You have permission to edit this article.
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, may God protect and preserve him, has issued a Royal Decree establishing the International Financial Centre of Oman (IFC Oman) and enacting its own dedicated law. Under the Law of the International Financial Centre of Oman, issued by Royal Decree No. In addition, three independent entities shall operate in accordance with the provisions of the law: the International Financial Centre of Oman Authority, International Financial Centre of Oman Regulator, and International Financial Centre of Oman Dispute Resolution Authority, each exercising its respective mandates independently. The establishment of International Financial Centre of Oman represents the ongoing efforts to achieve financial stability and economic diversification. The Centre will feature an innovative and advanced financial services infrastructure and will provide a secure and transparent environment for financial institutions and investors.
By Alfred KollieMonrovia, Liberia — The Center for National Documents and Records Agency (CNDRA), commonly known as the National Archives of Liberia, has launched an ambitious Five-Year Strategic Development Plan aimed at modernizing the country’s documentary heritage and repositioning the institution for national and global relevance. Speaking at a ceremony held at the agency’s headquarters in Sinkor, Director General Mr. D. Nelson Bearngar described the launch as a historic milestone in the transformation of the National Archives. He said the plan, titled “Five-Year Strategic Goals,” will serve as a roadmap for strengthening the agency’s capacity to effectively carry out its statutory mandate. The Five-Year Strategic Plan is expected to significantly strengthen national records management and preservation, while positioning the National Archives as a critical pillar in Liberia’s governance, accountability, and historical documentation framework. The launch of the strategic plan underscores the National Archives of Liberia’s renewed commitment to preserving the nation’s documentary heritage while embracing modernization, innovation, and international best practices.
James T. BrooksVOINJAMA, LOFA COUNTY — In a landmark visit to Lofa County University (LCU) this Wednesday, Liberia’s Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, lauded the institution’s rapid evolution from a struggling community college into a thriving hub of higher learning. The campus has also seen significant upgrades to basic amenities, including the installation of running water and modern restrooms. However, the university’s success has created what Dr. Podah calls a “good problem”—an unprecedented surge in growth. The atmosphere turned deeply personal when a student, Isaac Mustafa, publicly thanked Minister Ngafuan for a private scholarship initiative he established in 2012.
Monrovia- Nimba County District Representative Musa Hassan Bility has condemned the Legislature’s handling of port reform legislation, describing the proposed Port Autonomy Law as “improper” and “dangerous.” He warned that its passage without due process risks plunging Liberia’s port system into confusion and institutional chaos. The re-passed legislation consists of two interrelated measures: the Liberia Sea and Inland Ports Regulatory Authority Act of 2024 and the Liberia Sea and Inland Ports Decentralization and Modernization Act of 2024. “But the question is, don’t they already have it?”Drawing on his experience, Bility asserted his authority on port governance. “A significant decision of the port is made by the port manager and the management,” Bility noted. The Attorney General cautioned that the Liberia Sea and Inland Ports Regulatory Authority Act creates a framework that departs sharply from both established domestic governance trends and international best practices.
By Alex VinesAfrica’s political and economic outlook in 2026 is defined less by crisis than by contradiction. Fewer elections are scheduled than in 2025, yet democratic choice continues to narrow for those who do go to the polls. The common thread is a widening gap between electoral form and political substance, pushing political pressure beyond the ballot box. Wars that refuse to endIf elections are one axis of instability, armed conflict is the other. Growth without jobs, elections without choice and peace processes without peace form a combustible mix.
By Amos HarrisMONROVIA – The Patriotic Entrepreneurs of Liberia (PATEL) has formally distanced itself from a planned protest allegedly being organized under its name. While ruling out protest actions, Chairman Nimely raised serious concerns regarding the poor quality of services provided by GSM companies in Liberia. He lamented persistent call failures, delayed connections, and unreliable internet services, noting that Liberians pay some of the highest telecommunications tariffs in the region for substandard delivery. The PATEL Chairman also offered a sharp critique of the implementation of Liberia’s liberalization policy. In closing, the PATEL Chairman maintained that while protests may attract attention, they are not always the best solution for sustainable growth.
