AGP Executive Report

Cybersecurity in West Africa: Nigeria won the 4th ECOWAS Regional Cybersecurity Hackathon in Accra, taking home $10,000 after a 48-hour push against ransomware, phishing, online fraud, digital extortion, and threats to critical infrastructure—teams included Liberia among 12 ECOWAS member states. Higher education verification: United Methodist University (UMU) rolled out QR-code embedded certificates with digital verification to curb academic fraud and speed credential checks for employers and institutions. Liberia’s constitutional tech-policy push: Liberia’s Civil Service Agency and partners launched a public dialogue on modernizing the 1986 Constitution, arguing outdated provisions now clash with today’s governance and inclusion needs. Digital education for scale: An Africa EdTech Policy Toolkit was launched in Accra to help countries reach 200 million learners by 2030, with Liberia listed in case studies. Energy access update: Greenville is nearing electrification after 30+ years, as EU-funded Light Up Southeast moves toward final installation stages. Climate & minerals governance: Liberia’s EPA called for stronger rules to manage mineral wealth responsibly, while NDC 3.0 highlights major renewable energy and emissions targets. Public health watch: Nigeria’s Lassa fever surge (663 cases, 167 deaths) includes warnings for travelers and pressure on healthcare infection control. Ebola long-term impact: A Liberia cohort study reports neurological effects can persist for years after Ebola survival, pointing to a need for long-term care.

Digital Verification in Higher Education: United Methodist University (UMU) rolled out new QR-code embedded academic certificates to curb credential fraud and speed up verification for employers and institutions. Constitutional Reform Dialogue: Liberia’s Governance Commission and Law Reform Commission launched a two-day public policy dialogue on modernizing the 1986 Constitution, with the Civil Service Agency DG presenting an assessment of the Gloria Scott Committee report. Tax Tech Upgrade: The Liberia Revenue Authority began a three-week training push on its upgraded Liberia Integrated Tax Administration System (LITAS) ahead of VAT rollout in January 2027. Climate & Clean Energy: Liberia’s EPA called for stronger rules to manage mineral wealth responsibly, while coverage also highlights progress under NDC 3.0 and a major Mount Coffee solar facility commissioned for World Environment Day. Power Access: Greenville is nearing electrification after 30+ years, with EU-funded Light Up Southeast works approaching completion. Blue Economy & Fisheries: Liberia and China discussed fisheries modernization and maritime cooperation to unlock investment and technical development. Regional Cybersecurity Skills: Liberia’s Cyber Warriors joined a West Africa ECOWAS hackathon in Accra focused on building defenses against cybercrime. Public Health Watch: Nigeria’s Lassa fever surge (663 cases, 167 deaths) and long-term Ebola neurological effects keep infectious-disease preparedness in focus.

Digital Credentials in Liberia: United Methodist University (UMU) rolled out next-gen academic certificates with QR-code verification to curb credential fraud and speed up checks by employers and institutions. Constitutional Reform Push: Liberia’s Governance Commission and Law Reform Commission opened a major public policy dialogue on reviewing the 1986 Constitution, with the Civil Service Agency urging modernization to match today’s governance and tech realities. VAT Tech Training: The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) trained staff on its upgraded Liberia Integrated Tax Administration System (LITAS) ahead of the January 2027 VAT rollout, focusing on taxpayer registration, filing, compliance, and reporting. Minerals & Environment: Liberia’s EPA called for stronger rules to manage mineral wealth responsibly, linking oversight to the clean-energy minerals boom. Power for Southeastern Liberia: EU-funded Light Up Southeast is nearing completion on Greenville electrification after 30+ years without reliable power. Cyber Skills for West Africa: Liberia’s Cyber Warriors joined an ECOWAS hackathon in Accra, part of a push to defend regional digital systems with homegrown talent. Health Alerts: Nigeria’s Lassa fever surge (663 cases, 167 deaths) and long-term Ebola neurological effects highlight ongoing infectious-disease pressure across the region.

