By Lewis S. Teh
MONROVIA, April 22, 2026 – The Government of Liberia has launched an electronic phytosanitary certification system (e-Phyto) aimed at replacing paper-based processes and streamlining agricultural exports and imports across the country, a move designed to reduce processing time, cut costs, and align Liberia’s trade systems with international standards.
Speaking at the official launch in Monrovia on behalf of Agriculture Minister J. Alexander Nuetah, Deputy Minister for Technical Services Solomon Hedd-Williams described the initiative as a major step toward efficiency, transparency, and global integration in the agricultural sector.
He noted that the system will allow farmers and exporters to benefit from faster border clearance, reduced administrative delays, and improved access to regional and international markets.
The e-Phyto platform replaces traditional paper certificates with a fully digital system that enables plant health documentation to be issued, transmitted, and verified electronically between countries.
Officials say the shift is expected to strengthen border security by reducing fraud risks, eliminating document loss, and minimizing clearance delays at entry points.
The system operates under the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) framework, ensuring compliance with globally recognized phytosanitary standards required by international trading partners.
The rollout is being supported by the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the IPPC under the Regional ePhyto Africa Window, with funding from the Government of Sweden.
Project Manager at the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation, Laura Garrone, said the system will help “level the playing field for smaller exporters” by improving predictability and expanding market access opportunities.
Implementation of the system began with an in-country mission in Monrovia from April 20 to 23, 2026, during which plant inspectors received training and pilot testing was carried out using real export shipments.
The Ministry of Agriculture says the platform will first be fully operational for key export commodities such as cocoa, coffee, rubber, and fresh produce after completion of training and final system validation.
Officials describe the e-Phyto rollout as a major milestone in Liberia’s efforts to modernize trade, attract investment, and strengthen the competitiveness of its agricultural sector in the global economy.
