Monrovia – Coined from the ideology of reposition Liberia’s mining and energy sectors as key drivers of economic growth, investment, job creation and sustainable national development, the country is set to host what stands out to be a major gathering – the Liberia International Mining and Energy Conference & Expo (LIMEC 2026).
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
Exploring Opportunities, Addressing Challenges and Building Partnerships
Speaking at the news conference over the weekend to launch the Conference, Mines and Energy Minister, R. Matenokay Tingban, explained that forum is a strategic platform that will bring together government, investors, mining companies, energy developers, development partners, policymakers, and technical experts to explore opportunities, address challenges, and build partnerships that will advance Liberia’s economic transformation.
As a nation richly endowed with mineral resources and significant energy potential, Minister Tingban said it’s time that Liberia moves beyond the extraction of natural resources toward a development model that delivers greater value to our people.
Doing so, he pointed out, would require the promotion of responsible mining, strengthening regulatory institutions, expanding access to reliable and affordable electricity, encouraging local participation, and ensuring that the country’s natural resources contribute meaningfully to national revenue and improved livelihoods.
Commitment Made
Through the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the Mines and Energy Minister renewed government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for responsible investment, transparent resource governance and sustainable development across the mining and energy sectors.
‘‘We recognize that attracting investment requires more than the availability of natural resources. It requires policy consistency, institutional capacity, regulatory clarity, infrastructure development, environmental responsibility, and strong collaboration between the public and private sectors. These are among the critical issues that LIMEC 2026 will help bring to the forefront.’’
“This conference will also provide an opportunity to showcase Liberia’s mineral wealth, emerging investment prospects, energy development priorities, and ongoing reforms. It will allow us to engage international investors and strategic partners on how best to translate our national resource potential into tangible economic benefits for our citizens,” stated Minister Tingban.
Liberia Is Opened for Business
Minister Tingban sounded a clarion call to the international world that Liberia is open for business, but for responsible investors that will also seek the interest of the country.
The Minister wants investments that create decent jobs, strengthen local businesses, develop the skills of Liberian professionals, promote technology transfer and support the growth of Liberia’s domestic industries.
“Our message to the international investment community is clear: Liberia is open for responsible business, committed to reform, and ready to build mutually beneficial partnerships,” he declared.
“At the same time, we emphasize that investment must be accompanied by accountability, respect for our laws and regulations, environmental protection, and meaningful benefits for the communities in which mining and energy projects operate. Our natural resources must serve not only the interests of investors but also the broader aspirations of the Liberian people.”
He extolled the country’s development partners, private-sector stakeholders, sponsors and all institutions working to make LIMEC 2026 a success, stressing it’s a demonstration of confidence in Liberia’s potential and in the opportunities that lie ahead.
Renewed Vow
The Mines and Energy Minister reaffirmed that the Ministry of Mines and Energy, under his stewardship, will continue to work with relevant government institutions, the private sector, development partners, and local communities to ensure that Liberia’s mineral and energy resources are managed responsibly and contribute to inclusive and sustainable national development.
“LIMEC 2026 must be measured not only by the quality of its discussions, but also by the investments it attracts, the partnerships it builds, the jobs it helps create, and the lasting benefits it delivers to the Liberian people,” he added.