Says It Is “Timely And Transformational
PHOTO: Ex-Pro Tempore Amah Zolu Jallah
Press Statement by Armah Zolu Jallah
Former President Pro Tempore of the Liberian Senate
Toward Industrial Sovereignty: Phased Transition In Rubber Manufacturing Sector
Monrovia, August 2, 2025
As a nation blessed with over a century of rubber production since 1926, Liberia now stands at a critical turning point. I welcome and strongly endorse the phased industrialization strategy announced through Executive Order #151 by President Joseph N. Boakai.
This bold policy, which prohibits the export of unprocessed rubber, is not only timely — it is transformational.
The future of our economy must not rest on exporting raw resources but on building a vibrant industrial base that creates jobs, retains value, and empowers rural communities.
I propose a phased approach to fully realize the vision embedded in Executive Order #151:
Phase I (2025–2027): Processing Foundation
All raw rubber should be processed into Technically Specified Rubber (TSR) and Ribbed Smoked Sheets (RSS) domestically. During this period, the government must support farmers, cooperatives, and private investors in establishing local processing capacity across the country.
Phase II (2026–2028): Infrastructure for
Product Manufacturing
Strategic investments in energy, vocational training, and logistics will lay the groundwork for producing rubber-based goods. This includes attracting partnerships for tire pre-assembly, rubber seals, and conveyor materials.
Phase III (2029 onward): Production of Finished Goods
Liberia should commence local manufacturing of light and heavy-duty tires — and eventually aircraft tires — for regional and global markets. This will position us as a value-added exporter, not just a raw material supplier.
We must seize this opportunity to rewrite our economic narrative. Industrializing the rubber sector will deliver inclusive growth, reduce youth unemployment, and enhance Liberia’s trade balance. It is a vision worth uniting around — across parties, counties, and sectors.
I must state here that There maybe resistance, but the Government of Liberia and its people must resist retardation and move progressively to manufacturing , beginning with the rubber sector.
Let us remain committed to this national cause. The time for value addition is now.