Lofa County — Economic Profile

County Overview

• Capital: Voinjama
• Region: North-Central
• Year: 2,024
• Population: 367,376
• Land Area (km²): 9,980
• GDP Contribution (USD M): 188
• GDP Share %: 4
• Growth Rate %: 4.8
• Gov Allocation (USD): 720,000
• Main Resources: Gold, timber, fertile agricultural land

Key Industries

• Agriculture
• Gold mining
• Logging

Agricultural Products

• Rice
• Cassava
• Coffee
• Cocoa
• Vegetables

Social Programs & Development Funding

• Total Programs: 1
• Total Funding (USD): 1,400,000
• Total Beneficiaries: 30,000
• Food Security & Livelihoods: 1,400,000 USD · 30,000 beneficiaries · WFP / FAO (2024)

National Trade Context

• Year: 2,026
• Total Exports (USD): 199.97
• Total Imports (USD): 261.94
• Trade Balance (USD): -61.97
• FDI Inflows (USD): 0
• Remittances (USD): 84.78
• Top Export Commodity: Rubber
• Top Import Commodity: Fuel
• Top Trading Partners: United States, Canada, Switzerland

Private Sector Context (National)

• Year: 2,024
• Total GDP Contribution (USD M): 545.5
• Total Employment: 29,270
• ArcelorMittal Liberia: 480,000,000 USD revenue · 3,200 employees · mining
• Firestone Natural Rubber: 185,000,000 USD revenue · 6,800 employees · agriculture
• BRAC Liberia: 12,000,000 USD revenue · 450 employees · social services
• Save the Children Liberia: 8,500,000 USD revenue · 320 employees · health & education
• SME Sector Aggregate: 95,000,000 USD revenue · 18,500 employees · mixed (trade, services, manufacturing)

Economic Analysis & Outlook

Lofa County, situated in Liberia's north-central region with a capital in Voinjama, stands as a critical pillar of the national economy with a GDP of 188 million USD, contributing 4% to the total national output. The region is currently experiencing a stable growth rate of 4.8%, underpinned by its robust agricultural base and mineral wealth. Key industrial activities include the large-scale production of essential commodities such as rice, cassava, coffee, and cocoa, complemented by significant contributions from gold mining and logging. Despite a population of 367,376, the county maintains a relatively modest government budget allocation of 720,000 USD, though this is effectively augmented by strategic social initiatives that provide critical support to 30,000 beneficiaries through a 1.4 million USD funding allocation. While the broader national trade balance remains in a deficit of 61.97 million USD, Lofa's productive capacity in agriculture and extractive resources positions it as a vital hub for regional economic resilience. Investment opportunities within the county are particularly high in the value-added agricultural sector, where there is significant potential to process coffee and cocoa locally to improve export revenues. However, the lack of current Foreign Direct Investment remains a notable risk factor that limits infrastructure scaling and technological advancement. Looking forward, the outlook for Lofa is cautiously optimistic; if the county can successfully bridge the gap between its primary production capabilities and downstream processing industries, it could transition from a raw material supplier to a more diversified regional engine. Sustained growth will likely depend on formalizing artisanal mining sectors and attracting targeted private capital to improve logistical networks, which would mitigate existing trade imbalances and catalyze long-term regional development.