The Liberia Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Policy 2019–2024

The Liberia Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Policy 2019–2024 is designed to accelerate the country’s digital transformation, enhance connectivity, and foster socioeconomic growth. It updates the 2010 ICT Policy to address new challenges and technological trends, aligning with the Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (PAPD) 2018–2023. The policy operates under the guiding pillars of Structure, Empower, and Transform (SET), aiming to establish Liberia as a knowledge-based economy by 2030.

Key objectives

The policy emphasises building a national fibre optic backbone to connect all 15 county capitals and ensure cross-border connectivity. It seeks to improve last-mile access, universal broadband coverage, and voice services through infrastructure sharing and regulatory measures such as ‘dig-once’ policies. A strong focus is placed on creating e-government platforms, developing a National Education and Research Network (NREN), supporting local innovation, and promoting digital inclusion for women, youth, and marginalised groups. The policy also encourages the development of e-commerce, open data initiatives, and localised management of Liberia’s country code top-level domain (.lr).

Strategic areas

The policy is structured around 15 thematic areas, including:

• Policy, legal, and regulatory framework: Harmonising laws, addressing cybersecurity, and ensuring investor-friendly regulations.
• ICT infrastructure and broadband expansion: Building national and metro fibre networks, ensuring affordable broadband with a target of 1GB of mobile data costing less than 2% of average monthly income.
• Cybersecurity: Establishing a national cybersecurity advisory committee, developing a Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT), and introducing legislation for data protection and online safety.
• Universal access and service: Strengthening the Universal Access Fund to extend ICT services to underserved areas.
• Gender, youth, and disability inclusion: Promoting equitable digital access, with dedicated programs and research to bridge the gender and social divides.

Implementation and governance

The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MoPT) oversees policy implementation, supported by the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) as the regulator. LIBTELCO, as the national operator, provides secure government networks and wholesale infrastructure. The policy mandates annual reviews by a multistakeholder committee to address emerging trends and technologies.