07/05/2026
Swedish-Funded Land Governance Program Equips Liberian Advocate with Global Expertise
By: Julius Konton
The Team Lead of Info Quest Liberia, Madam Sialyn Bockarie, has successfully completed the prestigious International Training Programme in Applied Land Governance (ITPL) for Liberia and Zimbabwe, marking a significant milestone in Liberia’s growing efforts to strengthen transparent and inclusive land governance systems.
The intensive international program, which ran from September 1, 2025, to May 6, 2026, was funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and implemented by Lantmäteriet, Sweden’s national mapping, cadastral, and land registration authority.
The training brought together professionals and practitioners from Liberia and Zimbabwe in a comprehensive learning exchange aimed at enhancing institutional capacity, promoting sustainable land governance, and advancing equitable land administration practices in Africa.
The eight-month program was conducted in three phases across Liberia, Sweden, and Tanzania, exposing participants to international best practices in land management, policy development, and governance reforms.
Land governance remains a critical issue across Africa, where disputes over land ownership, customary land rights, urban expansion, and natural resource management continue to affect economic growth and social stability.
According to global land governance studies, weak land administration systems disproportionately affect women and rural communities, often limiting access to economic opportunities and increasing conflict risks.
Through the program, Madam Bockarie strengthened her expertise in applying gender-responsive approaches to land governance, promoting transparency and accountability in land administration, and improving institutional collaboration for sustainable development outcomes.
Speaking following the completion of the program, Madam Bockarie described the experience as transformational and impactful for her professional growth and future contribution to Liberia’s development agenda.
“My sincere gratitude goes to Sida, Lantmäteriet, the Embassy of Sweden in Monrovia, and Info Quest Liberia for this invaluable opportunity,” she stated.
She also praised the contribution of facilitators, mentors, and fellow participants throughout the training process.
“I also acknowledge the impactful contribution of all facilitators, my incredible mentor Benny Andersson, and colleagues whose shared knowledge and experiences made this journey truly meaningful and remarkable,” she added.
Liberia has continued to prioritize land reform efforts in recent years, particularly following the passage of the landmark Land Rights Act of 2018, which recognized customary land ownership and sought to address decades of land-related disputes that contributed to instability during and after the country’s civil conflict.
Experts say strengthening institutional capacity and promoting inclusive land governance are essential to Liberia’s economic transformation, investment climate, environmental sustainability, and social cohesion.
Madam Bockarie, widely regarded as a young advocate and emerging leader, reaffirmed her commitment to applying the knowledge and experience gained from the international program toward advancing inclusive and effective land governance initiatives in Liberia and beyond.
Her completion of the internationally recognized training program highlights the increasing role of young Liberian professionals, particularly women, in shaping policy dialogue, governance reforms, and sustainable development initiatives across the country and the African continent.
