Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Liberia

"MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY LEADS JOINT BUSINESS COMPLIANCE EXERCISE IN KAKATA, MARGIBI COUNTY"

On Friday, May 29, 2026, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labor and the Liberia Immigration Service, conducted a major business compliance inspection in Kakata, Margibi County, led by the Minister of Commerce & Industry, Hon. Magdalene Ellen Dagoseh.

During the exercise, more than twenty businesses were shut down for violating Liberia’s business regulations, including operating with expired business certificates, conducting unauthorized wholesale and retail activities, and operating without proper registration.

The exercise is intended to protect Liberian businesses, strengthen the economy, and ensure that all businesses operate within the framework of Liberia’s laws. It also aims to promote fairness in the marketplace by preventing illegal business practices that disadvantage law-abiding Liberian entrepreneurs.

The joint inspection demonstrates the Government of Liberia’s commitment to enforcing business regulations, improving accountability, increasing government revenue, and strengthening confidence in the country’s economic system.

Minister Dagoseh's leadership in the field reflects the Government’s seriousness in ensuring that businesses across Liberia comply with established laws and contribute positively to national development.

Official launch of the Institutional Assessment & Enforcement of the Reserved Business Investment Act of 2010

The Ministry of Commerce & Industry, in collaboration with the Ministries of Justice and Labor today performed the official launch of the Institutional Assessment & Enforcement of the Reserved Businesses under the Liberia Investment Act of 2010.

The joint exercise took place today in Kakata City, Margibi County, attracting speeches from a number of stakeholders. Today’s program is part of constructive efforts by government to make the Liberianization Policy workable.

At the top of the entire idea, is for Liberians to reclaim the economy through active participation. The program drew speeches from Commerce & Industry Minister, Magdalene Dagoseh, Labor Minister, Cllr. Cooper Kruah, the Superintendent of Margibi County,Ojay Morris, the President of the Liberia Business Association, James Strother, Margibi Elder Council, market women,etc.

MoCI Concludes Three-Day Workshop on Trade in Services.

The Deputy Minister for Commerce & Trade Services at the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Wilmot A. Reeves, says the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) represents one of the most transformative economic initiatives undertaken on the African continent since the birth of the African Union.Deputy Minister Reeves added that AfCFTA presents a historic opportunity to deepen intra-African trade, promote industrialization, facilitate investment flows, create jobs, and strengthen Africa’s position within the global economy.

Deputizing for Commerce & Industry Minister Magdalene E.Dagoseh, he said Liberia does not only see AfCFTA as a mere trade agreement, but a strategic instrument for economic diversification, private sector development, value addition, innovation, and inclusive growth. Mr. Reeves made the statement recently in Monrovia at the official opening of a three-day workshop on Regulatory Audit Report on Trade in Services under AfCFTA.

He told the participants that the African Continental Free Trade Area aligns strongly with Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, particularly Pillar One on Economic Transformation.
Retrospectively, Deputy Minister Reeves mentioned that Liberia took a major step by ratifying the AfCFTA Agreement in July 2023 and subsequently deposited its Instrument of Ratification in 2024.
“In 2025, Liberia officially launched its AfCFTA National Implementation Strategy, which provides a comprehensive roadmap for harnessing the opportunities presented by the continental common market, “he said.

Touching on the focus of the workshop, he disclosed that Liberia has submitted its schedules of commitments under the Trade in Services negotiations, reaffirming the country’s commitment to participating actively in the progressive liberalization of services across the continent.“Trade in services is increasingly becoming a critical driver of economic growth, competitiveness, and employment globally, “he added.

He said sectors such as finance, telecommunications, transport, tourism, professional services, education, digital services, logistics, and creative industries are central to modern economic transformation. The three-day workshop, held in collaboration with ECOWAS Commission & UNDP ran from May 11-13, 2026, under the theme: “Strengthening Liberia’s Services Sector Competitiveness through Regulatory Reform and AfCFTA Integration.

Jacob N.B.arley
Communications Director
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Contacts: 0777604576/0886560455
Emails: [email protected]/[email protected]
WhatsApp: 088136137

Today, the Minister held a productive meeting with the Water Producers Association of Liberia regarding the recent increase in sachet water prices on the local market. I cautioned producers against unjustified price hikes and reaffirmed government’s commitment to protecting consumers.

The Ministry is pleased that the Association agreed to maintain stable prices, keeping sachet water bags below LD$85 and individual sachets at LD$5. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry will continue monitoring the market to ensure compliance and affordability for all Liberians.

MOCI Takes Action Against Exploitative Water Vendors

The Ministry of Commerce & Industry has arrested several water trucks for illegally hiking the price of water.

Exploiting citizens through unjustified price increases is a total violation and will not be tolerated. Essential commodities like water must remain accessible and fairly priced for everyone.

The Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoCI) hereby informs the public, particularly all business owners, operators, and marketers across the country, that, effective May 1, 2026, all commercial activities and transactions must be conducted strictly within the stores and shops. This directive forms part of the Ministry's ongoing efforts to restore order in commercial areas, enhance public safety, and improve the free flow of pedestrians. The Ministry has observed with concern, the increasing display of goods on sidewalks, roadways, and other unauthorized public spaces, activities that contribute to congestion, safety risks, and general disorder.

In line with its statutory mandate to regulate commerce and trade activities and to ensure a safe and orderly business environment, the Ministry emphasizes that no goods or merchandise shall be displayed or stored outside business premises.

Beginning May 4, 2026, the Ministry, in collaboration with relevant enforcement agencies, will strictly enforce this regulation.

Businesses found in violation will be subject to the following actions:

1. Immediate removal and confiscation of goods displayed outside business premises;

2. Payment of prescribed fines and administrative penalties;

3. Temporary or permanent closure of non-compliant business establishments;

4. Possible legal action in accordance with the laws and regulatory frameworks of the Republic of Liberia. The Ministry emphasizes that these measures are not intended to hinder economic activities, but rather create a more organized, safe, and enabling environment for businesses and the public alike.

DISCLAIMER:

This document is fake and does not originate from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Liberia.

The Ministry has not issued this letter, does not require any “Perennial Enterprise Network (PEN)” accreditation, and has no affiliation with the individuals, organizations, or email addresses mentioned in the document.

Any claims of grant approval, funding eligibility, or mandatory PEN certification are fraudulent.

Recipients are advised not to respond, not to send personal information, and not to make any payments in connection with this document.

The Second Ministerial Steering Committee Meeting of the Japanese Counterpart Value Fund (JCVF), under the Chairmanship of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry successfully took place today at the Ministry of Commerce & Industry in Congo Town.

During the meeting, Commerce & Industry Minister, also Chairperson of the MSc, Magdalene E. Dagoseh and the Japanese Ambassador to Liberia, H.E. Hiroshi Hoshimoto and other dignitaries made statements. Details of the meeting will follow shortly.

The ministry of Commerce and Industry along with development Partners today,April 23,2026 launched the Liberia National Trade Facilitation Committee (LNTFC) at the ministry of Commerce conference room in Congo town at the EJ.Sirleaf Ministerial complex