Liberia is definitively turning the page on instability. With growth now projected at around 5% for 2026 and a colossal investment plan of $4.8 billion in the extractive sector, the oldest republic in Africa is giving itself the means to achieve its ambition: to transform its geological wealth into sustainable prosperity for its populations.
Founded in 1847 to welcome former freed slaves, Liberia transitioned from a subsistence economy to an economy driven by rubber, with the arrival of the American rubber company Firestone in 1926, and then by iron ore exploitation in the 1960s. However, this momentum was broken by the 1980 coup d’état and two civil wars (1989-2003), which destroyed a large part of the country’s infrastructure. The election of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in 2005 opened a new phase of reconstruction and economic reforms, gradually restoring investor confidence. Today, this resilience fuels the country’s ambitions. Liberia also has significant mineral potential and a very rich geology. Yet, a large part of the territory remains unexplored.
« Today, Liberia’s public institutions have the capacity to respond to the needs of their citizens through the decentralization of service centers. Infrastructure has been repaired and restored, and roads now connect urban centers to markets. »
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Former President of the Republic – Liberia
Today, with inflation contained at 5%, the country is embarking on a profound structural transformation. At the heart of this reform, the government is making the creation of the national mining company a strategic pillar to strengthen state participation. In parallel, a major overhaul of the mining code secures investments from giants like ArcelorMittal. With nearly 80% of the territory still unexplored, the country aims to achieve iron production of 30 million tonnes per year. Beyond extraction, Liberia is banking on regional integration, diversification towards palm oil and energy, to ensure inclusive and sustainable development beyond 2030.
« Liberia remains a fragile state. Institutions are still young and have been tested, and resources remain limited. Nations in fragile situations, particularly post-conflict countries, need special attention and increased support. We ask development partners to remain mobilized in favor of Liberia, so that the country can pursue its emergence and become a successful example of conflict exit. »
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Former President of the Republic – Liberia
In 2026, the Liberian economy demonstrated a remarkable acceleration of its macroeconomic reforms under the supervision of international institutions, symbolized by the regular release of support tranches from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Real GDP growth, recorded at 5.1% in 2025, maintains a solid momentum supported by controlled inflation that has fallen back to around 4-5%.
« Liberia’s history illustrates the progress achieved thanks to the United Nations. The largest peacekeeping force in Africa has helped end armed conflicts, support elections, reform security institutions, and create a space conducive to reconciliation and growth. »
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Former President of the Republic – Liberia
It should be noted that Liberia benefits from a strategic coastline of nearly 580 kilometers along the Atlantic Ocean. Located at the southwestern end of the great bulge of West Africa, it borders three countries: Sierra Leone to the northwest, Guinea to the north, and Côte d’Ivoire to the east. Its capital, Monrovia, houses one of the most important free ports in the sub-region, facilitating international maritime trade. In terms of tourist assets, Sierra Leone stands out for its wild beaches and exceptional fauna. Its ecotourism offer is mainly concentrated around Freetown, known for its magnificent sandy stretches, its nature reserves, and its preserved islands.
