Liberia eBorder Solution Workshop

Monrovia, Liberia – A technical delegation from Somapa Information Technology (SomapaIT) has completed a successful tour of Liberia to advance the co-development of the Liberia eBorder Solution with the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS). This visit marks a significant step in a broader national effort to modernize and secure the Liberia’s border management through integrated, state-of-the-art technology.

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SomamaIT and LIS during their visit to the Ganta Border crossing.

As part of this engagement, joint SomapaIT–LIS teams visited key land border posts to assess operational requirements, including movement numbers, infrastructure and connectivity challenges. These on-site evaluations are critical to designing technology solutions that are both relevant and responsive to the needs of the Liberia’s border security agencies. Despite the complex terrain and logistical hurdles, the teams identified solutions to transition from manual processes to digital systems that improve security and efficiency at the borders.

A key focus of the visit is on the deployment of next-generation border technologies, such as real-time biometric verification, pre-arrival screening systems, and interactive Advance Passenger Information (iAPI). These tools will allow Liberian authorities to assess risk before a traveler arrives, accelerating decision-making and aligning national procedures with global aviation and border security standards.  The delegation also conducted a site assessment at Roberts International Airport, reinforcing the need for a unified, cross-border strategy that connects air and land operations.

eBorder Solution Workshop

Three day multi-agency design workshops were convened in Monrovia with the participation of key government agencies—customs, health, transport, and security—reflecting the cross-cutting nature of border management. These sessions helped familiarise the agencies with technology that can be brought to their sphere of operations, define institutional priorities and lay the groundwork for a phased, practical implementation strategy. The contribution of LCAA was particularly notable, with the agency offering insight and regulatory guidance to the dialogue.

Col. Elijah F. Rufus, Commissioner General Designate of the Liberia Immigration Service

Speaking at the official opening of the workshop, Commissioner General Designate of the Liberia Immigration Service, Col. Elijah F. Rufus, reaffirmed LIS’s commitment to the partnership and encouraged full engagement from participants:

“The work we are doing with SomapaIT is vital to the future of border management in Liberia. This partnership brings not only the technical expertise we require but also a deep understanding of how to tailor solutions to our national context. Together, we are building smarter, more secure, and more resilient border systems that protect our nation and support its growth. I encourage all agencies here to fully engage in the collaborative nature of this workshop. This is our opportunity to shape a robust, secure, and efficient migration framework—one that is firmly aligned with Liberia’s national development and security priorities.”

Mr. Nigel Manns, Executive Vice President for Global Government Engagement at SomapaIT

Mr. Nigel Manns, Executive Vice President for Global Government Engagement at SomapaIT, echoed this sentiment:

“From the outset, our engagement with LIS has been defined by partnership and shared purpose. This has been complimented by involvement many key agencies in the workshop and we are particularly honoured to have the presence of the Ministry of Justice to bring strategic vision to the project. This is not just about installing technology—it’s about delivering a system of border management that is intelligent, resilient, and nationally controlled. We are here to support Liberia in building a border architecture that serves both today’s needs and tomorrow’s challenges. The collaboration with LIS and all participating agencies is setting a strong foundation for a secure and future-ready border environment.”

Atty. A Kundukai Jalieba, Deputy Commissioner General for Operations, say 'Thanking participants for their valuable contribution'.

Mr. Abraham B. Sherman, LIS Project Lead

LIS Project Lead, Mr. Abraham B. Sherman said “The Liberia eBorder Solution is not merely a modernization project—it is a national transformation initiative. Grounded in real-world assessments and shaped through inclusive design, the solutions being developed aim to enhance Liberia’s capacity to manage its borders in a way that is secure, efficient, and aligned with international best practices. LIS officers and partner agencies throughout the visit have all remarked on the genuineness and sincerity of the Somapa approach towards collaboration  – and were unified in their support to see the projects successful implementation ”.