The World Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Liberia’s agricultural transformation through the effective use of its Country Partnership Framework (CPF), as Liberia Country Manager Georgia Wallen addressed farmers, government officials, and development partners at the 2025 National Agriculture Fair in Ganta, Nimba County. Speaking under the theme “Empowering Farmers, Enriching the Nation,” Ms. Wallen praised Liberia’s farmers for their resilience and indispensable contribution to national development, noting that agriculture remains the backbone of the country’s economy.
“Today we salute the men and women whose daily work nourishes Liberians countrywide,” she said. “Your efforts impact every life across every community and every county. Farmers are at the heart of Liberia’s economy especially women farmers, who play a pivotal role and produce an estimated 93 percent of Liberia’s food.” The Fair, attended by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, the Minister of Agriculture, members of the Cabinet, senior government officials, and international partners, served as a platform to highlight both the challenges and opportunities facing Liberia’s agrifood system.
Despite Liberia’s abundant natural endowments fertile land, favorable climate, and ample water resources Ms. Wallen acknowledged that the country continues to spend significant foreign exchange importing basic food commodities such as rice, poultry, and vegetables. “However, the future can be different,” she emphasized. “This is the ambition of the economic transformation focus of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.” According to the World Bank Country Manager, unlocking Liberia’s agricultural potential will require targeted public investments, smart incentives to mobilize private sector participation, and sustained policy commitment.
She outlined several critical pillars for transformation, including predictable financing for producers, improved market and storage infrastructure, access to quality inputs and extension services, and the adoption of climate-smart and digital solutions to boost productivity and reduce risk. Ms. Wallen assured stakeholders that the World Bank Group remains firmly committed to Liberia’s agricultural agenda through its new Country Partnership Framework. “Through our new WBG Country Partnership Framework, we will continue to partner with Liberia in transforming the agrifood system to be more efficient, more inclusive, and more sustainable,” she said.
“We are supporting productivity gains, stronger value chains, resilient markets, and opportunities that translate into jobs especially for Liberia’s vibrant youth.” She described the National Agriculture Fair as more than a celebration, calling it “another spark in a national drive for food system transformation,” one that has the potential to improve household nutrition, expand livelihoods in farming and agribusiness, and retain more value within the Liberian economy. In closing, Ms. Wallen expressed gratitude to President Boakai, government leaders, and farmers across the country for their leadership and partnership, while wishing participants a successful Fair and renewed progress toward food security.
“We wish you continued progress toward an increasingly food-secure and prosperous Liberia,” she concluded. The 2025 National Agriculture Fair continues in Ganta with exhibitions, policy dialogues, and farmer showcases aimed at strengthening Liberia’s path toward sustainable agricultural growth and economic transformation.
Author: Zac T. Sherman
