Liberia's Economy Grew 5.1% in 2025, But Job Creation Remains Unaddressed

Liberia's economy expanded by 5.1% in 2025, with mining and services contributing to the growth. The World Bank Group highlighted the need to address job creation and economic diversification as key challenges for sustainable development.

Mining accounted for 17% growth, making it a major driver of the recovery, while services expanded by 4.6%, supported by trade, electricity supply, and transport. Agriculture, however, grew at a slower rate of 2.6%, indicating uneven economic momentum across sectors.

The report emphasizes that while increased production can boost economic activity, it does not guarantee job creation or improved livelihoods. Understanding the employment impact of each sector is crucial for evaluating the quality of the recovery.

Public finances showed improvement in 2025, with the fiscal deficit narrowing to 2.1% of GDP and public debt decreasing to 55.1% of GDP. However, these gains do not necessarily ensure long-term financial stability or the ability to address development challenges.

Liberia's international reserves covered only about 1.6 months of imports at the end of 2025, leaving the economy vulnerable to external shocks. The World Bank recommends prudent fiscal management and rebuilding reserves to enhance economic resilience.

The report also calls for stronger oversight of state-owned enterprises, emphasizing the need for transparency, accountability, and financial reporting to support inclusive economic growth and reduce fiscal risks.