Africa-Press – Liberia. By Stephen G. Fellajuah
Monrovia, Liberia; October 23, 2025 – Liberia has commended the Government and people of India for their significant contributions toward advancing all sectors of the country’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID).
The acknowledgment came during a high-level seminar hosted by the Embassy of India in Monrovia on Thursday, October 23, 2025, in Monrovia.
The event, themed “India–Liberia: Indian Diaspora’s Role in Trade, Investment and Development,” brought together government officials, members of the Indian community here, media representatives, business leaders, writers, academics, social activists, and political figures, all committed to deepening bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
Speaking at the seminar, Johnny S. Tarkpah, Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs & Tourism, lauded India for its enduring partnership with Liberia.
He emphasized that the seminar has not come at a better time than now where the Government of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., is focusing on economic growth, through empowerment and providing the enabling environment for the private sector to grow and thrive.
Minister Tarkpah explained that the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, launched in 2024, focuses on Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism as major enablers of national economic growth.
“I am proud to say here today that India, which has been one of Liberia’s key bilateral partners since it established diplomatic relations with Liberia in the 1960s, plays a significant role in supporting all sectors of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development,” Tarkpah told the gathering.
He further noted that Liberia can learn from and build partnerships with India in Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism, and ensure the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development is successfully implemented by 2029, adding that development aid is not lasting! There is always donor fatigue, but inter-country trade and investment has been proven to take nations far into sustainable economic development and growth.
Tarkpah praised the contribution of the Indian community in Liberia, which he said plays a vital role in fostering trade, investment, and development.
He commended the 3,500 Indians currently residing in Liberia, involved in a wide range of business and investment activities, noting that their efforts have had tangible benefits for the Liberian economy.
He shared his impression, reflecting on the growing trade statistics between Liberia and India, which reached around US$397 million in 2024-25, higher than 2023-24, which stood at around US$243 million.
He added a personal observation that reflects the depth of India’s economic presence, stating, “Let us be real to ourselves for a minute on the facts I am about to reveal. Over the last 30 years, a Liberian has either benefited from Indian medication, building materials, or their home appliances, one way or the other.”
The Deputy Minister acknowledged that pharmaceutical, hardware, and electronic businesses are predominantly Indian-owned, expressing the government’s gratitude “for their involvement in the Liberian economy.”
He also appreciated India’s Duty-Free Tariff Preference Scheme, which facilitates the export of Liberian products such as timber, vegetable oil, and rubber to India, noting that many Liberian businesses can learn from their Indian counterparts.
“There is a need for Indian-owned businesses to scout potential and motivate Liberian businesses for business development mentoring through a hand-in-hand partnership that will result in a win-win for all,” he further added.
Highlighting the growing educational exchanges between the two countries, he disclosed that approximately 4,000 Liberian students are currently studying in India. 5% are in PhD programs; 30% are undergoing graduate studies at the Master’s level; and 65% are doing undergraduate studies.
The educational linkages between India and Liberia, according to him, are a vital part of bilateral cooperation and human capital development.
Tarkpah recommended institutionalizing the dialogue, emphasizing that, “This Seminar must not be held once! I recommend that it be elevated to an India-Liberia Trade, Investment, Development, and Education Forum that should be held quarterly to facilitate and explore trade, investment, development programs, and capacity building opportunities.”
He concluded on an optimistic note about the partnership’s future, noting that he has no doubt this seminar will chart a new course for renewed collaboration between both countries. “In conclusion, action points drawn from here must be the strategic pathway that will consolidate the excellent relations between Liberia and India.”
Liberia is home to a thriving Indian community whose presence dates back nearly fifty years. From modest beginnings as traders and small business owners, they have grown into a dynamic part of Liberian society, recognized for their entrepreneurial spirit, strong values, and commitment to community welfare.
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