LiSA, RDFI Sign MOU to Standardize Weighing Systems in Liberia’s Rubber Sector
Commerce Minister Reaffirms Government’s Commitment to Quality Assurance, Consumer Protection, and Fair Trade as Pillars of National Development.
The Liberia Standards Authority (LiSA) and the Rubber Development Fund Incorporated (RDFI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at standardizing weighing instruments used in Liberia’s rubber sector, a move expected to enhance transparency, fairness, and confidence in rubber trade across the country.
The signing ceremony, witnessed by the Minister of Commerce and Industry and Chairperson of the LiSA Board, Madam Magdalene Ellen Dagoseh, brought together government officials and stakeholders committed to strengthening Liberia’s rubber value chain through improved quality infrastructure and standards.
Speaking at the event, Madam Dagoseh described the MOU as an important milestone in the country’s collective efforts to strengthen integrity, transparency, and accountability within the rubber industry.
She said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that weighing instruments used in rubber transactions are properly standardized, calibrated, verified, certified, and approved in accordance with national and international best practices.
“As the government institution responsible for promoting fair trade, consumer protection, market confidence, and private sector development, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry recognizes the critical importance of accurate measurement in commercial transactions,” the Minister stated. “Reliable weighing systems not only protect producers and buyers but also enhance trust, competitiveness, and efficiency throughout the rubber sector.”
She added that the collaboration demonstrates the Government of Liberia’s commitment to strengthening the country’s quality infrastructure and standards services as essential tools for sustainable economic growth while creating an enabling environment that supports investment, promotes accountability, and safeguards the interests of all stakeholders.
The Minister reaffirmed the Government’s unwavering commitment to promoting standards, quality assurance, consumer protection, and fair trade as pillars of national development and expressed confidence that the partnership would significantly contribute to the continued growth of Liberia’s rubber industry.
LiSA Director General, Hon. Steven Mambo, described the signing of the MOU as a pivotal moment in Liberia’s drive toward economic resilience and industrial excellence.
“This MOU represents our shared commitment to ensuring that Liberia’s green gold—rubber—is managed according to the highest standards and benchmarks,” Mambo said. “Development without standardization is unsustainable.”
He noted that the agreement is backed by a strong commitment to quality and has the core objective of providing technical support for fair trade by ensuring that stakeholders adhere to national and international quality standards in their commercial transactions.
According to Mambo, LiSA will deploy its technical expertise to support RDFI through the implementation of standardized weighing systems and the training of stakeholders throughout the rubber value chain. He thanked the RDFI leadership for recognizing LiSA as a critical partner in modernizing the sector and expressed hope that similar collaborations would be extended to other sectors of the Liberian economy.
Deputy Minister of Commerce, Tarnue Jeke, who has worked closely with RDFI over the years, highlighted the challenges confronting the rubber sector and emphasized that the standardization of weighing machines is a practical solution to many of the industry’s longstanding concerns.
RDFI Executive Director William H. Johnson thanked LiSA for its swift and professional response in establishing the partnership and reaffirmed RDFI’s commitment to the full implementation of the MOU.
Mr. Johnson noted that RDFI’s membership on the Liberia National Rubber Pricing Committee, the independent body responsible for rubber pricing, has been beneficial to rubber farmers and said the partnership with LiSA would help address persistent challenges in the sector.
He explained that the initiative would tackle the problem of fraudulent weighing practices by some buyers and reduce mistrust between sellers and buyers by introducing standardized and certified methods and procedures. He also disclosed that the MOU would establish a technical committee to oversee and sustain the implementation process.
RDFI Board Chair Tokpah Mulbah thanked LiSA and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry for their collaboration and reaffirmed RDFI’s commitment to improving conditions for rubber farmers across Liberia.
He commended RDFI’s efforts in supporting price regulation within the sector and challenged all stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the agreement to achieve its intended objectives.
The LiSA-RDFI partnership is expected to strengthen fairness and accountability in Liberia’s rubber trade by promoting standardized weighing systems, protecting producers and buyers, and enhancing the overall competitiveness of one of the country’s most important agricultural exports.
