wish to thank all our partners, both public and private, who contributed to the development of this policy document. Your insights, your expertise, and your commitment have brought us to this point, and they will be even more critical as we move forward,” the Minister commended.
Liberia ratified the AfCFTA in 2023 and deposited its instrument of ratification in 2024, joining 53 other African countries in creating a single market for goods and services across the continent.
Bomi County Senator and keynote speaker at the occasion, J. Alex Tyler, described the move by Liberia as “a defining moment in the country’s economic history,” as he pledged legislative support to ensure its success.
Senator Tyler, who is also the Senate Committee on Commerce, Trade and Industry, said the strategy represented more than another government policy document, but a practical roadmap to unlock trade opportunities for Liberian farmers, entrepreneurs, and young innovators.
“As we know, the African Continental Free Trade Area, or AfCFTA, is one of the boldest economic integration projects the world has ever seen. Imagine-54 African countries, representing over 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP of more than three trillion US dollars-committing to create a single market for goods and services, allow the free movement of people and capital, and ultimately position Africa as a competitive player in the global economy,” the Bomi County lawmaker stated.
“This is not a small undertaking. It is a vision of a connected Africa trading more with itself, creating jobs for its youth, building industries that can compete globally. And it is a vision that Liberia is now a part of, having ratified the Agreement in 2023 and deposited the instrument of ratification in 2024.
For Liberia, the AfCFTA is more than just a treaty-it is a chance to redefine our economic future.”
“We know the challenges: for decades, our economy has relied heavily on a few primary commodities, for example: iron ore, rubber, timber, and gold etc. While these have sustained us, they have also kept us vulnerable to external shocks,” he furthered.”
The National Implementation Strategy, he indicated, will focus on four key areas: Trade facilitation to ensure goods move efficiently across borders; Digital transformation to connect Liberian businesses to regional e-commerce platforms; Inclusivity to guarantee that women, youth, and marginalized groups benefit and Sustainability to align trade growth with environmental and climate goals.
He painted a vision of Liberian products reaching new markets across Africa – from cassava flour from Bomi County on shelves in Freetown and Accra, to Liberian fashion lines in Nairobi boutiques, and locally processed cocoa sold in Dakar and Kigali.
Acknowledging that the strategy’s success would require collaboration, Sen. Tyler committed the Legislature to passing enabling trade laws, aligning the national budget with trade priorities, and raising public awareness of the AfCFTA.
He also called on the private sector to lead in innovation and competitiveness, and urged development partners to continue providing technical and financial support.
“Everyone must seize this moment, for this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. If we hesitate, others will move ahead. If we act now and act decisively, Liberia can become a hub for regional trade-exporting not just goods, but skills, creativity, and innovation.”
