Find Out How to Get a Job and Work in Monrovia

Employment in Monrovia

Monrovia, and the whole country of Liberia, is still in recovery from the First Liberian Civil War, which ended in 1996.

The civil war took a heavy toll on Liberia’s infrastructure, especially around Monrovia, and it also meant that many businesses left the area during fighting. The businesses returned slowly and the economy was growing until the ebola outbreak in 2014 forced many to leave again.

Economic Overview

The largest economic sector in Monrovia was traditionally Iron Mining. This accounted for more than half of Monrovia’s earnings in exports before their civil war. After the disruption of the civil war, the output of the mines and the demand for Liberian Iron has been in decline.

Other important economic sectors for Liberia include forestry, as timber and rubber are now Liberia’s highest earning export. Liberia also has limited gold and diamond supplies, which are being mined and exported, and there is some trade for these in Monrovia.

Typical expat jobs in Monrovia currently are in healthcare and aid relief.

Job Hunting in Monrovia

Because the infrastructure in Monrovia is still so weak, it can be hard to find an official source for job listings. Work is short, but there are daily papers listing job vacancies; you should also check international job websites, and enquire by word of mouth.

There are a number of city and country-wide publications that could be used to track job advertisements. The majority of these publications are written in English, although occasionally French versions are available as well. Papers available only in Monrovia include the 1847 Post, The Inquirer Newspaper and The New Republic.

The main website for job-hunting in Liberia is Alljobsinliberia.com, which lists job vacancies across Liberia, some of which may be in Monrovia. It is also worth contacting the embassy of your home country in Liberia, if there is one. They may know of suitable jobs available.

Income Taxation in Monrovia

Liberia has a progressive personal income tax, and the tax rates are as follows:

• Up to 70,000 LRD — 0%
• 70,001–200,000 LRD — 5%
• 200,001–800,000 LRD — 15%
• Above 800,001 LRD — 25%

It should be noted that any non-cash benefits and gifts provided by the employing company are valued at 100% of their market value and included in the personal income taxation, but only if their aggregate value is more than 100,000 LRD annually.