The Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoCI), in collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for (UNECA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has successfully concluded a three-day workshop on the rollout of Liberia’s National AfCFTA Implementation Strategy. The workshop was held in Mamba Point from August 26-28, 2025, and was graced by stakeholders from the public and private sectors.

Speaking at the opening of the workshop, Tuesday, August 26, 2025, the Deputy Minister for Commerce & Trade Services, Wilmot A. Reeves, pointed out that Liberia was one of the countries that basically affixed its signature to the agreement establishing the African continental free trade area in 2018. He however noted that it took a very long period after Liberia signed the agreement before depositing the instrument of ratification. Deputy Minister Reeves, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Commerce & Industry, Magdalene Dagoseh, hailed those who commenced Liberia’s journey to the AfCFTA process at the time the agreement was ratified in July 2023.

Deputy Minister Reeves also commended the Liberian Legislature for its role in the AfCFTA process, mainly the issue of ratification. He added that after these processes took place, it is now important for Liberia to demonstrate its boldness in terms of supporting the implementation of the AfCFTA. “So one of the first steps that we were to undertake was to commence our work on preparing the implementation strategy, “he observed.

Speaking further, he pointed out that the implementation strategy will basically guide Liberia’s efforts in its implementation stage. Deputy Minister Reeves also spoke about efforts by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry to put into place of a process that will have trade information portal to ensure access for all businesses that want to do businesses in Liberia. Speaking on behalf UNDP, the entity’s Deputy Resident Representative to Liberia, Louis Kuukpen, described the recent unveiling of Liberia’s National AfCFTA Implementation Strategy on August 14, 2025 as welcoming.

Mr. Kuukpen, deputizing for UNDP Resident Representative to Liberia, Aliou Mamadou Dia, observed that with such development, Liberia has reached a threshold of a new era and for Africa. He said the occasion was not just a policy milestone, but equally a bold step toward a future of shared prosperity, unity, and sustainable development.

“Now, with this initiation of capacity building on the strategy implementation, Liberia is taking a further step in realizing the benefits of this continental initiative,” he added. Mr. Kuukpen pledged UNDP’s firm support to the initiative- adding that it also remains committed to strengthening partnerships, building capacity, and mobilizing resources to ensure the successful implementation of this strategy.

Speaking on behalf of the Secretariat of the UN Economic Commission for Africa at the close of the three-day workshop on Thursday, August 28,2025, Soulemane Abdallah, expressed optimism about the workshop making the needed impact in the lives of the participants, Liberia and Africa as a whole.

He said based on what was demonstrated at the workshop, and given the work being done by Liberia, there are prospects for the outcome of the occasion to resonate the AfCFTA roadmap. Mr. Abdallah also expressed appreciation to the Government of Liberia for collaborating with others in organizing the workshop.

Part of the rollout strategy by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry includes conducting a nationwide awareness and sensitization by engaging relevant Ministries, Agencies & Commissions (MACs), private sector, civil society, women and youth traders, etc.

It can be recalled that Liberia officially launched the AfCFTA Implementation Strategy on 14th August, 2025. As a flagship of the African Union, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is seen by experts and stakeholders as key to positioning Liberia in terms of leveraging the benefits of the continental trade agreement, taking into account its alignment with the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, (AAID).