- The World Customs Organization (WCO) has concluded a weeklong diagnostic mission in Liberia aimed at helping the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) establish an internationally recognized Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, said to have the potential to significantly improve customs efficiency, strengthen trade facilitation and enhance the country's competitiveness in regional commerce.
The mission, conducted under the WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Program and funded by His Majesty's Revenue and Customs of the United Kingdom, assessed Liberia's preparedness to implement the AEO program in accordance with international standards.
The exercise also examined the institutional, administrative and operational measures needed to transition Liberia's existing Trusted Traders Program toward a more comprehensive AEO framework.
An AEO program is designed to recognize businesses that demonstrate a strong record of customs compliance and supply chain security. Once operational in Liberia, the program is expected to create a closer working relationship between Customs and compliant businesses while allowing legitimate traders to benefit from more predictable and efficient customs procedures.
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At the close of the mission in Monrovia, Liberia Revenue Authority Assistant Commissioner for Customs Port Operations Edwin F. Kendema commended the WCO team for providing technical expertise and practical guidance throughout the exercise.
Kendema reaffirmed the LRA's commitment to working with the WCO, the private sector and other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the program.
He said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen Liberia's trade facilitation agenda and modernize customs operations.
The WCO's diagnostic exercise provided an opportunity to identify gaps between Liberia's current Trusted Traders Program and internationally recognized AEO standards.
WCO Trade Facilitation Expert Yasmeen Elahi said the mission drew on international experience and global best practices to help Liberia identify areas requiring improvement.
Elahi praised LRA Customs officers for their professionalism, active participation and commitment during the weeklong exercise.
She said the assessment provided a clearer pathway for strengthening Liberia's existing trusted trader framework and aligning it with international AEO requirements.
Elahi also expressed confidence that Liberia is well positioned to develop an internationally recognized AEO program capable of delivering long-term benefits to Customs, businesses and the broader economy.
The mission was also supported by Angelina Yurkova and David Tanenbaum of the WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Program, who commended Liberian participants for their engagement and contributions throughout the exercise.
They reaffirmed the WCO's commitment to supporting Liberia as it moves toward full implementation of the AEO program.
WCO AEO expert Nnenna Ugo-Awa of the Nigeria Customs Service also contributed to the technical training, bringing regional experience to the exercise.
For Liberia, the initiative comes as the government and revenue authorities seek to modernize customs administration, improve border management and create a more efficient environment for international trade.
An effective AEO program could provide tangible benefits for businesses that demonstrate consistent customs compliance. These could include faster cargo clearance, streamlined border procedures, greater predictability in trade transactions and improved supply chain security.
Such measures are particularly important for Liberia, whose economy depends heavily on international trade and the efficient movement of imports and exports through its ports and borders.
Beyond improving customs procedures, the program could also strengthen compliance by encouraging businesses to meet established standards in exchange for greater facilitation.
The approach represents a shift from relying primarily on traditional customs controls toward a risk-based system that distinguishes compliant traders from higher-risk transactions.
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The WCO mission is therefore expected to serve as an important step in Liberia's broader customs reform process.
By aligning its trusted trader framework with internationally recognized AEO standards, Liberia could improve the confidence of businesses and investors while strengthening its integration into regional and international supply chains.
Officials say the long-term objective is to establish a customs environment that facilitates legitimate trade without compromising revenue protection, compliance or border security.
As Liberia advances toward full implementation, continued cooperation among the LRA, WCO, private-sector operators and other stakeholders will be critical.
The successful implementation of the AEO program could ultimately help reduce delays and transaction costs for compliant businesses while strengthening Liberia's position as a trusted and competitive trading partner within the Economic Community of West African States region.
