FAO Director-General Dr. Qu Dongyu today launched the Hand-in-Hand Initiative and the One Country, One Priority Product (OCOP) program in Monrovia, with Coffea Liberica selected as Liberia’s flagship commodity under OCOP. This milestone strengthens Liberia’s efforts to boost food security, increase value addition, and modernize the agrifood sector. Coffea Liberica, a rare coffee species native to Liberia, was chosen for its unique qualities and strong potential in the global coffee market.
Liberia is now the first African country to introduce a coffee product under the OCOP framework. Dr. Qu described the launch as a turning point: “This is an important moment for Liberia’s agrifood transformation. Our focus is on real, measurable results and farmers are at the heart of this change.” Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah praised the partnership: “We thank FAO for the collaboration. Coffea Liberica will drive new jobs, attract investment, and become a symbol of innovation and economic empowerment for Liberians.”
The Hand-in-Hand and OCOP programs will help Liberia: Strengthen climate-resilient farming Increase productivity and competitiveness Expand agribusiness and job creation Boost its presence in the specialty coffee market This launch deepens FAO–Government collaboration and reaffirms a shared commitment to making agriculture a powerful engine of inclusive national development.
