Liberia has taken a significant step toward transforming its tourism industry with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Liberia National Tourism Authority (LNTA) and the Liberia Special Economic Zones Authority (LSEZA) to establish the country’s first Special Tourism Economic Zone (STEZ) at Lake Piso.
MoU between the Liberia National Tourism Authority and the Liberia Special Economic Zones Authority.
The agreement is expected to position tourism as a major pillar of Liberia’s economic transformation by attracting domestic and international investment, creating employment opportunities, and promoting sustainable tourism development centered on one of the country’s most important natural attractions.
The initiative represents the first time Liberia’s Special Economic Zone framework has been extended specifically to the tourism sector, signalling the government’s commitment to diversifying the economy beyond its traditional industries.
A New Vision for Tourism-Led Development
Under the partnership, the Liberia Special Economic Zones Authority will be responsible for the designation, administration and management of the Special Tourism Economic Zone. Its mandate includes facilitating investment, coordinating infrastructure development, streamlining investor services and creating an enabling business environment designed to attract high-quality tourism investments.
The Liberia National Tourism Authority, led by Director General Princess Eva Cooper, will oversee tourism planning within the zone. The Authority will be responsible for maintaining tourism standards, promoting the destination internationally, and ensuring the development of a competitive hospitality industry that meets global expectations.
The two institutions will jointly ensure that economic development is pursued alongside environmental protection and that surrounding communities benefit through employment, business opportunities and sustainable livelihoods.
Unlocking the Potential of Lake Piso
Located in Grand Cape Mount County, Lake Piso is one of Liberia’s most spectacular natural attractions. The coastal lagoon is renowned for its rich biodiversity, scenic beauty and ecological importance, making it an ideal location for eco-tourism development.
The proposed Special Tourism Economic Zone is expected to attract investments in:
- Eco-lodges and sustainable resorts
- Hotels and hospitality facilities
- Recreational and water-based tourism activities
- Nature conservation initiatives
- Community tourism enterprises
- Supporting transport and tourism infrastructure
Officials believe the project has the potential to transform Lake Piso into an internationally recognised eco-tourism destination while preserving its environmental integrity.
Supporting Liberia’s Development Agenda
The initiative is aligned with the Government of Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, which seeks to accelerate economic growth, attract private sector investment and create employment opportunities across key sectors of the economy.
By integrating tourism into the country’s broader Special Economic Zone programme, Liberia aims to leverage its abundant natural resources and cultural heritage to stimulate inclusive economic growth.
The development is also expected to encourage increased foreign direct investment while strengthening Liberia’s competitiveness within the West African tourism market.
Creating Jobs and Local Opportunities
Beyond attracting investors, the Lake Piso project is expected to generate significant socio-economic benefits for surrounding communities.
Construction and operation of tourism facilities are anticipated to create jobs across multiple sectors, including hospitality, transport, food production, tour guiding, conservation, arts and crafts, and small business development.
Authorities say local participation will be central to the project’s success, ensuring that communities benefit directly from tourism growth while preserving the area’s cultural and environmental heritage.
Positioning Liberia on the Regional Tourism Map
As global demand for authentic nature-based and sustainable travel experiences continues to grow, Liberia hopes the Lake Piso Special Tourism Economic Zone will become a flagship destination capable of attracting visitors from across Africa and beyond.
The initiative is expected to showcase Liberia’s unique biodiversity, pristine coastline and untapped tourism potential while encouraging further investment in other tourism destinations across the country.
If successfully implemented, the project could serve as a model for future tourism-focused Special Economic Zones and reinforce Liberia’s ambition to become one of West Africa’s emerging eco-tourism destinations.
The MoU between the Liberia National Tourism Authority and the Liberia Special Economic Zones Authority marks a milestone in the country’s tourism development strategy, laying the foundation for long-term investment, environmental sustainability and inclusive economic growth centred on one of Liberia’s most valuable natural assets.
