The Liberia Special Economic Zones Authority (LSEZA) and the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) to designate 2,000 acres of land at Roberts International Airport (RIA) as the site of Liberia’s first Airport Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
The signing ceremony, held on May 8 at the LAA headquarters in Margibi County, marked a significant milestone in Liberia’s push for industrial growth, job creation, and integration into global markets.
The planned Airport SEZ will serve as a dynamic, multi-use zone featuring logistics, warehousing, residential developments, light manufacturing, and aviation-linked services—all strategically located at Liberia’s main international gateway.
LSEZA Executive Chairperson Prince A. Wreh hailed the agreement as a “critical milestone” to position Liberia as a logistics and investment hub in West Africa.
He said the SEZ would open new doors for Liberian businesses, create jobs, attract foreign investment, and boost exports.
“This is not just about revenue generation. It’s about building a model that provides sustainable employment for our people.
Today, we are laying the foundation for transformation in infrastructure, in the economy, and in national pride,” he said.
He emphasized that implementation would begin immediately, guided by LSEZA’s commitment to Clarity, Transparency, and Confidence (CTC).
“We will not sign this document and shelve it. We will proceed with implementing regulations, ensure best practices in international tendering, and align with the airport master plan.”
“Our regulations are nearing completion, and we are ready to move forward with international tendering in 2025, ensuring global standards are upheld,” he added.
Wreh described the project as transformative: “We may not yet see the lights of a city at RIA by night, but with this project, we’re laying the foundation for a future that shines bright for investors, bright for the economy, and brightest for the Liberian people.”
He noted that the agreement signifies a clear mandate: LSEZA, by law, has the authority to designate special economic zones, while LAA, as the landowner, is committing to collaborate on transforming available land into a growth engine for the country.
“This creates new opportunities for developers and operators to benefit from tax incentives and invest in sustainable economic activities beyond traditional airport functions,” Wreh explained.
LAA’s Managing Director Jero Mendscole affirmed that the initiative aligns with President Boakai’s ARREST Agenda and the broader airport master plan to re-imagine Liberia’s aviation and economic sectors.
He said the Airport SEZ would form the foundation of an aerotropolis-an “airport city” combining industry, innovation, and commerce.
“This partnership redefines our airport’s role beyond aviation. It’s about attracting investment, diversifying revenue, and positioning RIA as a regional hub. As competition grows in the region, we must innovate to remain competitive,” Mendscole said.
He stressed the urgency of shifting from reliance on aeronautical revenues to non-aeronautical sources such as logistics and commercial infrastructure.
“This vision will deliver measurable impact creating jobs, expanding the economy, and driving sustainable growth.”
Mendscole added, “Developing non-aeronautical revenue streams is no longer optional—it is essential. The SEZ will help us attract investment, diversify income, and position RIA as a vibrant regional hub for commerce and innovation.”
Both institutions pledged close collaboration to ensure the SEZ’s success, guided by transparency, inclusive development, and alignment with national infrastructure priorities.
The first phase will focus on master planning, regulatory framework finalization, and investor mobilization, with key milestones expected by year’s end.
The MOC signals a shared commitment by LSEZA and LAA to unlock Liberia’s economic potential through strategic planning, infrastructure development, and targeted investor engagement.
