LPCM Welcomes GoL-Ivanhoe Agreement -Calls for Strong Local Content, Skills Development Provisions

MONROVIA – The Liberia Political Centrism Movement (LPCM) has welcomed the recently signed concession and access agreement between U.S.-owned Ivanhoe Atlantic and the Government of Liberia, an investment estimated at $1.8 billion.

The historic partnership, facilitated with the support of the United States Government, signals a new chapter in Liberia’s pursuit of sustainable development, enhanced infrastructure, and deeper international trade relations, LPCM said in a release over the weekend.

The LPCM commended President Joseph N. Boakai’s leadership in advancing Liberia’s multi-user rail policy, which will not only open the country to increased international investment but also align with Liberia’s broader national development goals.

“This agreement stands as a testament to the growing confidence of U.S. investors in Liberia’s economic potential and democratic stability,” the group emphasized, added. “It represents a vital step in Liberia’s transition from a dependency on aid to a future firmly grounded in trade, innovation, and self-driven growth.”

The group however strongly insists that for “this landmark agreement to truly serve the Liberian people, it must be implemented with a deliberate focus on robust local content provisions that ensure meaningful opportunities for Liberian-owned businesses to participate in the supply chain and broader project activities.”

LPCM also requests what it called skills transfer and technical training – prioritizing the training of Liberians in critical technical and operational fields to build a highly competent local workforce, and pathways to managerial leadership that entails actively preparing and promoting qualified Liberians for senior managerial and executive roles within the concession’s operations.

“This partnership is not just about rails and resources; it is about building mutual prosperity,” the Liberian civil society organization further indicated. “True collaboration between Liberia and the United States must prioritize the empowerment of Liberians-ensuring that our businesses grow, our people acquire world-class skills, and our sons and daughters rise to leadership in these ventures. When local capacity is built, both our nations win.”

The Movement said it believes that these pillars are essential to ensuring that the benefits of the agreement are broadly felt across Liberian society and contribute to long-term national capacity building.

“The LPCM remains committed to supporting initiatives that place Liberia’s prosperity above politics and to constructively engaging with stakeholders to ensure that national agreements drive inclusive growth and opportunity for all Liberians,” the group said.