Public Health Alert: Lassa fever is surging in Nigeria with 663 confirmed cases and 167 deaths (25.2% fatality) across 22 states, and US travel-linked risk is prompting urgent infection-control warnings. Higher Education Security: UMU is rolling out QR-code embedded certificates to fight credential fraud and speed verification for employers and institutions. Digital Tax Modernization: Liberia Revenue Authority is training staff on an upgraded Liberia Integrated Tax Administration System (LITAS) ahead of VAT rollout in January 2027. EdTech Policy: An Africa EdTech Policy Toolkit launched in Accra targets 200 million learners by 2030, with Liberia included in country case studies. Constitutional Reform: Liberia’s Governance and Law Reform Commissions are holding a major dialogue on modernizing the 1986 Constitution, with calls for reforms reflecting today’s governance and tech realities. Environment & Minerals: EPA Liberia is pushing stronger rules for responsible development of critical minerals. Blue Economy & Oceans: UMU and the Carbon Markets Authority marked World Oceans Day, spotlighting ocean governance and blue economy priorities. Cyber Capacity: ECOWAS’s regional cybersecurity hackathon in Accra is challenging teams from 12 countries, including Liberia, to build practical defenses.

Digital Credentials: UMU rolls out QR-code embedded certificates to curb academic fraud, giving employers and agencies faster verification. Constitutional Tech & Governance: Liberia’s Civil Service Agency and partners push constitutional reform talks, arguing the 1986 charter no longer fits today’s governance and tech realities. Tax Systems Upgrade: LRA trains staff on the upgraded Liberia Integrated Tax Administration System (LITAS) ahead of VAT rollout in Jan 2027. Minerals & Environment: EPA calls for stronger rules to manage Liberia’s mineral wealth responsibly as demand for critical minerals grows. Climate Policy in Motion: Liberia’s NDC 3.0 highlights ambitious cuts and renewables, with Mount Coffee solar commissioning tied to World Environment Day. Health Tech & Data: HRW warns US health aid deals could trade surveillance data access for funding, raising privacy concerns for Liberia and other countries. Ebola After-Effects: A Liberia-linked study finds long-lasting neurological impacts in Ebola survivors, underscoring the need for ongoing care. Cyber Capacity: ECOWAS hackathon in Accra tests regional defenses with local scenario design, including a Liberia team. Power Access: EU-backed Light Up Southeast nears completion for Greenville electrification after 30+ years. Blue Economy: UMU and Carbon Markets Authority mark World Oceans Day, spotlighting ocean governance and climate resilience.

Lifelong Learning Push: Namibia ranks 4th for participation in formal and informal training, with the ILO urging lifelong learning as a policy priority amid rapid tech change. Transport Tech & Governance: Liberia Traffic Management Incorporated (LTMI) faces heavy public debate, with officials arguing it’s meant to fix weak vehicle verification, fake documents, poor data, and revenue leakages through technology-driven standards. Digital Education Policy: An Africa EdTech Policy Toolkit was launched in Accra to help governments reach 200 million learners by 2030, including Liberia case studies and guidance on readiness, financing, and implementation. Archives & National Memory: Liberia’s National Archives held a major public exhibition in Buchanan ahead of World Archives Day, showcasing rare historical records and flags. Health Data Deal Watch: The US-Nigeria $2bn health pact includes monitoring and surveillance data-sharing plans, raising sovereignty and rights concerns. Cybersecurity Capacity: ECOWAS’ regional hackathon in Accra used a West African firm to design challenges for 12 teams, aiming to build homegrown defense skills. Ebola After-Effects: A Liberia-led study reports long-lasting neurological impacts on Ebola survivors, calling for focused neurological care. Power for Southeastern Liberia: Greenville is nearing electrification after 30+ years, under the EU-funded Light Up Southeast program. Tax Modernization: Liberia Revenue Authority trains staff on upgraded LITAS ahead of VAT rollout in January 2027. Cleaner Transport Standards: Liberia’s EPA validates a cleaner fuels and vehicle strategy to cut emissions and strengthen environmental governance. Blue Economy & Fisheries: Liberia and China reaffirm fisheries and maritime cooperation focused on modernization, investment, and technical development. Elections Admin: The Senate confirms Jonathan K. Weedor as NEC chair, as Liberia prepares institutional footing for the 2029 cycle. Substance-Use Crisis: Liberia’s largest hospital struggles to fund naloxone for overdoses, highlighting gaps in health financing.

