Monrovia, Liberia – March 20, 2025
Liberian businesses and policymakers have been encouraged to leverage Intra-African trade opportunities to drive economic growth and industrialization. This call was made at the IATF 2025 Stakeholder & Business Engagement Session held on March 20, 2025, at the Royal Grand Hotel in Monrovia.
The event was organized by Oakwood Green Africa in partnership with Afreximbank, the AfCFTA Secretariat, and Liberia’s Ministry of Commerce & Industry. It was graced by Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Minister of Finance & Development Planning; Hon. Magdalene Dagoseh, Minister of Commerce & Industry; Hon. Henry Saamoi, Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia (represented by Senior Technical Advisor Musa Camara); and Hon. Jeff B. Blibo, Chairman of the National Investment Commission.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Gabriel Edgal, Intra-African Trade Ambassador and Chairman of Oakwood Green Africa, emphasized the urgent need for Liberia to move from raw material exports to value-added production.
“The more we trade with each other, the stronger our economies become. We must shift from exporting raw materials to producing and supplying what Africa needs. This will drive infrastructure development, create jobs, and enhance self-sufficiency,” he stated.
Discussions also highlighted the IATF and its benefits for the continent, and how Liberian businesses can leverage the support of Oakwood Green Africa and Afreximbank to prepare for the IATF later this year in Algiers. The event provided insights on financing solutions, trade facilitation, and market access programs under AfCFTA.
The IATF 2025 trade fair, scheduled for September in Algiers, Algeria, was emphasized as a strategic opportunity for Liberian businesses to showcase their products, engage in high-value trade deals, and attract investment into key sectors such as agriculture, mining, and manufacturing.
Next Stop: Sierra Leone! The IATF 2025 Roadshow continues in Freetown as part of its regional mobilization efforts.
