By Festus Poquie
President Joseph Boakai has asked Liberia’s Legislature to ratify a 25‑year Concession and Access Agreement with Ivanhoe Liberia Ltd., describing the deal as a landmark step to modernize Liberia’s rail and port infrastructure and unlock new economic opportunities.
He said the deal will enable the transport of Guinean iron ore through Liberian infrastructure, subject to necessary bilateral arrangements with the Republic of Guinea.
The administration says the agreement aligns with its ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID) and broader economic transformation priorities.
The CAA establishes an Independent Rail Operator (IRO) framework to regulate third‑party access to rail and port facilities.
Under a phased approach, Ivanhoe would receive Phase I access to move up to five million metric tonnes per annum (5 mtpa) through infrastructure currently governed by ArcelorMittal Liberia’s Mineral Development Agreement.
A Phase II expansion would see Ivanhoe develop new infrastructure to accommodate up to 30 mtpa, contingent on feasibility studies and regulatory approvals.
Government documents and the president’s letter also note substantial financial commitments. Ivanhoe Liberia Ltd. paid US$37 million to the previous administration as consideration for development rights, and the CAA requires an additional US$10 million on legislative ratification and US$15 million once physical access under Phase I is granted.
The agreement includes a Community Development Fund (CDF) provision obligating Ivanhoe to finance local infrastructure, education and health initiatives.
On jobs, the president’s letter anticipates more than 500 direct jobs during construction and roughly 3,000 indirect jobs through domestic suppliers and service providers.
“The CAA is poised to unlock Liberia’s infrastructure for shared, multi‑industry use, creating pathways for inclusive growth and national revenue expansion,” Boakai wrote, urging the Legislature to ratify the deal so work can proceed.
The transport of Guinean iron ore through Liberian ports has been proposed previously as a regional infrastructure strategy, but the new agreement formalizes third‑party access and sets out commercial and regulatory terms over a quarter century. The administration says the IRO model will enable regulated, multi‑user operation of the rail and port assets.
Ratification by the Legislature is required for the Agreement to take full legal effect in Liberia. Lawmakers are now considering the CAA’s terms, including payment timelines, environmental and community safeguards tied to the CDF, and the conditions for Phase II expansion.
The letter notes the arrangement is contingent on complementary bilateral agreements with Guinea, and on subsequent feasibility and regulatory approvals.
