Bilateral relations between Germany and Liberia go back a long way. The Hanseatic cities of Lübeck, Bremen and Hamburg recognised Liberia’s independence in 1855, the first partners to do so after the UK, and opened a joint consulate in Monrovia.

After closing in 1990 due to the civil war, the German Embassy recommenced its work in Monrovia in 2005. Bilateral relations intensified while Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was President (2006-2018).

The German private sector had a strong presence in the country until the outbreak of the civil war in late 1989. German companies are currently operating in strategic sectors in Liberia such as aviation, banking, the construction industry and the postal service.

In the field of development cooperation, Germany is assisting with road repairs and waste management, and is engaged in the sphere of nature conservation (cross-border cooperation with Côte d'Ivoire) and healthcare. Furthermore, work is underway to improve access to modern, renewable energy in Liberia with the focus on facilitating access to electricity and clean energy for cooking for disadvantaged and poor population groups. Priority also attaches to health centres and schools. As part of a regional project, the Liberian Government is receiving support for the further development of a sustainable raw materials policy.