Liberia Secures US$50 Million IFAD Boost …As Pres. Boakai Pledges US$100,000 Support

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. has returned to Liberia after a high-profile visit to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to agricultural transformation. 

During a pivotal meeting on the sidelines of the 38th African Union Summit, President Boakai secured an allocation of over US$50 million from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) under IFAD 13. 

Additionally, the Liberian government pledged US$100,000 in support of IFAD’s initiatives, a move that highlights the country’s commitment to boosting food security.

The meeting with IFAD President Alvaro Lario focused on Liberia’s agricultural priorities and strategies to enhance the nation’s agro-food system. 

President Boakai praised IFAD’s unwavering support, particularly its recent decision to establish an IFAD office in Liberia, which was finalized in 2023. 

He lauded IFAD’s efforts in strengthening the nation’s agricultural value chain and assured that Liberia’s pledged contribution would be made in a timely manner.

In response, Mr. Lario welcomed Liberia’s financial commitment and reiterated IFAD’s dedication to bolstering food production and rural development. 

He emphasized that the partnership between Liberia and IFAD is critical in tackling food insecurity, reducing poverty, and creating sustainable agricultural solutions.

One of the key highlights of President Boakai’s discussion was IFAD’s impact on Liberia’s tree crop sector. 

He specifically acknowledged IFAD’s contributions to the development of a cocoa seed garden in Nimba County, a project that will provide high-yield hybrid cocoa seeds to farmers by 2026. 

This initiative is expected to revolutionize Liberia’s cocoa industry by improving yields and boosting exports.

To further cement Liberia’s agricultural collaboration with IFAD, President Boakai invited Mr. Lario to visit Liberia and witness firsthand the progress being made in the sector. 

He extended a personal invitation for the IFAD chief to tour the newly established cocoa seed garden and assess its potential impact on Liberia’s cocoa production.

Beyond tree crops, the Liberian leader also commended IFAD’s interventions in rice and vegetable farming. 

He highlighted the success of the Climate Resilience Project, which is rehabilitating over 1,000 hectares of lowland rice farms in Bong and Nimba Counties. 

The project also includes the provision of modern rice mills to minimize post-harvest losses and improve overall efficiency in rice production.

President Boakai stressed the need for enhanced infrastructure to support Liberia’s agricultural expansion. 

He praised IFAD’s investment in the rehabilitation of 308.64 km of farm-to-market roads in Lofa and Nimba counties.

Improved road networks, he noted, will facilitate access to markets, drive down commodity prices, and encourage trade within Liberia and across regional borders.

Further demonstrating his commitment to long-term food security, President Boakai proposed an international and regional conference to mobilize resources for Liberia’s "Liberians Feed Yourselves" Agenda. 

IFAD responded positively to this initiative, with President Boakai directing the Agriculture Minister to initiate the necessary follow-up discussions.

President Boakai also underscored the importance of poultry production as a strategic priority for his administration. 

He urged IFAD to support Liberia’s efforts to produce 80% of its domestic poultry needs by the end of next year. 

According to him, self-sufficiency in poultry will reduce dependency on imports and create thousands of jobs for Liberians.

In response, Mr. Lario reaffirmed IFAD’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s grassroots agricultural initiatives. 

He commended President Boakai’s Agricultural and Agro-Industrial Development Initiative (AAID), which prioritizes inclusivity and community-driven agricultural transformation.

The high-level meeting also saw the participation of Bernard Hien, IFAD’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa, and Madam Mamaka Bility, Liberia’s Minister of State Without Portfolio. 

Their presence underscored the significance of the discussions and the collaborative efforts to advance Liberia’s agricultural sector.

President Boakai’s diplomatic engagements in Addis Ababa reflect his broader vision of forging strategic partnerships to propel Liberia’s economy forward. 

His administration has placed agricultural development at the forefront of its national agenda, recognizing that a robust agro-sector is key to economic growth and rural prosperity.

As Liberia prepares to receive over $50 million in IFAD funding from 2026, the government’s $100,000 contribution signals its readiness to take ownership of its agricultural transformation. 

The funds are expected to be channeled into critical projects that will improve food production, enhance climate resilience, and support smallholder farmers.

With Liberia’s agriculture sector receiving a major boost, expectations are high that these investments will yield tangible benefits for farmers and consumers alike. 

The success of the initiatives will largely depend on effective implementation, continuous stakeholder engagement, and sustained government commitment.

President Boakai’s trip to Addis Ababa has undoubtedly reinforced Liberia’s position as a committed partner in global agricultural development. 

His government’s proactive stance on food security and rural empowerment sends a clear message: Liberia is determined to build a sustainable and resilient agricultural future.