Strengthening EU Liberia business ties in Brussels

European investors, EU officials and representatives of the Government of Liberia gathered in Brussels on 24 and 25 February for the first Liberia EU Business Forum, an important step toward strengthening trade and investment between Liberia and the European Union. The forum highlighted the growing economic relationship between the two partners, with EU Liberia trade reaching €1.7 billion in 2024.

Over two days, participants explored ways to translate Liberia's economic potential into concrete opportunities for European businesses while supporting the country's development priorities. The event also gave Liberian officials the opportunity to present reforms and investment opportunities to European partners.

One of the key outcomes of the forum was the signing of a partnership between Global Logistics Services (GLS Group), a Liberian logistics and supply chain company, and APM Terminals Liberia, the concessionaire of the port of Monrovia and part of the Danish shipping group A.P. Moller Maersk.

The partnership will support the creation of Liberia's first dedicated Export Processing Centre, designed to modernise export operations and simplify procedures for Liberian exporters. The project will introduce a standardised and digitised "OK TO LOAD" workflow, integrated with the Liberia Revenue Authority. This system is expected to reduce documentation delays, improve cargo clearance and strengthen shipment tracking, making Liberia's export sector more efficient and competitive.

Discussions during the forum also focused on Liberia's development priorities. Liberia's ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, launched in 2025, aims to drive economic transformation through investment in agriculture, infrastructure, rule of law, education, sanitation and tourism.

These priorities align closely with the EU's Global Gateway strategy, which promotes sustainable infrastructure and private sector led growth. Participants stressed the importance of identifying projects where European expertise and financing can support Liberia's ambitions while creating opportunities for European companies.

Tourism was highlighted as one of Liberia's promising sectors for investment. With more than 500 kilometres of largely undeveloped coastline, the longest continuous stretch in West Africa, the country offers strong potential for sustainable resort development, eco lodges and marine tourism.

Liberia's cultural heritage and biodiversity also present opportunities for heritage and eco tourism, including the restoration of historic sites and the promotion of cultural festivals. The country is home to West Africa's largest remaining primary rainforest, making it a unique destination for nature based tourism.

The forum also emphasised the importance of investing in skills for Liberia's young population. The EU and its Member States are supporting Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes in Liberia. A €50 million EU funded project, implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), is training young Liberians in areas such as automotive engineering, welding, agriculture and carpentry.

Overall, the Liberia EU Business Forum demonstrated strong interest on both sides in deepening cooperation and building a partnership centred on trade, investment and sustainable growth.