AI in Browsers: Google is rolling out Ask Gemini in Chrome to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, with Liberia included in the wider Africa rollout—bringing more everyday AI search and help to the region. Power for Long-Left Cities: Greenville, Liberia is set to be electrified by late June/early July 2026 after 30+ years, as EU-funded Light Up Southeast nears completion on substations, switchgear and distribution. Blue Economy & Oceans: UMU and the Carbon Markets Authority marked World Oceans Day 2026, spotlighting Liberia’s ocean resources for livelihoods, climate resilience and blue carbon. Fisheries Modernization: Liberia and China discussed fisheries and maritime cooperation focused on modernization, investment and technical development to unlock the blue economy. Tax Tech Upgrade: The Liberia Revenue Authority trained staff on its upgraded Liberia Integrated Tax Administration System (LITAS) ahead of VAT rollout in January 2027. Cyber Skills Push: ECOWAS’ regional cybersecurity hackathon in Accra is drawing teams from Liberia and other member states to build practical defenses against cybercrime. Health & Safety: Human Rights Watch warns US health aid deals with African countries may trade assistance for access to surveillance data and pathogen specimens. Transport Emissions: Liberia is tightening standards on vehicle emissions as the EPA/UN partners validate cleaner-fuels and vehicle strategy work. Governance Tech/Policy: The GC and LRC launched a public dialogue on reviewing Liberia’s 1986 Constitution, weighing amendment vs. comprehensive revision. NEC Leadership: The Senate confirmed Jonathan K. Weedor as NEC chairperson, as Liberia moves toward the 2029 election cycle.

Blue Economy & Oceans: UMU and Liberia’s Carbon Markets Authority marked World Oceans Day 2026 in Monrovia, spotlighting ocean governance, blue carbon, biodiversity, and climate resilience. Fisheries Modernization: Liberia and China reaffirmed cooperation on fisheries and maritime modernization, with NaFAA discussing investment and technical development to unlock the blue economy. VAT Digital Tax Push: The Liberia Revenue Authority rolled out a three-week LITAS training drive ahead of the January 2027 VAT rollout, upgrading systems for registration, filing, compliance, and reporting. Tax Tech Partnership: LRA and South Korea’s National Tax Service signed three agreements to boost tax information exchange, recovery of claims, and digital transformation. Cleaner Transport & Emissions: EPA and UN partners validated a national push for cleaner fuels and vehicle strategies, targeting emissions and stronger transport environmental governance. Constitutional Review Dialogue: Liberia’s Governance Commission and Law Reform Commission launched a public policy dialogue on reviewing the 1986 Constitution, focusing on governance, decentralization, inclusion, and sustainable development. Electoral Leadership: The Senate confirmed Jonathan K. Weedor as NEC chairperson as Liberia moves toward the 2029 election cycle. Cybersecurity Talent: A regional ECOWAS hackathon in Accra drew teams from Liberia and others to build practical defenses against cybercrime. Wildlife Enforcement: Liberia’s EU-supported taskforce seized 735kg of pangolin scales and arrested suspects, signaling a shift toward intelligence-led anti-trafficking operations. Health Aid Data Rights Debate: Human Rights Watch renewed scrutiny of US health agreements with Liberia and other African countries over surveillance data and pathogen specimen access. Workforce Skills: River Gee Technical College graduated its first 203 students, aiming to supply market-driven technical skills for Liberia’s development needs.

Elections & Governance: The Liberian Senate confirmed Jonathan K. Weedor as Chairperson of the National Elections Commission (NEC), clearing the way for him to lead into the 2029 cycle, with one dissenting vote raising lingering caution over electoral independence. Transport & Environment: Liberia’s EPA, with UNEP and UNDP, wrapped a validation workshop on cleaner fuels and vehicle strategies, aiming to cut emissions as the vehicle fleet grows fast. Cybersecurity: Liberia’s “Cyber Warriors” team is among 12 West African squads competing in Accra’s ECOWAS cybersecurity hackathon, building defenses against ransomware and other cybercrime. Fisheries & Trade: NaFAA’s chief concluded a Morocco visit to strengthen fisheries cooperation, safety at sea, training, and value-add plans, with a July 2026 cooperation agreement expected. Digital Tax Modernization: Liberia Revenue Authority and South Korea’s tax service signed three agreements to boost tax compliance and digital transformation, including information exchange and recovery of tax claims. Health Data & Rights: Human Rights Watch renewed scrutiny of US-Liberia health aid terms, alleging surveillance access and pathogen-sample conditions that could jeopardize privacy and rights. Skills & Jobs: River Gee Technical College in southeastern Liberia graduated its first 203 students, positioning TVET as market-driven workforce development. Wildlife Enforcement: EU-supported taskforces seized 735kg of pangolin scales in Liberia, arresting suspects and pointing to wider trafficking networks. Public Safety: Residents in Monrovia’s Lakpazee Zoo Road community report flooding linked to a road lacking drainage, highlighting how infrastructure design can quickly become a tech-and-safety issue.

