The Government of Liberia has concluded a two-day Multi-Stakeholders’ Dialogue on Incentives for Private Sector Investment in the nation’s rice value chain, as part of broader efforts to achieve rice self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on costly imports. The event, held from September 25–26, 2025, at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, was convened by the Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI), and several development partners. It carried the theme: “Building Trust and Establishing a Shared Vision for the Rice Value Chain.” The dialogue brought together key players in the rice sector, including farmers from across Liberia, millers, private investors, and government officials, to align on a common strategy for rice transformation.
Stakeholders discussed ways to attract private investment into the sector, while also mapping out a three-year roadmap for sustained public-private dialogue. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the exercise is part of a national effort to strengthen the rice sector, empower Liberian farmers, and reduce dependence on imported rice, which has long been a driver of food insecurity and economic vulnerability in the country. “Together, we are building a stronger rice sector that puts Liberian farmers at the center of production while creating jobs and ensuring food security,” the Ministry noted. The government’s push for rice self-sufficiency also comes against the backdrop of new international partnerships aimed at transforming Liberia’s agriculture and food systems.
Just days before the dialogue, Liberia signed a five-year Country Programme Framework (CPF) with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Austria, covering the period 2026–2030. The agreement will provide major support in agriculture, health, energy, water, and environmental protection, all in line with the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development. Key priorities under the framework include the use of nuclear science to boost food and livestock production, the establishment of a radiotherapy center for cancer treatment, improved nutrition programs, energy safety planning, and enhanced water and environmental management. Agriculture Minister, Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, who signed on behalf of Liberia, described the CPF as a timely partnership that complements the government’s push for agricultural transformation.
“This new framework increases Liberia’s capacity to use science and technology for a healthier, safer, and more food-secure future,” he said. Dr. Nuetah also led a Liberian delegation to the 69th IAEA General Conference in Vienna from September 15–19, 2025, where the country reaffirmed its commitment to harnessing nuclear science for peaceful purposes. Liberia participated in the Atoms4Food Initiative, which seeks to strengthen food security across Africa, and held bilateral talks with the FAO/IAEA Centre to boost support for crops and livestock. The Minister also met with IAEA Director General, Rafael Mariano Grossi, underscoring Liberia’s commitment to strengthening global partnerships in science and development.
The conclusion of the rice dialogue and the signing of the IAEA partnership mark significant steps toward achieving food security and agricultural resilience in Liberia.. With rice serving as the country’s staple food, and with rural farmers struggling for decades to increase yields amid limited infrastructure and investment, these initiatives could prove transformative. The challenge now, according to analysts, is ensuring that commitments made during the dialogue translate into concrete action that benefits farmers and consumers alike. If effectively implemented, the combination of private sector incentives, international support, and government leadership could pave the way for Liberia to not only feed itself but also build a sustainable and competitive rice sector for the future.
Author: Zac T. Sherman
