-As Softcare Signs 25-Year Free Zone Deal
By Jessica Cox
MONROVIA – Liberia’s drive to attract foreign direct investment and expand its industrial base received a significant boost Tuesday as the Liberia Special Economic Zones Authority (LSEZA) signed a 25-year development and operator licensing agreement with Softcare Liberia Limited, paving the way for a large-scale manufacturing facility expected to create hundreds of jobs and strengthen local production.
Announcing the development during the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing, Information Minister Jerolinmek M. Piah described the agreement as another milestone in the Boakai administration’s efforts to promote industrialization, attract private investment and stimulate economic growth.
Under the agreement, Softcare Liberia Limited, one of Africa’s leading manufacturers of hygiene and household consumer products, will establish a production facility within the Monrovia Free Zone. The company plans to manufacture a range of hygiene products, including baby diapers, baby wipes, sanitary pads and other hospital and household consumer products for both the Liberian market and export destinations across Africa.
According to the government, the investment is expected to generate more than 150 direct jobs and over 200 indirect employment opportunities, offering new prospects for skilled and semi-skilled Liberians while contributing to local value addition.
Piah said the project reflects the government’s broader strategy to transform Liberia from a predominantly import-dependent economy into one with greater manufacturing capacity capable of serving regional markets.
The agreement was signed by LSEZA Executive Chairman Prince C. Wreh, who described the partnership as evidence of the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investment, expanding industrial production and accelerating economic transformation.
Softcare Liberia Chief Executive Officer Bhagwant Singh reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to Liberia, emphasizing that the investment will prioritize innovation, sustainable growth and expanded manufacturing operations.
Beyond employment creation, officials believe the factory could help reduce Liberia’s dependence on imported hygiene products, improve product availability and position the country as a competitive manufacturing hub within the West African sub-region.
The Monrovia Free Zone has long been viewed as a strategic location for industrial development because of its proximity to the Freeport of Monrovia, providing manufacturers with easier access to imported raw materials and regional export markets. Successive governments have sought to revitalize the area to attract investors capable of expanding Liberia’s productive economy.
Economists have consistently argued that increasing domestic manufacturing remains critical to reducing the country’s trade imbalance, improving foreign exchange earnings and creating sustainable employment opportunities, particularly for young people entering the labor market each year.
The latest investment also aligns with the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, which identifies private sector growth, industrial expansion and job creation among its key economic priorities.
While the announcement has been welcomed as a positive development, analysts note that the long-term success of such investments will depend on reliable electricity, improved road infrastructure, efficient port services and a predictable business environment that enables manufacturers to operate competitively.
If successfully implemented, the Softcare project could serve as an important catalyst for attracting additional investors to Liberia’s Special Economic Zones while strengthening the country’s ambitions to become a regional manufacturing and export destination.
Construction timelines and the commencement of commercial production are expected to be announced as implementation of the agreement progresses.
Meanwhile, theNational Youth Congress Chairperson of the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR), Czar Paley, has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to Senator Samuel Gongben Kogar — demanding that the senator publicly withdraw remarks expressing his willingness to serve as Liberia’s vice president and return the symbolic party youth hat presented to him on July 18, 2026, during the MDR National Youth Retreat in Ganta City.
Paley warned that failure to comply within the stipulated period would result in what he described as “public embarrassment” and unspecified “revolutionary action” by the party’s youth wing.
The statement has further intensified existing divisions within the MDR, particularly as Vice President Koung is widely expected to contest the 2029 presidential election and is regarded by many loyalists as the party’s natural political leader following the death of its founder, the late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson.
Following Johnson’s passing, Senator Kogar emerged as one of the MDR’s most senior political figures in Nimba County.
Despite reports of internal disagreements and a political rift with Vice President Koung, Kogar has repeatedly reaffirmed his loyalty to the MDR — famously declaring on several occasions that he would rather “be a sweeper in MDR” than leave the party.
However, Paley argues that Kogar’s recent vice-presidential ambition contradicts the very principles of unity and reconciliation the Youth Congress sought to promote when it honored him with the symbolic “elder” hat.
According to Paley, the hat was presented to Senator Kogar as a symbol of elder statesmanship, peace, unity, reconciliation, and responsible leadership — not as a symbol of personal political ambition or a tool for political haterial — creating divisions within the party.
“The hat was given to him to serve as an ambassador of peace and unity within the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction,” Paley said. “Instead, his recent statements have created confusion, division, and unnecessary political tension among party members.”
Paley therefore demanded that Senator Kogar publicly withdraw his vice-presidential remarks and immediately surrender the symbolic “Elder Hat,” along with any other materials presented to him by the National Youth Congress, within 24 hours.
He warned that failure to do so would compel the Youth Congress to carry out what he termed “revolutionary action,” although he did not specify what those actions would entail.
Background to the Symbolic Hat
The ceremonial hat was presented to Senator Kogar during the MDR National Youth Retreat held in Ganta City, Nimba County, on July 18, 2026.
The presentation was made by MDR Nimba County Chairman Austin Dayneah on behalf of the National Youth Congress.
During the ceremony, youth leaders described the hat as the “Symbol of the Elder,” representing wisdom, peace, leadership, unity, and responsibility.
Kogar was urged to wear it as a reminder of his obligation to promote peace within the MDR, foster unity among party members, and help preserve the political legacy of the late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson.
In addition to receiving the ceremonial hat, Senator Kogar was presented with a certificate of appreciation in recognition of his contributions to youth empowerment and leadership development within the party.
The Youth Congress also identified him as one of the party’s senior leaders entrusted with helping preserve and advance the ideals upon which the MDR was founded.
Gesture Sparked Internal Debate
The presentation of the symbolic hat immediately generated controversy within the MDR.
Some party members interpreted the gesture as an unofficial endorsement of Senator Kogar as the party’s future standard-bearer following the death of Senator Prince Yormie Johnson.
Supporters of Vice President Jeremiah Koung strongly rejected that interpretation, insisting that Koung remains the MDR’s legitimate political leader and presumptive standard-bearer.
The disagreement exposed growing divisions within the party over its future leadership and political direction.
Despite the controversy, Senator Kogar continued to publicly wear the symbolic youth hat, including during the Nimba Kwado leadership induction ceremony recently — an appearance that further fueled speculation about his political standing within the party.
Paley’s latest ultimatum marks one of the strongest public rebukes yet from the MDR Youth Congress against Senator Kogar and underscores the deepening internal tensions within the party as political maneuvering ahead of Liberia’s 2029 general elections gathers momentum.