Election Integrity: The Liberian Senate confirmed Jonathan K. Weedor as the new NEC Chairperson, with a pledge to run elections independently, transparently, and without external influence. Clean Transport & Air Quality: Liberia’s EPA, with UNEP and UNDP, wrapped a validation workshop on cleaner fuels and vehicle strategies, citing rapid growth in the vehicle fleet and the need for stronger emission and environmental governance. Energy for Growth: President Boakai commissioned a US$16m, 20MW solar plant at Mount Coffee under RESPITE, reigniting debate on Liberia’s chronic power instability and its impact on investment. Digital Tax Modernization: LRA and South Korea’s National Tax Service signed three agreements to boost tax information exchange, recovery of claims, and digital transformation in revenue collection. Skills for Jobs: River Gee Technical College graduated its first 203 students, positioning TVET as a practical pipeline for Liberia’s workforce needs. Wildlife Enforcement: An EU-supported taskforce seized 735kg of pangolin scales and arrested suspects, pointing to intelligence-led anti-trafficking operations in Monrovia. Health Aid Transparency: Human Rights Watch renewed scrutiny of US-Liberia health pact secrecy, alleging conditions tied to surveillance access and pathogen data.

Liberia–South Korea Tax Modernization: The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) and South Korea’s National Tax Service (NTS) signed three agreements on tax information exchange, recovery of tax claims, and capacity building—aimed at boosting compliance and accelerating Liberia’s digital tax systems. TVET Milestone in River Gee: River Gee Technical College graduated its first 203 students, with officials praising market-driven, practical training meant to produce “solution providers” for Liberia’s workforce needs. Health Aid Transparency Fight: Human Rights Watch says U.S. health agreements with African countries—including Liberia—are tied to “troubling conditions” involving broad access to health surveillance data and pathogen samples, raising concerns about data sovereignty and rights. Ebola Preparedness Lessons: A new analysis argues the world lacked an approved vaccine for the Bundibugyo Ebola virus not due to science, but due to underinvestment in preparedness—an equity warning for future outbreaks. Wildlife Enforcement: An EU-supported taskforce seized 735kg of pangolin scales in Liberia, arresting two suspects and pointing to an intelligence-led push against trafficking networks. Energy & Power: President Boakai commissioned a US$16m, 20MW solar plant at Mount Coffee under RESPITE, spotlighting Liberia’s ongoing struggle with unstable electricity and the push for more reliable supply. Education Oversight: Liberia’s school geo-mapping helped lift accredited schools from about 800 to over 2,000 nationwide, as the Ministry of Education cracks down on unlicensed institutions. Trade for Value: Liberia’s exports to India and China are rising, but a new commentary urges the next step is value-added production—not just higher export volume.

U.S.-Liberia Health Pact Transparency: Human Rights Watch says the U.S. is conditioning health aid to African countries—including Liberia—on broad access to health surveillance data and pathogen samples, raising alarms about data sovereignty and “troubling conditions,” while another report questions why Liberia’s health agreement was never officially published and only surfaced via a leak. Wildlife Crime Enforcement: An EU-supported taskforce seized 735.5kg of pangolin scales in Monrovia, arresting two suspects and pointing to a wider trafficking network feeding Asian markets. Power & Energy: President Boakai commissioned a US$16m, 20MW solar plant at Mount Coffee under RESPITE, spotlighting Liberia’s ongoing struggle with unstable electricity and investor confidence. Education System Cleanup: Liberia’s Ministry of Education says accredited schools have jumped from about 800 to over 2,000 after geo-mapping and stronger monitoring. Tax Digitalization: Liberia Revenue Authority and South Korea’s National Tax Service signed three agreements to modernize Liberia’s tax administration and expand digital tax cooperation. Agriculture & China Ties: China announced fresh assistance for Liberia, including agricultural machinery and child nutrition support, plus steps to open a consulate in Hong Kong. Ebola Lab Capacity: NMIMR and JICA trained healthcare professionals from Liberia and other countries in advanced lab skills to strengthen infectious disease diagnosis and outbreak readiness.

Health Policy & Data Rights: Human Rights Watch says new US bilateral health agreements (including Liberia) condition aid on broad access to private health surveillance data and pathogen samples, raising concerns about rights and unequal control of health goods. Infectious Disease Lab Capacity: JICA and Ghana’s Noguchi Institute are training eight biomedical professionals from Liberia and other African countries in modern lab diagnostics plus biosafety and lab quality management to strengthen Ebola and other outbreak readiness. Energy & Power Reliability: President Boakai commissioned a US$16m, 20MW solar plant at Mount Coffee under RESPITE, spotlighting Liberia’s chronic grid instability and the push for renewables. Education Accreditation: Liberia’s Ministry of Education reports accredited schools have jumped from about 800 to over 2,000 after geo-mapping and stronger monitoring. Digital Tax Modernization: Liberia Revenue Authority and South Korea’s National Tax Service signed three agreements to modernize tax administration and improve digital cooperation. Trade for Value: A policy push argues Liberia’s export growth to India and China must shift from raw volume to higher value-added production. Local Governance Tech: Paynesville City Corporation handed over a Soft HR management system to modernize city HR with trained staff and better data-driven services. Maritime Governance: Nigeria will host a regional port state control capacity workshop for 22 West and Central African countries, relevant to safer trade routes.

