By James T. Brooks
Monrovia, Liberia – May 11, 2026 – Liberia is intensifying its efforts to generate sustainable employment, improve working conditions, and broaden economic opportunities through a renewed national commitment to decent work and inclusive growth. In a major step toward these goals, the Government of Liberia recently convened a high-level tripartite consultation at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex to refine the Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP). Hosted by the Ministry of Labour, this gathering brought together key representatives from the government, employers’ organizations, and workers’ unions to design policies aimed at strengthening labor protections and expanding the national workforce.
Representing the Minister of Labour, Honorable Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah, Deputy Minister Steve Kolubah characterized the meeting as a critical milestone for the nation. He emphasized that the primary objective is to build a labor market that serves every Liberian by creating productive opportunities, increasing household incomes, and reinforcing the livelihoods of citizens across all sectors. This collaborative process ensures that the voices of those directly impacted by labor policies—both the business owners and the employees—are central to the decision-making process.
A significant highlight of the consultation was the introduction of the Private Sector Development (PSD) Project. Supported by the European Union through its Global Gateway Initiative, this project is designed to act as a catalyst for economic revitalization. It focuses on several strategic areas, including the creation of job opportunities for youth and women, providing support for small and medium-sized enterprises to scale their operations, and improving skills development to better align the workforce with modern market demands. By strengthening the overall business environment, the initiative seeks to attract the investment necessary to drive long-term economic stability.
The consultation also advanced two vital national frameworks: the National Employment Policy (NEP) and the Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP). These frameworks serve as a roadmap for the country, identifying priorities such as fair wages, workers’ rights, and the establishment of safe and healthy workplaces. Inviolata Chinyangarara, speaking on behalf of the ILO Country Office Director, Vanessa Phala, commended Liberia for its inclusive approach. She noted that the strong collaboration between the government and social partners is essential for building a resilient workforce and ensuring that economic growth translates into improved living standards for all.
Honorable Cooper W. Kruah expressed his gratitude to the ILO mission team and the European Union for their continued financial and technical support. He reaffirmed the Ministry of Labour’s readiness to work alongside social partners to ensure the successful implementation of these projects. Jointly implemented by the ILO and Expertise France, these initiatives represent a unified effort to reduce poverty and ensure that the benefits of Liberia’s development are shared equitably across the nation.
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