Liberia Earns International Recognition for Leadership in Beneficial Ownership Transparency

Liberia has been commended on the global stage for its steady progress in revealing the true ownership and control of companies—an essential step in combating corruption, illicit financial flows, and tax evasion. At the Open Extractives Programme Global Peer Learning Exchange, held from November 17–18, 2025, a Liberian delegation showcased the country’s advancements in Beneficial Ownership (BO) Transparency, drawing praise from partner nations and international experts. 

The event reviewed five years of global impact under the Open Extractives (OE) programme and outlined the path forward for transparency reforms worldwide. Representing the Liberia Business Registry (LBR), Morris A. D. Sambola, Manager for Beneficial Ownership, said the country’s progress has exceeded expectations despite resource and technical challenges. He noted that Liberia’s BO implementation roadmap is now viewed as a model for other nations, with peers encouraged to adopt similar approaches. The Liberian delegation, which included representatives from LEITI, LRA, and the Ministry of Mines and Energy, presented several major milestones:

Establishment of a dedicated Beneficial Ownership Office at the LBR
Ongoing manual data collection to ensure information is captured while systems are finalized
Completion of a new BO online portal, now in user testing to meet national laws and global standards
Real-world application of BO data, reflected in findings from the latest LEITI report
A presidential directive elevating BO work to a national priority

Liberia’s selection for a Training-of-Trainers pilot project, strengthening long-term local expertise
Sambola emphasized that the next phase involves operationalizing the new online system for public access, enforcing compliance across sectors, and integrating BO requirements into procurement, licensing, and other national processes. “Our goal,” he said, “is to ensure a permanent, sustainable mechanism for Beneficial Ownership Transparency in Liberia.” The delegation expressed gratitude to international partners Opening Extractives and Open Ownership, as well as national institutions including the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA), LRA, LEITI, CBL, and LPRA.

With strong political backing, improved systems, and growing international support, Liberia is positioning itself as a regional leader in transparency reforms advancing accountability, improving investment confidence, and strengthening governance across key sectors.

Author: Cooper Sangar