Monrovia, Liberia — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Embassy of Sweden and the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), has ramped up efforts to advance fiscal decentralization and local governance through a joint field mission and sector consultations in Grand Bassa, Margibi, and Nimba Counties.
The mission assessed progress under the Real Property Tax Expansion Project, a pilot initiative designed to operationalize Liberia’s Revenue Sharing Act and strengthen local revenue mobilization systems. Implemented with support from Sweden and UNDP under the Liberia Decentralization Support Programme (LDSP), the project uses digital tools to improve property mapping, tax assessment, bill generation, and revenue administration — all key to building transparent and accountable local governance.
During a visit to District #3 in Grand Bassa County, stakeholders — including government officials, development partners, and implementing firm KWARECOM, Inc. — reviewed progress and observed real-time property mapping and tax bill distribution. Initial results show significant gains: over 2,000 tax bills have been printed, hundreds delivered, and numerous improved and unimproved properties mapped and documented.
Speaking during the mission, representatives stressed that strengthening domestic resource mobilization is essential for improving service delivery, enhancing accountability, and enabling local governments to finance their own development priorities. The initiative demonstrates how digital technologies and data-driven systems can modernize public financial management, increase efficiency, and support evidence-based decision-making at the local level.
In parallel, UNDP participated in sector budget consultations led by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) in Margibi and Nimba Counties. These consultations focused on advancing fiscal decentralization, budget disaggregation, and implementing the 2026 fiscal rules — marking a shift from policy discussions to practical application.
The Government of Liberia highlighted key reforms, including the expansion of County Treasury Centers and strengthened county-level expenditure tracking, aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and service delivery nationwide.
Despite clear progress, stakeholders identified areas for further strengthening: long-term sustainability of digital systems, enhanced engagement with diaspora property owners, and continued investment in ICT infrastructure and institutional capacity.
The joint mission concluded that strong partnerships among government, communities, and development partners remain critical to scaling reforms and ensuring sustainable impact. The Real Property Tax Expansion Project represents a significant step toward empowering local governments with the resources and systems needed to drive inclusive development and deliver services that respond directly to citizens’ needs.
