LNTA Reaffirms Support To LSEZA To Boost Tourism and Hospitality Across Liberia
MONROVIA, March 13, 2026- The Liberia National Tourism Authority (LNTA) has emphasized the critical role of tourism, reaffirming its support to the Liberia Special Economic Zones Authority (LSEZA) to improve the tourism and hospitality components of the zones and maximize opportunities for Liberian entrepreneurs.
Speaking Friday at a national symposium organized by the Liberia Special Economic Zones Authority under the theme “Unlocking Growth: Leveraging Special Economic Zones for SMEs Success,” Madam Cooper said tourism presents Liberia with a strong comparative advantage that can drive inclusive economic growth, urging stakeholders to seize the moment and build economic zones that showcase Liberia to the world as a nation open for business, investment, and tourism.
However, the event which brought together government representatives and six panelists to explore how SMEs can effectively participate in SEZ initiatives and contribute to national economic transformation, LNTA DG highlighted tourism as one of Liberia’s strongest opportunities, pointing to the country’s beaches, rich cultural heritage, and hospitality potential as assets that can be better packaged and promoted to the world.
She further outlined four key areas where Special Economic Zones can support SMEs: improved infrastructure, greater market access, better access to finance, and enhanced training and quality assurance, noting that while economic development discussions often focus on large-scale foreign investment and major infrastructure projects, SMEs remain the real drivers of sustainable economic growth.
According to her, centralized infrastructure and reliable utilities within SEZs can help level the playing field for Liberian businesses, enabling them to compete internationally.
Madam Cooper further encouraged SMEs to actively engage with the SEZ initiative and take advantage of the opportunities it offers, especially within the tourism and hospitality sector.
For his part, Atty. Ebenezer Wilson, Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs at the Liberia Special Economic Zones Authority, stated that the engagement is intended to strengthen Liberia’s small and medium-sized enterprises by providing practical insights and institutional linkages.
“Let us be reminded that if we do what we have always done in the past, we will have the same results we have always had. It is time for us to change the story to ensure that things get better moving forward,” Atty. Wilson emphasized.
