Monrovia, Liberia โ April 20, 2026 โ Liberia has taken a significant step toward modernizing its agricultural trade systems with the official launch of the electronic phytosanitary certification system (e-Phyto), a digital platform designed to enhance efficiency, transparency, and global competitiveness.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, the Deputy Minister for Technical Services, Solomon Hedd-Williams, described the initiative as a shift from manual processes to a secure digital platform.
โThis is more than a technological upgradeโit is a bold step toward efficiency, transparency, and global integration,โ he said.
He added that the initiative reflects the governmentโs broader commitment to strengthening the agriculture sector and positioning Liberia competitively in global markets.
โBy digitizing our phytosanitary certification processes, we are not only improving service delivery but also creating new opportunities for Liberian farmers and exporters to access international markets with confidence,โ he emphasized.
The e-Phyto system replaces paper-based certification, reducing delays, minimizing fraud, and aligning Liberia with international standards, thereby strengthening the credibility of agricultural exports.
Implemented with support from the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization and the International Plant Protection Convention, the initiative is being executed through the Plant and Animal Quarantine Services (PAQS) Division of the Ministry of Agriculture.
For her part, Laura Garrone, Project Manager at the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation, described the launch as a significant milestone in Liberiaโs journey toward modernizing its phytosanitary certification system and enhancing agricultural trade.
โThe ePhyto solution provides a secure and internationally recognized system for the electronic exchange of phytosanitary certificates, helping to reduce trade costs, improve predictability, and expand opportunitiesโespecially for small and medium-sized enterprises,โ she said.
She commended the Government of Liberia for its strong leadership and commitment to the initiative, particularly recognizing the Ministry of Agriculture and the Plant and Animal Quarantine Services for driving the reform forward.
The project supports the World Trade Organization Trade Facilitation Agreement and is being implemented under the Regional ePhyto Africa Window with funding from the Government of Sweden.
Implementation is now underway, beginning with a mission in Monrovia from April 20โ23, 2026, focusing on system rollout, stakeholder coordination, user training, and pilot testing, alongside assessments of field readiness.
Agriculture remains central to Liberiaโs economy, and the government says the e-Phyto system will simplify export procedures, reduce costs, and unlock new market opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses.
The launch brought together government institutions, development partners, and private sector stakeholders, marking the official start of implementation and reinforcing Liberiaโs commitment to agricultural transformation.
