Liberia’s first packaging solutions center breaks ground with US$675,000 PSIP funding for SME exports

LIBERIA – Liberia Special Economic Zones Authority has signed a construction contract with Liberian-owned Ducheck General Construction for the country’s first Packaging Solutions Center, a US$675,000 facility designed to help SMEs access affordable packaging services that meet local and international market standards.

The Packaging Solutions Center, funded under the Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP), will provide modern product filling, labeling and packaging services to Liberian businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). 

The 12-month construction project, located within the Monrovia Industrial Free Zone, aims to address a long-standing challenge where local businesses have been forced to seek packaging services abroad, particularly in China, India and Nigeria, which significantly increases production costs and reduces competitiveness.

LSEZA’s Strategic Infrastructure Investment Boosts Private Sector Competitiveness

LSEZA Executive Chairman Prince Wreh described the agreement as a major milestone in creating an enabling environment for Liberian businesses to thrive, emphasizing that the project aligns with the government’s broader agenda of promoting industrialization, supporting local businesses, creating jobs and strengthening value chains through strategic infrastructure investments. 

The idea for the center emerged after years of hearing from entrepreneurs who consistently identified packaging as a major bottleneck to growth. 

Wreh noted that many Liberian businesses produce quality goods but struggle to compete due to limited packaging capacity, often forcing them to outsource to foreign suppliers. 

The center’s management will be outsourced to ensure professional service delivery.

Twelve-Month Construction Timeline and Economic Impact

LSEZA Project Implementation Unit Manager William Kawalawu disclosed that construction is expected to be completed within twelve months, with the facility serving as a strategic hub for product packaging and processing within and beyond the Special Economic Zones.

General Manager Alexander Freeman of Ducheck General Construction expressed appreciation for the transparent and competitive procurement process that enabled a Liberian-owned company to secure the contract, committing to deliver the project on time and in accordance with quality standards. 

The initiative aligns with Liberia’s broader ARREST Agenda priorities, with agro-processing identified as critical to strengthening the supply chain and ensuring more Liberians benefit from value-added industries.

Subscribe to our email newsletters that provide busy executives like you with the latest news insights and trends from Africa and the World. SUBSCRIBE HERE