Liberia has crossed the US$1 billion mark in domestic revenue for the first time in its 179-year history, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai announced Monday, with the milestone reached on September 14, 2026.
The record collection comes as the government works to raise annual domestic revenue to a projected US$1.3 billion by December, according to the President.
Boakai credited Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Liberia Revenue Authority Commissioner General James Dorbor Jallah, other government institutions and Liberians for the increase.
The President made the announcement under the message, “One Billion, One Liberia,” and said the record must result in better services and improved living conditions for citizens.
Where Did They Take It From?
President Boakai said Liberia collected about US$612 million in domestic revenue in 2023, increasing to US$699 million in 2024 and US$848 million in 2025.
By September 14, 2026, collections had passed US$1 billion, an increase of about US$388 million compared with the 2023 figure.
Boakai said the revenue was raised through taxes, duties, fees and other payments from individuals and businesses.
He credited the LRA, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and other government institutions for the growth in collections.
Boakai: “Behind Every Dollar Stands a Liberian”
Speaking from Washington, D.C., President Boakai said the revenue increase must be felt by ordinary Liberians.
“Behind every dollar stands a Liberian,” Boakai said.
He added: “This moment must go beyond recognizing the billion-dollar record high to its impact on the day-to-day livelihood of every Liberian.”
Boakai said the government would use the additional revenue to support its ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
First Billion Without Borrowing or Foreign Aid
President Boakai said Liberia crossed the US$1 billion mark without borrowing or relying on foreign aid.
“For the first time in Liberia’s 179-year history, the nation, without borrowing and without foreign aid, has raised more than one billion United States dollars in domestic revenue in a single year,” he said.
He said the government remains on course to reach its US$1.3 billion annual revenue target by the end of December.
What the Revenue Means for Liberians
Boakai said increased domestic revenue would support market women, civil servants, schools, hospitals and other public services.
He called for improved learning conditions and better facilities at public schools and the University of Liberia.
According to the President, increased revenue has helped raise salaries for more than 23,000 public-sector workers and officials, including personnel in health, public works, security, the Judiciary, the General Auditing Commission and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission.
He also said more than 3,400 long-serving volunteer teachers and health workers have been added to the national payroll.
Support for Liberian Businesses
Boakai said his administration is considering a dedicated Special Purpose Vehicle to provide affordable financing for Liberian-owned businesses and other key sectors.
He said the plan is intended to improve local businesses’ access to financing and support the government’s development program.
The President also said the government has worked to maintain supplies of rice and fuel despite disruptions in international trade and the effects of the Middle East crisis.
He thanked Liberians for contributing to the national budget and urged them to remain committed to the country’s development.
