Monrovia Liberia, September 15, 2026 – Liberia has commenced a stakeholder consultation focused on the informal sector as part of the ongoing process to update the country’s National Social Protection Policy and Strategy (NSPPS). The consultation began on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, in Monrovia and is expected to conclude on Friday, September 18, 2026.
The engagement brings together representatives of government institutions, informal-sector actors, development partners, civil society organizations and other stakeholders to examine the realities, vulnerabilities and social protection needs of Liberia’s population. The discussions are intended to generate practical recommendations that can inform the revised policy and strategy.
The update process is being undertaken to ensure that Liberia’s social protection framework responds to emerging risks and challenges and is more inclusive, adaptive and coordinated. The Terms of Reference for the assignment calls for a review of the existing policy, identification of gaps and opportunities, and development of a revised policy, strategy and Strategic Results Framework aligned with Liberia’s current and future social protection needs.
Minister Tokpah Opens Consultation with Call for Inclusive Social Protection
Deputy Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Garmai Tokpah, delivered the opening statement at Tuesday’s consultation, emphasizing the importance of listening to people and institutions whose experiences can help shape a more responsive national social protection system.
“The voices of people working in the informal sector are essential to this process because they understand firsthand the challenges, risks and opportunities that affect their livelihoods. Their experiences must inform the policy choices we make as we strengthen Liberia’s social protection system, I say this because the Policy is for the people, not the roads and infrastructure are developing.” Deputy Minister Tokpah said.
She encouraged participants to engage openly and constructively throughout the consultation, noting that the quality of the updated policy and strategy will depend on the extent to which diverse perspectives and practical realities are reflected in the final document.
Aurelius Butler: Consultations Will Help Build a More Responsive Framework
National Coordinator for Social Protection, Mr. Aurelius Butler, said the informal-sector consultation represents an important part of the broader national effort to review the country’s social protection framework and make it more responsive to contemporary challenges.
“This consultation gives us an opportunity to listen carefully to the realities of the informal sector and ensure that those realities are reflected in the National Social Protection Policy and Strategy. We want the updated framework to be practical, inclusive and responsive to the risks and vulnerabilities faced by Liberians,” Butler said.
Butler noted that the ongoing consultations are expected to help identify policy gaps, strengthen coordination among social protection actors and inform measures that can better address vulnerability, poverty and inequality.
Focus on the Informal Economy
The informal economy plays a significant role in livelihoods across Liberia, with many households depending on small-scale trading, transport, agriculture, fisheries, services and other informal activities. The consultation is therefore providing a platform for stakeholders to discuss issues such as income insecurity, access to social assistance, livelihood shocks, employment vulnerabilities, social insurance and the barriers faced by informal workers and businesses.
Participants are also expected to examine opportunities for stronger linkages between social protection and productive economic activities, including measures that can help vulnerable people withstand shocks while improving their ability to earn sustainable incomes.
Consultations Continue Through Friday
The discussions are part of a wider stakeholder engagement process supporting the update of Liberia’s National Social Protection Policy and Strategy. Consultations are expected to continue through Friday, September 18, with participants contributing views and recommendations for consideration in the policy development process.
The updated National Social Protection Policy and Strategy is expected to provide a stronger framework for coordinated social protection programing and help guide government and partners in addressing extreme poverty, vulnerability and inequality while supporting inclusive economic development between 2026 to 2030.t.
About the Update Process
Liberia’s National Social Protection Policy and Strategy is being reviewed and updated to reflect the country’s evolving social and economic context.
