Liberia Prepares to Operate Its First Palm Oil Refinery

In a first-of-its-kind step for Liberia, Mano Manufacturing is preparing to operate the country’s first local palm oil refinery, a project expected to create a major shift in the vegetable oils and manufacturing sector.

The refinery is scheduled to officially open in November 2025 in a fertile area known for oil palm cultivation, after decades of exporting crude palm oil without refining it or adding value locally.

The refinery will process locally produced crude palm oil into refined cooking oil (RBD olein) and other products such as stearin, according to international standards.

This step is expected to reduce dependence on edible oil imports and create added value within the national economy.

Broad Economic and Social Impact

According to the company, the project will create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs and strengthen local supply chains.

The plan includes integrating smallholder farmers into a transparent supply chain, ensuring price stability and a sustainable market for them.

As part of human capital development, the company says it is investing in training programs to prepare Liberian workers for roles in manufacturing, logistics, quality assurance, and technical specializations.

Direct Benefits for Rural Communities

Agricultural areas such as Bomi and Grand Cape Mount are expected to be among the main beneficiaries of the project, as local communities gain new employment opportunities and income sources.

For the first time, Liberians will be able to consume refined cooking oil produced entirely within the country.

Environmental Commitment and Sustainability

The new refinery was built according to RSPO standards, and it will follow strict sustainability policies including no deforestation, no peatland development, and no exploitation.

This reflects an effort to balance industrial development with environmental protection.

Strategic Outlook

Observers say the project is not merely an industrial expansion, but a strategic shift in Liberia’s economy toward local processing and added value after years of relying on raw material exports.

The government and private sector hope the project will serve as a model for developing other processing industries that strengthen self-sufficiency and sustainable economic growth in the country.