Latest news with #ManoRiverUnion
Zawya
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Liberia: President Boakai Congratulates Sierra Leone and the Netherlands
The President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has sent two separate messages of congratulations to the President of Sierra Leone and the King of the Kingdom of Netherlands on the occasions marking those nations' Independence and National Day Anniversaries, respectively. Coincidentally, these great nations celebrate this very important Day on Sunday, April 27, 2025. According to the Foreign Ministry release, President Boakai has on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Liberia and in his own name, extended heartfelt felicitations to His Excellency Mr. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, on the momentous occasion commemorating the 64th Independence Anniversary of that sisterly country, the Republic of Sierra Leone. The Liberian leader stressed that as the two nations continue to collaborate in advancing the principles of the Mano River Union (MRU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union (AU), and the United Nations (UN) which are dedicated to fostering peace, security, and cooperation among all nations, he is confident that the aspirations of Sierra Leone will be realized. 'May the strong and historic ties between Liberia and Sierra Leone continue to grow for the mutual benefit of our two nations and peoples', President Boakai stated. To His Majesty Willem-Alexander, King of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, President Boakai extended warm congratulations and best wishes to the people of the Kingdom of the Netherlands on the occasion of that great country National Day on behalf of the Government and People of Liberia. President Boakai stated that this landmark day does not only mark the rich heritage and resilience of the Dutch people but also serves as a moment to reflect on the strong and enduring bonds between the two nations. He added that Liberia and the Netherlands have share a historically significant relationship that is rooted in shared values of diplomacy, economic cooperation, and mutual respect. The Foreign Ministry release further stated that the Liberian leader recognized and applauded the Netherlands' forward-thinking approach, particularly at this critical juncture in the geopolitical relations. President Boakai added that Liberia is especially grateful for the ongoing partnership in areas such as trade, human rights, and sustainable development. He furthered that as the nations continue to build on their shared history, his Government look forward to deepening the collaboration in the spirit of equality, solidarity and mutual progress. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.
Zawya
25-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Mano River Union Delegation Studies Successful Border Post Model to Enhance Women's Cross-Border Trade
A Mano River Union (MRU) delegation recently concluded a successful study tour of the 'Busia One Stop Border Post' (OSBP) between Kenya and Uganda, gaining valuable insights into efficient cross-border trade systems that benefit women traders. The tour brought together women traders and border officials from Liberia and Sierra Leone, alongside representatives from the African Development Bank ( The Busia OSBPs, one of East Africa's busiest border crossings, handling over 3,000 people and 900 vehicles crossing daily, has transformed cross-border trade since its establishment in 2018. The facility serves as a model for streamlined border procedures between Kenya and Uganda, demonstrating significant improvements in trade efficiency and women's economic empowerment. Nelly Maina, Principal Gender Officer at the African Development Bank, who led the Bank delegation, said the Busia OSBP exemplified how structured trade facilitation and targeted support can drive economic empowerment for women in cross-border trade. 'It brings out the importance of collaboration with government agencies and the provision of essential resources such as training, capacity building and infrastructure, and the development of inclusive policies that address women's specific needs.' The tour was part of the African Development Bank-funded Building Inclusive Business Ecosystems for Stabilization and Transformation (BI-BEST) project, which aims to empower 1,500 women traders in Liberia and Sierra Leone. The project focuses on enhancing participation in cross-border value chains for resilient economic growth and social cohesion. The delegation held discussions with Kenya's Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, the National AfCFTA Committee, TradeMark Africa, Busia Border management authorities, and local women cross-border traders, who shared their experiences of the OSBP's transformative impact. Women traders from Kenya and Uganda detailed how the OSBP, operational since 2018, has enhanced their ability to conduct business seamlessly across borders. "I buy Irish potatoes in Kenya and bring them to Uganda, then purchase maize in Uganda and return it to Kenya. I am now a fully-fledged cross-border trader, enlightened and sensitized,' said Mercy Mugo, a trader in Busia town. Another trader, Florence Atieno, emphasized the broader social benefits of an inclusive trade environment: "We believe that by addressing the critical needs of women in trade, we can positively impact the community and promote the overall economic well-being.' Delegates from Sierra Leone and Liberia found the experience particularly inspiring. Betty R. Kamara from Sierra Leone noted: " I am impressed by how Kenyan women collaborate with security officials and manage their businesses alongside childcare responsibilities. Similarly, Esther Tamba from Liberia stated: 'I will meet with my women's association, Good Seeds, in Liberia to share the lessons learned from Kenyan women traders. The tour highlighted the critical role of infrastructure and policy in creating a safer, more inclusive trade environment for women. For example, at the Busia OSBP, a daycare center has been established to support women traders and local business owners, many of whom previously had to carry their infants to markets – exposing them to risks such as child trafficking, accidents, and abuse. This center now provides accessible, affordable childcare, enabling women to focus on trade, entrepreneurship, and employment. According to the joint border management committee, the Busia OSPB has transformed cross-border trade. Before its establishment, traders endured long clearance queues and complex bureaucratic procedures, with women particularly vulnerable to security risks and lacking storage facilities for unsold goods. Many relied on intermediaries to facilitate their passage. Today, simplified trade Regimes (STRs), certificates of origin, and other accessible documentation have replaced lengthy procedures, allowing women to manage their transactions independently. A dedicated reporting desk now enables women to voice their concerns, while new facilities—including lactation rooms and secure storage spaces—enhance their trading experience. Through continuous sensitization efforts by the Kenyan and Ugandan governments and the private sector, women traders are now more informed about their rights and available resources. Training sessions provide guidance on trade procedures, documentation requirements, and trader rights, fostering a more inclusive trading environment. 'By applying these insights within the MRU, we look forward to contributing to an inclusive business ecosystem in the West Africa region,' said Sierra Leone's Betty Kamara. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
