Liberia Country Summary

FATF Status

Liberia is not on the FATF List of Countries that have been identified as having strategic AML deficiencies

Compliance with FATF Recommendations

The last Mutual Evaluation Report relating to the implementation of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing standards in Liberia was undertaken in 2023. According to that Evaluation, Liberia was deemed Compliant for 3 and Largely Compliant for 15 of the FATF 40 Recommendations. It was deemed Highly effective for 0 and Substantially Effective for 0 with regard to the 11 areas of Effectiveness of its AML/CFT Regime.

Liberia faces significant challenges related to crime and corruption, with pervasive issues in both public and private sectors undermining democratic and economic progress. Despite having laws aimed at combating corruption, their ineffective implementation and the lack of accountability for public officials contribute to a climate of impunity, while organized crime, human trafficking, and financial crimes remain prevalent, exacerbated by weak law enforcement and judicial systems.

Liberia presents a mixed economic landscape characterized by significant opportunities for investment, particularly in natural resources such as mining, agriculture, and forestry, alongside specialized sectors like energy and telecommunications. Despite a reported economic growth of 5.1% in 2024, driven by strategic infrastructure investments, the country faces challenges including inadequate infrastructure, corruption, and a weak judicial system, which hinder more rapid economic development. The government is actively working to improve the investment climate through initiatives aimed at enhancing infrastructure and reducing corruption, yet foreign investors encounter persistent difficulties related to bureaucratic inefficiencies and a lack of transparency in regulatory practices.