IPNEWS-Foshan, China: A US$25–30 million investment in the production of sanitary pads, baby diapers, baby wipes and other hygiene products in Liberia is targeting completion between May and June 2027, officials disclosed during Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung’s visit to KEDA Industrial Group and Sunda Group in Foshan.
Vice President Koung and his delegation toured KEDA’s exhibition facilities and manufacturing workshops before holding discussions with senior executives on the Softcare project and additional investment opportunities in Liberia.
Providing an update on the project, Prince Anything Wreh, Chairperson of the Liberia Special Economic Zones Authority (LSEZA) reported that an investment agreement was signed with Softcare in August 2026, following satisfactory due diligence missions to Ghana and China.
The designated land has been handed over to Softcare and initial implementation activities have commenced at Freezones (formerly UNMIL’s Starbase) on Bushrod Island outside of Monrovia.
Company representatives outlined plans for four production lines, with approximately 40 percent of output intended for the domestic market ( Liberian market) and 60 percent for export, particularly to markets in Sierra Leone and Guinea. The proposed operation would position Liberia as a manufacturing and distribution destination for hygiene products serving the West African market.
Vice President Koung welcomed the investment and urged the company to meet its completion timetable, emphasizing that job creation remains a central priority of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration.
VP Koung urged the investors to consider Liberia’s access to surrounding markets when planning future expansion, pointing to opportunities to supply Sierra Leone, Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire from a Liberian production base.
Addressing concerns raised about electricity and port services, the Vice President assured the executives that the Government is working hard to improve the infrastructure required to support competitive manufacturing and attract future investment.
The Liberia Special Economic Zones Authority indicated that additional land for future factories could be considered as the company demonstrates progress and meets its obligations under the existing agreement. LEZA Chairperson highlighted provisions intended to support employment opportunities for all Liberians.
Welcoming the delegation, Dr. Peng Zhou, Vice President of KEDA Industrial Group, expressed the company’s interest in exploring further business cooperation with Liberia. He outlined KEDA’s development from a machinery manufacturer into a provider of integrated industrial production solutions, with operations spanning building materials machinery, building materials and new energy materials.
Mr. Y. C. Shen, Chairman of Sunda Group, Director of KEDA Industrial Group and Chairman of Twyford International, highlighted the partners’ manufacturing experience across Africa. He emphasized local employment, skills development and technology transfer as important elements of their investment approach.
Liberia’s Ambassador to China, Dr. Dudley McKinley Thomas, welcomed the planned investment as a practical expression of Liberia–China economic cooperation. He encouraged future partnerships that expand domestic production, develop technical skills and create sustainable employment.
During the tour, the delegation received briefings on automated manufacturing, ceramics production equipment and integrated factory solutions. Discussions explored how these capabilities could support Liberia’s industrial development over time.
Vice President Koung thanked the management of KEDA and Sunda for their hospitality and interest in Liberia, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to supporting productive investment that creates jobs and expands the country’s manufacturing base.
