Liberia launches US$900M agriculture program at Africa Food Systems Forum

LIBERIA – Liberia has set its sights on transforming its agriculture sector with a US$900 million Legacy Investment Program announced at the Africa Food Systems Forum 2025 in Dakar, Senegal.

The program highlights a strong national commitment to food security, rural prosperity, and inclusive economic growth.

The Forum, running from August 31 to September 5 under the theme “Africa’s Youth: Leading Collaboration, Innovation, and Implementation of Agri-Food Systems Transformation”, brought together more than 6,000 participants from 113 countries.

These included policymakers, private sector leaders, farmers, youth innovators, and development partners.

Presenting the Legacy Program, Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah called it a key part of Liberia’s agricultural transformation.

“The Legacy Investment Program focuses on increasing productivity by providing the right inputs, infrastructure, technology, and services across agricultural value chains,” he said.

The program targets major food and cash crops with ambitious production goals. Plans include 50,000 hectares of rice to reach self-sufficiency, 20,000 hectares of maize for food and livestock feed, and 15,000 hectares of coffee to revive export markets.

In addition, 20,000 hectares of cassava will strengthen food security and processing capacity, while 18,000 hectares of oil palm will boost edible oil supply and foreign exchange earnings.

Minister Nuetah noted that the program supports Liberia’s broader development vision. “This US$900 million plan is more than a national strategy; it is a roadmap for partnerships that can deliver prosperity across Africa’s food systems,” he remarked.

The launch attracted international interest, with delegations from Germany and Ireland as well as organizations such as AGRA and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Ireland reaffirmed its support for nutrition-focused agriculture, women’s empowerment, and climate-smart practices in Liberia.

“Liberia offers an enabling environment for agribusiness investment, with strong incentives and a dual currency regime that attracts private investors,” Minister Nuetah said. He reassured partners that the government will provide a supportive environment for private sector growth.

The program also aligns with Liberia’s target of reaching lower-middle-income status by 2030, cutting unemployment, and raising GDP per capita from US$866 in 2024 to US$1,115 by 2030.

Wider commitments across Africa

The Africa Food Systems Forum continues to serve as a launchpad for continental initiatives. Alongside Liberia’s announcement, the International Potato Center (CIP) and partners introduced the Partnership for Root and Tuber Crops in Africa.

The initiative promotes crops like cassava, yam, potato, and sweet potato, which already contribute over 40 percent of Africa’s food supply but remain underused.

“This Partnership brings together evidence, partnerships, and investment that can make root and tuber crops central to Africa’s food systems,” leaders said during the launch.

One panelist added, “Root and tuber crops are uniquely positioned to help Africa respond to climate challenges and meet nutritional needs, given their adaptability and role in local diets.”

With both Liberia’s Legacy Program and the root and tuber partnership on the agenda, this year’s Forum highlights a strong focus on practical investment and collaboration to reshape Africa’s food systems.

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