• Liberia launched an electronic phytosanitary certification (e-Phyto) system on April 20 to replace paper-based processes.

• Authorities expect the platform to cut border delays, reduce administrative costs and improve traceability.

• The country exported about $128 million in agricultural raw materials annually between 2021 and 2023.

Liberia officially launched its electronic phytosanitary certification system (e-Phyto) on April 20. The Ministry of Agriculture stated that the platform enables authorities to issue, transmit and verify phytosanitary certificates online, replacing the paper-based system previously in use.

Phytosanitary certificates confirm the sanitary compliance of plant products. Importing countries generally require these documents to prevent the spread of pests and diseases. Consequently, authorities expect the e-Phyto system to reduce processing times at borders, lower administrative costs and strengthen trade traceability.

Solomon Hedd-Williams, Deputy Minister for Technical Services at the Ministry of Agriculture, emphasized the broader impact of the reform.
 “It is not just a technological upgrade, but a bold step toward greater efficiency, transparency and global integration […] By digitizing our phytosanitary certification processes, we not only improve service delivery, but also create new opportunities for Liberian farmers and exporters to access international markets with confidence,” he said.

Local media reported that authorities will initially deploy the system across major export value chains, including cocoa, coffee, rubber and fresh produce. The government will then extend the platform progressively to other segments.

Liberia exported an average of nearly $128 million in agricultural raw materials annually between 2021 and 2023, according to data compiled by UNCTAD. This performance highlights the need for tools that can secure and streamline trade flows. 

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