Liberia to open up railway network, paving way for infrastructure expansion

Boakai has signed an executive order to create an authority overseeing all aspects of rail operations, paving the way for developing new routes and opening up the existing Yekepa-Buchanan line.

Operations will be funded by rail users and aim to ensure “safe, efficient and equitable access” to infrastructure, according to the Executive Order.

The policy “underscores the government’s dedication to fostering a robust rail infrastructure that supports Liberia’s growing mining sector, enhances the transportation of goods and passengers, and strengthens the national economy,” the president’s office said in a statement.

Another result of the decision could be to unlock progress on the “Liberty Corridor”, a new route linking Guinea to a new commercial port at Didia, Liberia, according to one of the project’s key backers, mining and exploration company HPX.

“HPX is looking forward to finalising our rail access agreements with the Government of Liberia in the next few weeks and is delighted to see the commitment by the president to the National Rail Authority and multi-user access infrastructure,” the company’s president and CEO Bronwyn Barnes said in a statement. Feasibility studies on the Liberty Corridor route could be concluded “quickly” afterwards, she added.

As well as its own mineral exports, Liberia’s railways could provide a more efficient transit route from mines in southern Guinea. Boakai also believes local economies will benefit from passenger and good transport if routes can be developed and modernised.