By: George C Flomo
MONROVIA – Liberia is set to host its first-ever Postwar National Conference on Infrastructure from December 8–12, 2025, in Ganta City, Nimba County, according to the Deputy Information Minister for Technical Services, Daniel O. Sando.
Speaking yesterday during the MICAT regular press briefing on Tuesday, Sando said the upcoming conference represents a landmark step in Liberia’s development journey — one that will bring together national and international stakeholders to chart a sustainable path toward modern infrastructure and inclusive economic growth.
“This conference will provide a platform for government institutions, development partners, civil society actors, academicians, and technical experts to engage in dialogue on Liberia’s infrastructure priorities and explore innovative approaches that will support our long-term development agenda,” Sando stated.
Infrastructure Conference to Align National Goals with Agenda 2063 and SDGs
According to Sando, the conference aims to unlock economic, social, and environmental gains through resilient infrastructure while aligning Liberia’s priorities with Africa’s Agenda 2063, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
Key thematic areas to be discussed include: Housing and social infrastructure, Developing a spatial framework and master plan for rural development, Energy and investment infrastructure, Domestic financing for infrastructure development and Expanding access to Liberia’s rail and port networks.
The Ministry of Public Works, in collaboration with international partners, will lead the organization of this national conference — a milestone event expected to define Liberia’s infrastructure vision for the next decade.
China-Funded Overpass Bridges Construction Commences in Monrovia
Deputy Minister Sando also confirmed the commencement of construction work on two major overpass bridges along Tubman Boulevard, signaling renewed government commitment to urban infrastructure.
The project, funded through a US$36.6 million grant from the Government of the People’s Republic of China, is being executed by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).
Details of the project include:
West Overpass at the Ministerial Complex: approximately 300 meters long, with 2,290 meters of auxiliary and approach roads.
East Overpass at Boulevard Junction: approximately 180 meters long, with 1,784 meters of auxiliary and approach roads. The construction is expected to last 24 months, from September 2025 to August 2027.
“Work has already begun along Tubman Boulevard, and motorists can see visible progress. This project demonstrates our partnership with China and our government’s drive to modernize urban infrastructure,” Sando emphasized.
Government Clarifies Eviction at Hotel Africa: “No Targeting of Citizens”
Addressing growing public speculation over the planned eviction of squatters at Hotel Africa, Sando dismissed claims that the government was targeting citizens or acting with hostility toward occupants.
“What is happening at the Hotel Africa facility is not an attempt to target anyone,” he clarified. “It is part of President Joseph Boakai’s mandate to renovate all public buildings across the country, including the historic Hotel Africa complex.”
The Minister of Public Works, Hon. Roland Giddings, recently announced plans to evict illegal occupants to pave the way for the rehabilitation and redevelopment of the facility, which sits on 393 acres of prime land in Virginia, Montserrado County.
Hotel Africa – once a five-star resort constructed in 1979 to host the Organization of African Unity (OAU) Summit — fell into ruin during Liberia’s civil conflict. It was later repurposed by the United Nations and eventually occupied by citizens after the peace process.
“This move is necessary to restore pride to Hotel Africa, which once stood as one of Liberia’s finest hospitality landmarks alongside the Ducor Palace Hotel,” Sando said.
The Ministry of Public Works has already conducted structural assessments to determine the facility’s condition as plans advance for future investment and job creation opportunities.
Sando added that similar inspection exercises are ongoing in Tweh Farm, where the construction of a new access road from Point Four Junction to the Monrovia–Bomi Highway aims to ease the chronic traffic congestion around the Duala Market and Beer Factory area.
“Development sometimes comes with pain,” Sando noted empathetically. “We understand the concerns of affected citizens, but these projects are necessary for progress and investment attraction.”
LEC Signs Major Power Agreement to Boost National Electricity Supply
In a significant energy sector update, Sando announced that the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) has entered into a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with Société Générale des Travaux Publics L’Eclair (SGTPL) for the development of a 40-megawatt (MW) thermal power plant.
The Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) was signed on October 10, 2025, at the LEC Headquarters in Waterside, Monrovia.
Key signatories included Mr. Mohammed M. Sherif, Managing Director of LEC, and Mr. Abdoul Karim Coulibaly, CEO of SGTPL, alongside Mr. Alou Badra Diarra, Project Director.
Under the agreement, SGTPL — an Independent Power Producer (IPP) with a proven track record in infrastructure — will fully finance, develop, and deploy the 40MW thermal plant at the Point Four Bushrod Island site. The project is expected to be completed and operational within seven months, with technical mobilization and site preparation already underway.
“This partnership marks a milestone in LEC’s effort to stabilize electricity supply across Liberia,” Sando stated.
Labor Ministry Launches National Workforce Platform — ‘Liberia Works’
The Deputy Minister also announced that the Ministry of Labor, in collaboration with Rise Talent Accelerator, has launched Liberia Works — the country’s first national workforce platform designed to promote transparency, collaboration, and efficiency in workforce management.
The platform integrates three components:
1. Talent Marketplace: A central job board connecting employers with vetted professionals. 2. National Junior Associate Program: A placement initiative linking young Liberians with employers for skills development and hands-on experience. 3. Workforce Reporting System: A digital platform for companies to submit workforce data and comply with labor regulations.
“Through Liberia Works, we are creating a framework that supports both national development and private sector growth,” Sando said. “It ensures Liberians can access decent jobs while businesses find the talent they need.”
Second Lady Launches ‘Empower Her’ Program for Women with Disabilities
Highlighting a key social development initiative, Sando disclosed that Liberia’s Second Lady, Madam Stephanie D. Koung, has launched a vocational empowerment program titled “Empower Her”, aimed at training women living with disabilities to become self-reliant.
The program, launched at the Paynesville Town Hall on Friday, provides skills training in tailoring, soap-making, and tie-dye production, among others. Participants will receive startup materials upon completion to help them launch small businesses.
“This initiative responds to the challenges faced by women with disabilities in accessing education and sustainable livelihoods,” Sando explained. “It seeks not only to build skills but also to restore dignity and confidence.”
A Growing National Development Drive
From infrastructure and energy to labor and social empowerment, Tuesday’s MICAT briefing underscored the Boakai administration’s focus on inclusive development, modernization, and economic resilience.
“The government’s efforts are aimed at creating a Liberia where development benefits every citizen — where infrastructure supports progress, and where innovation drives growth,” Sando concluded.