ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to examine and compare Liberia’s developmental challenge during its encounter, first with Ebola and then COVID-19, and to determine which pandemics had the most severe economic impact on the country’s development efforts and human security since the end of its civil war. The chapter argues that COVID-19 could further wipe out post-war economic gains in the country and further frustrate Liberia’s development efforts more than the catastrophic havoc from Ebola if the government fails to pursue appropriately targeted policies and corrective measures. As part of this discussion, I highlight how the seeming neglect and failure to follow appropriate developmental guidelines, including productivity-driven growth and diversification, will slow and frustrate Liberia’s chance of recovery and achieving its developmental agenda. Ultimately, the conclusion that I gesture towards is that the Liberian government’s embarkment on mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the country’s economy should stimulate the economy into achieving higher growth rates and development.
