Author: Chester Smith

What will it take for Africa to compete on the global landscape? Scale. In today’s environment—where capital is increasingly concentrated in larger, more integrated markets—the continent faces a clear imperative: build the scale needed to attract investment, compete globally, and deliver jobs. This is the focus of the Africa CEO Forum 2026 taking place this week in Kigali, Rwanda. That message resonates in a special conversation between Makhtar Diop and Aliko Dangote. Their discussion reinforces a critical point: the continent’s transformation will be driven not only by policy and partnerships, but by investors willing to commit capital and build for…

By Amos Harris Political tensions between Liberia’s former ruling Coalition for Democratic Change and the current governing Unity Party are deepening as a series of controversial investigations and court rulings continue to fuel debate over whether key opposition figures were unfairly targeted for political reasons. Over the last two years, several prominent officials associated with the former CDC administration have faced accusations ranging from corruption and economic sabotage to national security concerns and criminal conspiracy. Yet, in many of the country’s most publicized cases, investigators and courts have either failed to establish evidence or acquitted the accused, leaving many Liberians…

France is undergoing a significant strategic pivot in Africa, moving away from its traditional military-centric “Françafrique” model toward a broader continental partnership focused on economic investment, innovation, and engagement with Anglophone nations. The Strategic Pivot The submit comes amid series of diplomatic and military setbacks in the Sahel region—including the expulsion of troops from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—Paris has effectively “reset” its relationship with the continent. France is expanding its focus beyond former colonies in West Africa toward influential Anglophone economies like Kenya. The new approach de-emphasizes permanent military bases in favor of cooperation in technology, education, climate action,…

The Manager of ArcelorMittal Liberia’s Training Academy, Dawie Loots, has called on companies to adopt deliberate affirmative actions that promote the inclusion of women in industrial and technical fields. Speaking during a panel discussion held in Ganta on April 21, 2026, to mark the International Day of Women in Industry, Mr. Loots said meaningful inclusion can only be achieved when companies actively remove barriers that continue to prevent women from entering the sector. The discussion focused on practical steps companies can take to encourage women’s participation in technical and vocational careers that have traditionally been dominated by men. Mr. Loots…

…𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝟏,𝟑𝟖𝟏 𝐔𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐋𝐆 𝐏𝐚𝐲𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥 BY Amos Harris  The Civil Service Agency (CSA) has taken another major step toward strengthening transparency and accountability within Liberia’s public sector with the presentation of a comprehensive Personnel and Credential Verification Report to the Ministry of Local Government (MLG). The report, which also included the unveiling of a Human Resources Digital System on Personnel Management, is being described by officials as a landmark achievement aimed at improving efficiency, productivity, and credibility within government institutions. The Personnel and Credential Verification Exercise was launched in December 2025 following a formal request from the Ministry…

By Amos Harris The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia has taken sweeping enforcement action against several major mining companies, issuing fines totaling over US$300,000 following what it describes as widespread environmental violations across multiple counties. The action stems from a detailed 20-page investigative report released under the authority of EPA Executive Director, Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, outlining what the agency calls “serious and sustained environmental damage” in Nimba, Bong, Grand Cape Mount and Gbarpolu Counties. The report paints a troubling picture of regulatory breaches, weak compliance, and what appears to be a recurring pattern of environmental neglect among…

By Amos Hsrris  Former Liberian President George Weah has expressed strong optimism about the future of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) following an inspection tour of the party’s new headquarters currently under construction in Monrovia. During the visit on April 29 2026 in Congo Town, the former president commended the pace and quality of work at the site, describing the project as a symbol of resilience, unity, and renewed political energy within the CDC. He noted that the headquarters, once completed, will serve not only as an administrative hub but also as a rallying point for grassroots mobilization and…

By Amos Harris Vice President Jeremiah Koung has issued a 10-day ultimatum warning of imminent government action against what he described as widespread violations in Liberia’s business sector, particularly involving foreign dominance in areas reserved for Liberian citizens. Speaking to journalists in Monrovia, Vice President Koung alleged that foreign nationals from countries including Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire are increasingly taking control of businesses that are legally restricted to Liberians. He pointed to the Investment Act of 2010 as the legal framework intended to protect local participation in certain sectors but acknowledged that enforcement over the years…

By Amos Harris  The Government of Liberia is making bold strides toward a modern, inclusive, and digitally empowered future, with trust emerging as the driving force behind its national transformation agenda. Delivering a compelling keynote at the Liberia Internet Governance Forum 2026, held at the Liberia Learning Center on Wednesday April 29, 2026 in Paynesville Acting Information Minister Johnny Tarkpah unveiled an ambitious vision for a digitally connected Liberia where every citizen is informed, engaged, and empowered. Minister Tarkpah highlighted the government’s proactive efforts to expand digital communication platforms, ensuring that public information is not only timely and accessible but…

By Amos Hsrris The President Pro-Tempore of the Liberian Senate, Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, has taken a significant step in promoting locally produced goods by ordering 130 bags of “I Love Liberian Rice,” a flagship product of the Community of Hope Agriculture Project (CHAP). The move highlights a growing national push toward strengthening Liberia’s agriculture sector and reducing dependence on imported food commodities, particularly rice, which remains a staple in most Liberian households. The commitment was made following a strategic meeting between Senator Karnga-Lawrence and CHAP’s Chief Executive Officer, Bishop Robert S. M. Bimba, at the Liberian Senate, where both parties discussed…