[Monrovia, September 25, 2025] – Liberia has taken another step toward reducing rice imports and increasing local production as the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), along with the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI), and partners, hosted a two-day Multi-Stakeholders’ Dialogue on Incentives for Private Sector Investment in the Rice Value Chain at the EJS Ministerial Complex.
Deputy Agriculture Minister for Planning, Policy, and Development, David K. Akoi, called on participants to approach the dialogue with honesty and practicality. “We will be exploring key challenges and opportunities in the rice value chain. We therefore encourage each of you to share your perspectives and insights with frankness.”
For Mohamed V. Kamara, President of the National Rice Federation of Liberia (NRFL), the future of rice in Liberia depends on a shift in strategy. “What is needed is a shift from this fragmented approach to a genuine value chain approach. Every additional bag of paddy produced must have a ready buyer, be processed efficiently, and reach the consumer in a form and price that is competitive with imports.”
UN Resident Coordinator Christine Umutoni hailed the dialogue as inclusive and timely, stressing that success lies in collaboration. “Transforming the rice sector requires concerted efforts. No single actor can do it alone. Government leadership is essential, but the private sector must be empowered to invest, innovate, and scale up. This means investing in people - women, farmers, young people, entrepreneurs, and cooperatives.”
Reinforcing the need for a stronger partnership, IFAD’s Country Director Pascaline Barankeba expressed confidence in Liberia’s agricultural potential.
“The ‘Liberians Feed Yourselves’ vision is possible and achievable, but it requires joint efforts as well as strong private sector investment. We are encouraged by the fact that the rice value chain has made progress despite challenges.”
The two-day forum was to align actors across government, private sector, and development partners, present findings from a rapid MOA incentives assessment, and establish a three-year roadmap to accelerate progress toward rice self-sufficiency in Liberia.
