The Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) of Liberia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Canada-based GCG Supply Chain Corporation to enhance public procurement capacity and promote knowledge-sharing in international procurement and supply-chain management. The agreement was signed on September 26, 2026, in Washington, D.C., during the Liberia Diaspora Annual Conference. PPCC Executive Director Bodger Scott Johnson and GCG Founder and Chief Executive Officer Steve Guagliano represented their respective organizations.
The partnership aims to provide a framework for cooperation in procurement capacity-building, international market knowledge, professional training, and supply-chain education. The agreement is expected to support the development of Liberian procurement professionals, enhance understanding of international suppliers and sourcing practices, and strengthen institutional capacity within Liberia's public procurement sector. This collaboration will focus on improving procurement knowledge and professional capacity, increasing understanding of international logistics and commercial risks.
The MOU outlines several areas of cooperation, including procurement training, supplier intelligence, logistics and shipping, Incoterms, trade documentation, commercial-risk management, and market benchmarking. It also provides opportunities for professional workshops, seminars, and knowledge exchange among practitioners. Additionally, the parties will develop non-binding training materials, case studies, and educational methodologies to support capacity building.
A key aspect of the agreement is that it does not grant GCG any regulatory authority or procurement decision-making powers. The PPCC will retain full independence over regulation, monitoring, compliance, investigations, complaints, policy, standards, and oversight. All areas of cooperation will remain subject to applicable Liberian laws and regulations, ensuring that the PPCC maintains control over procurement processes.
Under the agreement, the PPCC will identify institutional capacity-building priorities and coordinate approved training activities. GCG will provide international commercial and supply-chain expertise, training resources, market knowledge, and professional-development support in accordance with mutually agreed work plans. The partnership's objectives include promoting economy, efficiency, transparency, and value for money in public procurement.
The Government of Liberia has welcomed the agreement, describing it as a platform for bringing international expertise and private-sector networks to bear on national development priorities. The government commended Johnson and the PPCC, along with Guagliano and GCG Supply Chain Corporation, for advancing the partnership. This collaboration reflects the broader role of the Liberia Trade and Investment Office in Canada in strengthening Liberia's trade and investment relationships.
The partnership between PPCC and GCG Supply Chain Corporation is expected to contribute to stronger institutions, enhanced professional capacity, and more effective use of public resources in Liberia. The agreement will help address the issue of public money being exposed to waste in procurement processes. By improving procurement practices, Liberia aims to achieve better value for money on public contracts nationwide, ultimately benefiting the country's development.
Key points
- The MOU aims to strengthen public procurement capacity and promote knowledge-sharing in international procurement and supply-chain management.
- The partnership will focus on improving procurement knowledge and professional capacity, increasing understanding of international logistics and commercial risks.
- The agreement does not grant GCG any regulatory authority or procurement decision-making powers, ensuring the PPCC retains full oversight.