Ebola Readiness & Lab Capacity: Nigeria’s NCDC says the country is about 59% ready for Ebola but can contain outbreaks if they enter, while Sierra Leone and regional partners keep boosting preparedness and lab response. Local Training for Diagnostics: A Ghana-led, JICA-backed program trains biomedical scientists and lab technicians from Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Togo and Zambia to strengthen infectious-disease diagnostics and surveillance. Public Health Tech for Outbreaks: A Louisville nonprofit (WaterStep) is setting up local bleach production hubs in Ebola-affected areas to help frontline workers disinfect when supply chains are strained. Liberia Digital Governance: Paynesville City Corporation hands over a Soft Human Resource Management System to modernize HR with trained staff and better data-driven decisions. Tax Modernization: Liberia’s Revenue Authority signs three cooperation agreements with South Korea’s National Tax Service to speed up digital transformation, tax information exchange, and offshore evasion recovery. Education & Skills Access: Vice President Koung is set to break ground for a TVET institute in Tappita, aiming to bring technical training closer to rural youth. Health & Safety Awareness: Stakeholders in Montserrado raise alarms over soil, water and waste pollution, pushing for baseline sampling and stronger community action. Human Trafficking Case: Liberia’s biggest trafficking prosecution moves toward trial after a grand jury indictment tied to allegations of bribery and interference.

Liberia–South Korea Digital Tax Push: The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) and South Korea’s National Tax Service signed three agreements to modernize Liberia’s tax administration through digital transformation, tax information exchange, mutual assistance for tax recovery, and capacity building—aimed at tackling offshore evasion and improving taxpayer services. Ebola Preparedness in Liberia: Liberia’s National Public Health Institute (NPHIL) says it’s stepping up readiness for a possible Ebola resurgence, including plans to vaccinate frontline health workers and port-of-entry staff, expanding surveillance, using digital temperature scanners at Roberts International Airport, reinforcing infection prevention and control, and running 24/7 call centers. Ebola Response Signals Across Africa: Kenya’s health ministry says it remains Ebola-free after testing 67 people and screening 88,000 travelers, while Nigeria’s NCDC puts preparedness at about 59% but says it can contain any entry. Public Health Lab Training: A regional program in Ghana is training biomedical scientists and lab technicians from Liberia and other countries to strengthen diagnostics and surveillance for emerging infectious diseases. Paynesville HR Goes Digital: Paynesville City Corporation handed over a Soft Human Resource Management System to streamline personnel data and decision-making after staff training and certification. Human Trafficking Trial Looms: Liberia’s biggest human trafficking case moves toward trial after a grand jury indicted 11 suspects over alleged exploitation of 57 victims, following earlier bribery-related allegations. Nuclear Safety for Healthcare: A regional forum in Nairobi discussed strengthening safety and regulation for nuclear and radiation technologies in healthcare, with Liberia among participating countries. Education Access Boost: The Salvation Army Polytechnic University cut tuition by 50%, lowering credit-hour costs for multiple colleges to widen access for students.

Ebola Preparedness in Liberia: NPHIL says Liberia has a $4.2M Ebola readiness budget and plans to vaccinate frontline health workers, lab staff, and port-of-entry teams, alongside digital temperature scanning, disinfection systems, 24/7 call centers, and stronger surveillance. Regional Lab Capacity: Liberia is among six countries taking part in a hands-on training in modern lab diagnostics and surveillance for emerging infectious diseases, led by NMIMR and partners. Public Health Tech & Safety: A regional forum in Nairobi brings together regulators (including Liberia) to strengthen safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in healthcare. Local Digital Governance: Paynesville City Council hands over a Soft Human Resource Management System to modernize HR with training and data-driven service delivery. Human Trafficking Trial: Liberia’s biggest trafficking case moves toward trial after a grand jury indicted 11 suspects over alleged exploitation of 57 victims. Environment & Pollution: Montserrado stakeholders push for stronger action against soil, water, and waste pollution, including lead contamination mapping and awareness.