Monrovia, Liberia – ArcelorMittal Liberia is at the forefront of Liberia’s investment and legislative priorities for 2026 after President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. reiterated the company’s strategic importance to the nation’s economic recovery, infrastructure development, and long-term growth.
President Boakai mentioned the Third Amendment to the Mineral Development Agreement with ArcelorMittal Holdings as one of the essential components of pending legislation that need immediate consideration in his Annual Message to the 55th Legislature on Monday. He cautioned that attempts to reinforce institutions and quicken economic growth would be undermined if reform-oriented laws, such as the amendment, are not passed on time.
“Pending before you are the bills to establish the Civil Service Commission, and the Third Amendment to the Mineral Development Agreement with ArcelorMittal Holdings,” the President told lawmakers.
ArcelorMittal Liberia is positioned in the context not just as a concessionaire but also as a key participant in the government’s larger reform program, which aims to enhance investment confidence, improve governance, and guarantee higher national benefits from the extraction of natural resources.
President Boakai highlighted ArcelorMittal Liberia in his summary of the government’s major investment deals until 2025. He disclosed that the updated agreement with ArcelorMittal Liberia and a concession and access contract with Ivanhoe for the Yekepa–Buchanan rail line make up part of the approximately US$4 billion in pledged investments.
According to the President, these investments will boost the economy, upgrade infrastructure, and increase employment opportunities for Liberians. In order to increase employment, infrastructure, and economic expansion, the government signed several contracts in 2025, including a revised one with ArcelorMittal Liberia.
The President’s comments on iron ore exports and mining-led growth further reinforced ArcelorMittal Liberia’s influence. According to President Boakai, mining increased by 17% in 2025, while exports increased by more than 31% to reach almost US$2.1 billion. He pointed out that foreign investments in iron ore mining are boosting exports, enhancing the current account, bolstering foreign exchange stability, and expanding Liberia’s external economy.
Reforms in port and rail infrastructure, which are directly related to ArcelorMittal Liberia’s operations, were also highlighted in the Annual Message. The government’s pursuit of concession and access agreements for the Yekepa–Buchanan rail route indicates a shift in policy toward shared-use infrastructure that protects national interests while serving a variety of investors. As the President’s statement emphasizes, ArcelorMittal Liberia is an essential part of Liberia’s economic ambition for 2026 and beyond.
