Liberia’s Trade Data Shows Export at US$261.7m, Import at 493.2m -LISGIS’ Progress Report For March – June 2024 Reveals

The Liberia Institute of Statistics and Geo-Information Services (LISGIS), has release its second quarter report which unveiled External Trade Statistics, validating data for the first quarter of 2024.

According to the reported under the leadership of Richard F. Ngafuan, Director-General, the country’s trade data showed that exports totaled USD 261.7 million, while imports reached USD 493.2 million, resulting in a trade deficit of USD 231.5 million.

“This data is vital for informing policies to improve Liberia’s trade balance, with a focus on boosting exports,” the report says, adding that the institution has also made progress in National Accounts Statistics.

“GDP data showed moderate growth, rising from USD 3.2 billion in 2016 to USD 3.46 billion in 2022, reflecting a positive economic trajectory. Additionally, LISGIS has completed field data collection for the 2023 Agriculture Census, with final reports expected by July 2024.”

A critical highlight of the reporting period, according to the LISGIS report, was the completion of the 2022 Census, which revealed substantial demographic changes.

“Liberia’s population has grown from 1.02 million in 1962 to 5.25 million in 2022, with an annual growth rate of 3.0% in recent years. Final thematic reports, which are set for release soon, will offer essential demographic data to aid national planning,” the report said.

As part of efforts to improve transparency and accessibility, LISGIS said it has upgraded its ICT infrastructure, enhancing its website to improve navigation and upload historical datasets.

This ensures that stakeholders can access accurate and up-to-date information. Staff have been trained to maintain these upgrades, further strengthening LISGIS’s role as a reliable provider of statistical data, the institution noted.

The Director General, Ngafuan, used the report to also highlight improved collaboration with government ministries and agencies, stating that LISGIS has been worked with the Liberia Immigration Services to develop a Migration Data Collection application and began digitizing border forms.

These initiatives demonstrate LISGIS’s commitment to enhancing data quality across multiple sectors, he said.

In terms of Geographic Information Services (GIS), LISGIS reported it had successfully merged Enumeration Areas (EAs) for the 2022 Census and produced Oil Spill Sensitivity Maps, the report stared, adding that “these activities are part of broader efforts to improve GIS capabilities for spatial planning and environmental monitoring.”

Looking ahead, DG Ngafuan reiterated LISGIS’s commitment to addressing infrastructure and human resource challenges while improving the quality and accessibility of statistical data.

He emphasized the role LISGIS will play in the full implementation of the ARRIST Agenda for Inclusive Development, ensuring that Liberia’s leaders have access to up-to-date, reliable data to guide evidence-based decision-making.

With its focus on building capacity, enhancing infrastructure, and delivering quality data, LISGIS is well-positioned to track Liberia’s progress and support sustainable national development.

The report also highlighted the institution’s response to challenges it faced after new leadership took over, outlining strategic interventions designed to ensure that reliable, data-driven insights support national development across multiple sectors.

Ngafuan acknowledged the immediate hurdles the new management encountered upon assuming office, particularly related to infrastructure, human resources, and budget.

He noted that LISGIS operates out of three aging buildings near the Executive Mansion, all of which are in a state of disrepair. Leaking roofs and deteriorating walls, aggravated by sea proximity, have made working conditions challenging for the staff.

In terms of human resources, LISGIS inherited a workforce of 307 employees, spread across its central office and 15 sub-divisions. However, an increase in staffing over the last two years has strained the institution’s budget, resulting in overstaffing and low productivity, particularly due to the lack of qualifications among some of the staff. Ngafuan emphasized the need to address these issues to enhance overall efficiency.

The budgetary constraints further complicated operations. For 2024, LISGIS was allocated USD 1,848,826, with over 80% of this amount—USD 1,616,630—dedicated to salaries. Despite this allocation, LISGIS has struggled to access funds for goods and services, hindering its ability to operate effectively.

Despite these challenges, Director-General Ngafuan outlined the steps taken to remedy the situation. The World Bank, through the HISWA Project (Health, Information, Social Welfare, and Agriculture), is expected to fund necessary repairs to the institution’s infrastructure. Minor renovations to LISGIS’s aging buildings are anticipated within the next few months, which will help create a better working environment for the staff.

On the human resources front, LISGIS is working closely with the Civil Service Agency (CSA) to vet staff and ensure proper assignments based on skill sets. Ngafuan noted that productivity improvements would be supported by a new capacity-building initiative, sending staff for training in countries such as Ghana, the Philippines, Tanzania, and Malawi. This effort is designed to enhance their expertise in modern data analysis, statistical methods, and ICT tools.

In terms of budgetary reform, LISGIS has engaged in discussions with the Ministry of Finance to ensure that future budgets are more reflective of the institution’s needs. These discussions focus on securing improved salaries for senior and technical staff, ensuring the institution can retain highly skilled professionals.

Despite initial setbacks, LISGIS has made notable progress, with Hon. Ngafuan emphasizing the institution’s work on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI). The CPI basket was updated, and data collection expanded to include all 14 counties beyond Montserrado. These efforts have led to a more accurate understanding of inflationary trends, with inflation dropping to 6.2% by May 2024, signaling economic stability.