Liberia’s Railway Revival: Unlocking New Horizons for Tourism and Hospitality Growth
Liberia is embarking on a transformative journey to modernize its railway infrastructure, a move that holds promising implications for the country’s tourism and hospitality sectors. With the recent issuance of Executive Order No. 153, the government has signaled a clear commitment to revamping the rail system, aiming to create a multi-user, sustainable network that extends beyond its traditional mining focus. This development offers a fresh opportunity to enhance accessibility to Liberia’s rich natural, cultural, and historical attractions, potentially reshaping the travel landscape for both domestic and international visitors.
Historically, Liberia’s railways have primarily served the mining industry, particularly iron ore transport from inland mines to coastal ports. However, the current infrastructure is aging and limited in scope, with little integration into broader national development goals. Executive Order No. 153, issued in October 2025, seeks to institutionalize the Liberia National Railway Authority (LNRA) as a permanent regulatory body, tasked with overseeing modernization, expansion, and equitable access for multiple sectors, including tourism and agriculture. This policy shift is designed to foster transparency, safety, and sustainability, while encouraging public-private partnerships and innovative financing models to support infrastructure upgrades.
For the tourism industry, improved railways could be a game-changer. Liberia boasts a wealth of underexploited tourism assets that stand to benefit significantly from enhanced connectivity. Natural sites such as Sapo National Park, one of West Africa’s largest rainforests and home to rare wildlife like the pygmy hippopotamus, remain difficult to access due to poor road conditions. Similarly, coastal destinations like Robertsport, famed for its world-class surfing and pristine beaches, and remote areas in Grand Kru and Sinoe counties offer untapped potential for eco-tourism and adventure travel. Improved rail links could transform these locations into accessible, attractive destinations, encouraging longer stays and diversified itineraries.
Heritage and cultural tourism also stand to gain. Sites such as Providence Island, the symbolic landing place of freed African Americans and a cornerstone of Liberia’s founding story, along with Monrovia’s historical landmarks and cultural villages, could see increased visitor numbers with better transport options. Railways can facilitate multi-destination travel, enabling tourists to explore Liberia’s rich history and vibrant traditions more conveniently.
Lessons from other African countries provide valuable insights into how Liberia might harness its railway revival for tourism growth. In Tanzania, the introduction of digital ticketing and electric trains on the Standard Gauge Railway has enhanced traveler convenience and integrated rail travel with hotel bookings and local tours, boosting demand and economic benefits for tourism-related businesses. Kenya’s Standard Gauge Railway connecting Nairobi and Mombasa has similarly improved access to key tourist hubs, encouraging domestic tourism and enabling combined rail and safari packages. Meanwhile, Namibia’s Desert Express offers a luxury rail experience that showcases scenic landscapes and wildlife, attracting high-value tourists and promoting local attractions.
These examples highlight several critical success factors: modernization and digitalization of services, integration of rail travel with other tourism offerings, and the creation of unique, experience-driven journeys. Liberia’s railway reform, with its emphasis on multi-user access and stakeholder engagement, could adopt similar strategies to maximize tourism benefits.
However, challenges remain. Across sub-Saharan Africa, railway-based tourism development often grapples with infrastructure deficits, limited technical capacity, and financial constraints. Liberia’s railways will need significant investment to upgrade tracks, rolling stock, and safety systems. Institutional coordination between transport and tourism authorities must be strengthened to ensure coherent policy and marketing efforts. Additionally, raising awareness among tourists and improving service quality will be essential to attract and retain visitors.
From an economic perspective, integrated railway-tourism development can stimulate local economies by creating jobs in construction, operations, hospitality, and guiding services. It can also foster entrepreneurship in communities near railway stations, supporting small businesses and cultural enterprises. Improved rail connectivity can diversify local economies, reducing dependence on extractive industries and promoting sustainable tourism models such as ecotourism and community-based tourism. These approaches align with Liberia’s broader development goals and environmental commitments.
Moreover, Liberia has the advantage of learning from the “latecomer’s edge” — the ability to adopt innovative, sustainable tourism and transport models from the outset. Incorporating digital platforms for ticketing and visitor management, prioritizing environmental safeguards in railway construction, and fostering public-private partnerships can position Liberia as a leader in sustainable tourism development in West Africa.
In summary, Liberia’s railway reform presents a pivotal opportunity to unlock the country’s tourism potential by improving accessibility, enhancing visitor experiences, and stimulating economic growth. While challenges exist, the government’s renewed focus on institutional reform, infrastructure modernization, and stakeholder collaboration lays a strong foundation. By drawing on successful African precedents and embracing sustainable, integrated tourism strategies, Liberia can transform its railways into vital arteries for tourism and hospitality development, benefiting communities and the nation alike.
