Utmost caution and meticulousness must be exercised as Liberia negotiates with American firm High Power Exploration Inc (HPX) over mining licenses and the construction of a new railway.
While HPX proposed $5 billion United States dollars investment appears promising for Liberia’s struggling economy, there are numerous risks and challenges that need to be addressed to ensure sustainable growth and economic development.
One of the primary concerns for the Liberian authorities should be the potential negative impact of multinational corporations (MNCs).
Historically, MNCs have often been criticized for their poor corporate social responsibilities, lack of investment in healthcare, and corrupt practices. For too long, Liberians have witnessed to these mal development.
It is essential that the Liberian government safeguards against these drawbacks and ensures that HPX’s operations align with best practices and national development goals.
Corporate social responsibility is a vital aspect that Liberia should underline during negotiations. MNCs must be held accountable for environmental conservation, community development, and local job creation.
Liberian authorities should establish clear guidelines and strong enforcement mechanisms to ensure that HPX fulfills its responsibilities in these areas as will be agreed.
The government must strive to avoid the mistakes made in the past, where MNCs have exploited natural resources without providing adequate benefits to local communities. This has been the driving force for socio-political crisis.
Liberia must be thoughtful about the repatriation of profit. MNCs often prioritize maximizing their own gains and transferring profits out of host countries, leaving little benefit behind. This is especially crucial for Liberia, as it seeks to enhance its economy and reduce dependence on external aid.
The government should negotiate favorable terms that prioritize reinvestment within Liberia, stimulating economic growth and fostering sustainable development.
Additionally, concerns regarding the monopolistic and imperialistic tendencies of MNCs must be addressed. Clear issue for worry is HPX blunt desire to hold for itself the railway it intends to build.
On Feb 10, the company and its billionaire owner Robert Friedland signed a letter of intent with the Government of Liberia and the Guma Africa Group Ltd to negotiate a deal to “own, design, finance, develop, and operate” what will be called The Liberty Corridor connecting Guinea’s virgin mineral region.
HPX intention to own and operate the proposed rail line is similar to what was granted to ArcelorMittal, the Luxembourg-based multinational steel manufacturing corporation Today, the company’s local unit has become a state-within- a state refusing to grant third party usage to the country’s only railway, adversely impacting the nation’s economy.
The outcome of these negotiations should reflect the idea of a multi user rail system that calls for an independent regulator and other rules of engagements.
Liberia should strive for a more equitable and inclusive relationship and avoid creating an economic dependency on a single company.
The government should encourage competition and diversification in the mining sector while ensuring that HPX’s presence does not hinder the growth of local enterprises and entrepreneurs.
One way to mitigate such risks is by carefully studying and learning from the experiences of other countries that have dealt with similar MNC-driven projects. Liberia can draw lessons from neighboring Guinea, which has faced similar engagements with MNCs in the mining sector.
By analyzing both the successes and challenges experienced by these countries, Liberia can better negotiate favorable terms that protect its national interests while attracting much-needed foreign investment.
Negotiations with HPX present a unique opportunity for Liberia to foster economic growth and development. However, the government must be vigilant in balancing this potential boon with the potential risks and challenges that come with MNC involvement.
Ensuring strong corporate social responsibility, addressing the repatriation of profit, diversifying the sector, and avoiding monopolistic tendencies, Liberia can create a model for responsible and sustainable partnership with MNCs.
