Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberia Standards Authority (LiSA) has commissioned its newly refurbished and upgraded laboratories, strengthening the country’s national quality infrastructure and food safety systems. Liberia’s efforts to improve regulatory oversight and increase competitiveness in regional and global markets were highlighted at the commissioning ceremony, which was attended by President Joseph N. Boakai, senior cabinet members, diplomatic corps members, development partners, and private sector representatives.
On Thursday, February 19, 2026, Providence Mavubi, speaking on behalf of the Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), stated that the upgraded laboratory was much more than simply a renovated structure. “We celebrate a strategic investment in governance, public health and economic transformation. A strong national standards and quality infrastructure is the silent backbone of modern economies. It protects consumers, underpins food safety, opens doors to new markets and builds confidence among investors and trading partners,” she said.
She said the European Union provided funding support for the upgrade, which was implemented under the Liberia Food Safety Initiative. According to Madam Mavubi, in order to bring operations into compliance with international standards, the project constructed dependable water and hybrid power systems, repaired vital infrastructure, updated laboratory fittings, and built a state-of-the-art training facility.
UN Resident Coordinator Christine N. Umutoni, for her part, stressed that food safety is essential to economic growth and extends beyond public health. Madam Umutoni explained, “Reliable testing, inspection and certification systems protect consumers, strengthen trust in markets and enable Liberian producers to compete at regional and international levels, adding that the facility aligns with the government’s ARREST Agenda, particularly in agriculture transformation and private sector development.“
The renovated laboratory, according to European Union Ambassador Nona Deprez, is a significant step that puts Liberia in a prominent position ahead of the forthcoming Liberia–EU Business Forum in Brussels. She said, “Food safety is recognized worldwide as a human right, referencing recent concerns surrounding frozen food imports. This laboratory is foundational for reliable standardization, conformity assessment and metrology systems, cornerstones for sustainable partnerships and trade.”
Additionally, Magdalene Dagoseh, Minister of Commerce and Industry, stated that incorporating LiSA into the ministry’s institutional architecture improves trade and industry transparency and fortifies regulatory authority. “In every marketplace, in every product manufactured or imported, standards matter. Strong standards are not barriers; they are bridges. They connect our local producers to regional and international markets and signal to investors that Liberia is serious about quality, accountability and competitiveness,” she stated.
It is anticipated that the improved labs will be crucial in guaranteeing that important Liberian value chains such as those for rice, fish, cassava, cocoa, and coffee meet global safety and quality standards. According to officials, the move will increase exports, lower technical trade barriers, and shield consumers from dangerous goods.
The commissioning expands on UNIDO and Liberia’s more than 20 years of collaboration in technical education, agro-industrial value chains, and private sector development. Although the milestone is noteworthy, development partners emphasized that sustaining accreditation, enhancing technical capability, and guaranteeing operational sustainability will be essential to attaining long-term effect.
The strengthened Standards Authority, according to stakeholders, is a clear indication that Liberia is investing in reliable institutions, safer food systems, and a rules-based economy that will enable sustainable growth as the nation looks to increase foreign investment and broaden its export base.
Reported by: Prince Saah
