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ADNews-Monrovia, Liberia: As Liberia’s Legislature nears a decision on granting Ivanhoe Atlantic access to the Yekepa–Buchanan railway,the country’s first additional rail-user,international observers say the step could accelerate economic growth and strengthen ties with the United States and the European Union.
The U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee praised Liberia for “making strong progress toward a transparent, multi-user rail system under a truly independent operator framework,” calling the effort “an indicator of good governance” that could spur U.S. investment in critical minerals. Ratifying Ivanhoe Liberia’s Concession and Access Agreement, the committee noted, would signal to Washington and American companies that Liberia is a reliable partner open for business.
In France, a foreign policy analyst this week reflected on President Joseph Boakai’s recent visit to Paris, describing it as the start of deeper economic and trade relations between Liberia and France. He cited emerging cooperation in renewable energy, mining, education, health, and the proposed creation of a Franco-Liberian chamber of commerce.
The analyst also warned that continued monopoly control of the railway by ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) threatens the free movement of African mineral resources, limits Liberia’s economic potential, and creates vulnerabilities for the EU’s mineral supply chain. He argued that maintaining AML’s exclusivity contradicts the goals of President Boakai’s ARREST Agenda and blocks transit opportunities for Guinean resourcesHis concerns were framed against recent discoveries of significant iron ore, uranium, and lithium reserves in Liberia, resources that could generate billions of dollars in revenue if the nation maintains an investor-friendly environment and expands infrastructure needed for exploration.
The analyst criticized AML for what he described as a lack of transparency in its operations, saying the company’s exclusivity limits the economic value of public infrastructure. AML recently reported record iron ore production and exports and a more than 50 percent rise in its share price this year. Yet, he noted, the company does not disclose its local Liberian revenue, tax contributions, or dividend payments related to the government’s 15% stake.
He said Liberia has an opportunity to renegotiate terms with AML to create a level playing field for the country and potential new investors. He cited the ongoing review of AML’s Mineral Development Agreement (MDA), noting that because it requires legislative approval, it can be amended or renegotiated and does not supersede national law.
He urged African governments to safeguard their logistics infrastructure while remaining flexible enough to attract foreign direct investment and public-private partnerships. He also called on the French government to closely monitor the resolution of the Yekepa–Buchanan logistics corridor management, which he described as essential to both Liberia’s economy and the EU’s balanced flow of African raw materials.
The renewed international attention comes as Liberia faces one of the highest debt burdens in Africa and works to outline its 2026 national budget. According to the Ministry of Finance’s June 2025 Public Debt Management Report, Liberia’s public debt stands at $2.6 billion, more than four times what it was a decade ago, and exceeds the International Monetary Fund’s recommended 50% threshold for developing countries.
Several large, revenue-generating concession agreements are currently before the Legislature. Global stakeholders are watching to see whether Liberia chooses to expand economic opportunity by opening its rail infrastructure to multiple users or continue relying on a single operator.
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