30 Jan Interview with Hon. Sirleaf Ralph Tyler, Minister of Transport, Liberia
Liberia is a key transport gateway in West Africa – can you outline the country’s main transport modes and how they have evolved in recent years?
The Ministry of Transport was established in 1987, following its separation from the Ministry of Commerce, Transport and Industry under President Doe. Liberia operates across four transport modes: land, air, sea and rail.
Rail infrastructure supports the mining sector, with companies such as ArcelorMittal Liberia transporting iron ore from mines to the Port of Buchanan for export. Another rail line connecting to Monrovia is expected to become operational by year-end, with China Union projected to export up to five million metric tons annually.
Maritime transport remains central to the economy. Liberia is the world’s leading open ship registry, and ports in Monrovia and Buchanan serve as key hubs for fishing, trade and imports. On land, regulated transport includes buses, taxis, bicycles, tricycles and newer services. In Monrovia alone, an estimated 600,000 people rely on this network daily for commuting, education, commerce and local tourism. While years of conflict constrained infrastructure investment, we are now rebuilding and strengthening this national mobility backbone.
What are the ministry’s key priorities in strengthening Liberia’s transport connectivity?
Liberia is currently served by about seven international airlines, including Brussels Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines, which launched services last November and has performed exceptionally well. We are in discussions with additional carriers, including Turkish Airlines, as demand supports further expansion. Liberia’s strategic location makes routes commercially viable, as demonstrated by the strong performance of previous operators such as Air France.
Our priorities include attracting more airlines and upgrading all 11 domestic airports, including James Spriggs Payne Airport in Monrovia. We are actively seeking investment to enhance regional connectivity, positioning Liberia as a West African hub. From Monrovia, flights reach Guinea or Sierra Leone in under an hour, Europe in about six hours, the U.S. in under eight, and Brazil in six. Historically, Liberia served as a regional transit hub, and we are well placed to reclaim that role.
Land transport is another focus, particularly public buses. The government has invested in 35 buses, but demand remains far higher, prompting us to encourage private investment through tax incentives, stabilization periods and security guarantees. Along our 350-mile coastline, the absence of efficient transport links between ports such as Monrovia and Harper limits trade. Today, goods moving between West African countries often transit through Europe, increasing costs. With targeted investment, Liberia can help close this gap, improve regional trade flows and reduce prices for consumers. Ethiopian Airlines’ success illustrates this potential: it is now our most profitable carrier and is considering increasing flights from three to four weekly services.
How is Liberia upgrading airport and transport infrastructure to support rising passenger and cargo demand?
A resilient transport system requires infrastructure, connectivity and efficient flow. Liberia already has a strong foundation, which we are modernizing and expanding. At Roberts International Airport, upgrades are underway to improve capacity, safety and service standards for international airlines.
Road improvements are also delivering tangible results. Travel from Monrovia to Zwedru can now be completed in under half a day, strengthening trade links and lowering prices for agricultural goods such as vegetables and spices. Efficient transport networks are essential for economic integration, trade and mobility. Technology alone cannot replace physical infrastructure—strong transport systems remain the backbone of wealth creation and connectivity, as demonstrated by successful port cities worldwide.
As a major port nation with a global ship registry, where do you see the strongest opportunities for U.S. investors in Liberia’s transport sector?
Liberia is very open to U.S. investment, supported by long-standing historical ties, a shared language, and cultural familiarity. Many Liberians are U.S.-educated, and American culture is widely embraced, making it easier for U.S. investors to operate here than in many other African markets. Historically, American companies such as PanAm, LAMCO and Firestone played major roles in Liberia’s economy, and there are no barriers to U.S. investment today.
Opportunities exist across raw materials and value-added production. Liberia offers a skilled workforce and lower labor costs than the U.S., helping keep operating costs competitive. Products such as rubber can be processed locally and supplied to regional West African markets or exported to the U.S. under ISO standards. Beyond raw materials, Liberia also has the capacity to produce finished goods for export, creating diversified and scalable investment opportunities.
What is your final message to our readers about investing in Liberia and its economy?
Liberia remains a trusted partner and is open for investment. We support mutually beneficial trade and continue to modernize infrastructure, including rail concessions such as the Ivanhoe project, to stimulate economic activity. Connectivity is key – direct international flights, reliable domestic and regional air services, and efficient transport networks are essential for moving people, goods and the diaspora.
Our goal is to position Liberia as a gateway to West Africa and, increasingly, South America. Improved transport dramatically shortens travel and trade times: for example, goods from Nzérékoré in Guinea can reach Monrovia by truck in five hours, but by air in just 45 minutes. Faster connectivity unlocks opportunities across trade, tourism and investment.
We also emphasize a regional aviation strategy aligned with the Roberts Flight Information Region, established with Guinea, Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire to ensure airspace safety. A strong regional domestic network fits this structure and can be commercially viable. Our role is to create an enabling environment for investors who operate responsibly and respect our laws and people. Liberia is ready, and open, for business.