The Government of Liberia and the European Investment Bank (EIB), West and Central Africa are in the final stages of negotiating a US$50m concessional loan aimed at enhancing rice production in Liberia.
The Ministry of Information revealed that the loan, once finalized, is intended to reduce the country’s dependence on imported rice and strengthen food security.
The project will be implemented in collaboration with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to ensure its effectiveness.
President Joseph Boakai has urged the EIB team to collaborate closely with Liberia’s Ministry of Agriculture to identify the key counties for project implementation, stressing the urgency of quick action to deliver tangible results.
President Boakai emphasized the importance of revitalizing Liberia’s agricultural systems, which were severely impacted by years of civil conflict.
He highlighted the need to leverage local infrastructure and expertise, stating, “We must work with those who understand the land and the needs of our farmers.”
The EIB delegation acknowledged that discussions were progressing swiftly, with plans for the project to commence soon.
They commended Liberia’s Minister of Agriculture for the country’s National Agricultural Development Plan (NADP) and expressed their commitment to aligning the project with Liberia’s agricultural agenda.
Alexander Nuetah, Liberia’s Agriculture Minister, who was also present at the meeting, underscored the need to synchronize the EIB-funded project with the nation’s agricultural priorities.
He highlighted key areas such as market access and water management, noting, “We aim to increase production by encouraging farmers to shift to lowland areas where irrigation can be managed more effectively.”
President Boakai called for a coordinated approach to ensure the efficient execution of the project, urging the EIB and partners to address Liberia’s agricultural priorities as outlined in the NADP.
The EIB delegation, led by Vice President Gelsomina Vigliotti, included senior officials such as Felipe Ortega Schillingmann, head of the Bio-Economy Division; Svetia Stoeva, head of the West and Central Africa Public Sector Unit; and Senior Economist Blanca Amado.
Minister Nuetah expressed optimism about the loan’s potential impact on improving rice yields, enhancing processing capabilities, and creating economic opportunities for farmers.
EIB Vice president Vigliotti reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s agricultural sector, and other senior EIB officials emphasized their dedication to advancing sustainable agriculture in collaboration with the Liberian Government.
