
This study examines Liberia’s post-war economic development from 2006 to 2015, particularly focusing on the transformative period following Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s historic election as the first female president in Africa amidst a backdrop of civil conflict. It scrutinizes the nation’s reconstruction efforts, economic policies, and the myriad challenges encountered in its journey towards recovery and sustainable growth. Liberia’s post-war landscape was marked by the aftermath of two devastating civil wars, leaving the economy shattered, infrastructure in disrepair, and social services in ruins. The emergence of warlords exploiting natural resources compounded the difficulty of reintegrating former combatants into the formal economy, exacerbating existing inequalities rooted in historical political and economic exclusions. The study traces the origins of Liberia’s conflicts to deep-seated issues of political and economic exclusion, perpetuated by a concentration of power and resources in the hands of a privileged elite, particularly marginalizing indigenous communities. Despite progress under Sirleaf’s presidency, challenges persist, including poor infrastructure, limited access to credit, and weak institutional capacity, alongside enduring socio-economic disparities. The study’s objectives encompass a comprehensive analysis of post-war economic policies, drivers of growth, factors contributing to conflict, the impact of civil wars on the economy, and the government’s role in sustaining recovery. By examining Liberia’s post-war economic trajectory, this study enriches understanding of the complexities inherent in conflict recovery, emphasizing the critical intersections between peacebuilding, economic development, and social reconstruction, and advocating for inclusive governance and resilient institutions to ensure sustainable peace and prosperity.