Liberia to Invest $59 Million to Transform Roberts International Airport into a Regional Hub

Liberia plans to invest $59 million between 2027 and 2031 to modernize Roberts International Airport and strengthen its position in West Africa’s aviation sector.

The Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) unveiled a five-year strategic plan on October 14, 2026, in Monrovia, outlining a series of measures to upgrade the country’s airport infrastructure. The initiative aims to strengthen aviation safety, improve passenger services and expand the airport’s logistics capabilities.

The proposed investment is divided into five priority areas: $18.5 million for aviation safety and navigation, $15 million for revenue diversification and cargo logistics, $12 million for airport security, $9.5 million for passenger services, and $4 million for governance and management systems.

One of the plan’s key objectives is to secure certification for Roberts International Airport in accordance with applicable International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements. The programme also includes improvements to emergency response and firefighting equipment, as well as enhanced passenger screening and baggage handling systems.

Cargo development is another major priority. Plans to establish cold-storage facilities are expected to support the handling and export of agricultural products, seafood and other perishable goods. These investments could help improve market access for Liberian producers and strengthen the country’s air freight capacity.

On the commercial front, the LAA intends to diversify the airport’s revenue streams through logistics activities and business services. Funding for the programme could come from public resources, public-private partnerships, grants and loans from development banks.

The strategy forms part of Liberia’s broader ambition to position Roberts International Airport as a regional aviation and logistics gateway. Achieving this goal will depend on securing the necessary financing, implementing the planned upgrades and attracting additional airlines and cargo traffic.

Separately, the Liberian government has initiated a 25-year concession process for the development and expansion of the airport. This initiative is distinct from the $59 million strategic plan and is intended to contribute to the modernization of infrastructure considered essential to the country’s international connectivity.