With data sourced from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Liberia remains among the world’s poorest nations, according to the latest report from Global Finance, which ranks the country 9th poorest globally.
The report, published in September 2025, places Liberia’s GDP per capita at 2,005.76 current international dollars, underscoring the deep economic challenges that continue to hinder Africa’s oldest republic.
The Global Finance report highlights that, despite recent signs of recovery, Liberia’s progress remains fragile. While growth indicators have improved since 2022, the country’s economy still struggles to translate macroeconomic gains into tangible benefits for ordinary citizens.
“Liberia’s position reflects persistent structural weaknesses, limited industrial diversification, and a heavy reliance on commodity exports,” the Global Finance report states. Sustained reforms are needed to reduce poverty and foster inclusive growth,” the report noted.
Liberia’s poverty has long been a defining challenge. The nation’s tumultuous history of civil conflict, corruption, and governance setbacks continues to shape its economic landscape. Although recent governments have pledged reform, the pace of change has been slow and uneven.
When former football star George Weah assumed the presidency in 2018, many Liberians hoped for a transformative era.
However, many critics of Weah asserted that his administration was plagued by high inflation, rising unemployment, and periods of negative economic growth. Public frustration grew as living conditions stagnated and investment confidence weakened.
Weah’s defeat in 2023 by Joseph Boakai, the former vice-president, many Liberians believe will mark a turning point in Liberia’s political narrative.
Many UPists have stated that the Boakai-Koung administration inherited an economy burdened by debt, but with emerging signs of rebound.
According to the IMF, Liberia’s economy began to recover in 2022, following contractions during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021. Growth is now projected to remain above 5% in 2025 and 2026, signaling cautious optimism for the medium term.
The World Bank also reports encouraging trends: Liberia’s poverty rate fell from 40.9% in 2022 to 26.4% in 2024. Analysts attribute this improvement to post-pandemic recovery measures, increased agricultural productivity, and improved fiscal discipline.
Still, the IMF warns that growth alone may not be sufficient to reduce poverty sustainably.
“Economic expansion must be accompanied by investment in education, healthcare, and infrastructure to ensure that the benefits of growth reach all Liberians,” the report added.
Liberia’s dependence on exports such as rubber, gold, and iron ore continues to expose its economy to global price fluctuations. The IMF emphasizes the need for diversification and value addition to protect against external shocks.
Inflation, though stabilizing, remains a concern. Rising food and fuel costs have eroded household purchasing power, particularly in rural areas where poverty remains concentrated.
President Boakai has pledged to restore fiscal discipline and strengthen governance institutions. His administration has also prioritized job creation and agricultural reform, aiming to lift more Liberians out of poverty.
“We are determined to build a resilient economy that serves the people,” Boakai said in a recent address. “Our goal is to turn growth into prosperity and ensure that every Liberian feels the change.”
The IMF acknowledges these commitments but urges consistency. “Policy continuity and transparency are critical,” the report advises. “Liberia’s economic prospects depend on credible reforms and effective public sector management.”
For many Liberians, however, statistics mean little without daily improvement. In Monrovia’s bustling markets and remote villages alike, families continue to grapple with the high cost of living and limited access to basic services.
The IMF’s 2025 report makes clear, Liberia’s journey out of poverty is far from over. Yet, with renewed leadership, steady growth, and international support, Africa’s oldest republic may finally be charting a path toward lasting economic transformation.
