President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has signed Executive Order No. 155 establishing the Carbon Markets Authority (CMA), a new national institution designed to advance Liberia’s climate action, expand access to global carbon markets, and drive sustainable economic growth.
The move marks a major step in President Boakai’s efforts to strengthen Liberia’s response to climate change while leveraging its vast natural assets ~ forests, coastlines, and renewable energy resources ~ to generate revenue and build community resilience.
According to the Executive Order issued Friday, the CMA will serve as the lead government agency for all matters related to climate finance and carbon market development. The Authority will oversee policy formulation, market participation, and compliance with international agreements such as the Paris Agreement, positioning Liberia to play a stronger role in global emissions reduction and carbon trading.
The Carbon Markets Authority will be led by the Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, who will serve as Chief Executive Officer, supported by a Chief Operations Officer and Chief Financial Officer—all to be appointed by the President. The Authority will work closely with government ministries, agencies, and private sector partners to design and implement projects in forestry, renewable energy, agriculture, waste management, urban development, and the blue economy.
To ensure transparency and accountability, the order also establishes two key mechanisms: the National Carbon Registry, which will track carbon credit issuance and transactions in line with international standards, and the Liberian Carbon Investment Fund (LCIF), a national trust fund to manage revenues from carbon market activities.
Funds generated will be reinvested in climate-resilient and inclusive development initiatives such as rural electrification, clean water access, climate-smart infrastructure, environmental education, and smallholder reforestation programs. The LCIF will be overseen by a Fiscal Oversight Board chaired by the Ministry of State.
President Boakai said the new Authority underscores his administration’s commitment to sustainable development and transparent environmental governance.
“This Executive Order reflects our government’s determination to protect our environment, empower our communities, and unlock the full economic potential of our natural resources through responsible and transparent climate governance,” President Boakai stated.
The Executive Order takes immediate effect and will remain valid unless amended or replaced by future executive action or legislation.
