In a renewed push to transform its struggling agricultural sector, Liberia has partnered with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) to develop a flagship legacy program aimed at attracting investment and improving food security.

A three-member AGRA delegation, led by Dr. Paul Thangata, Head of Data and Analytics, arrived in Monrovia this week at the invitation of Liberia’s Minister of Agriculture, Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah. The visit marks the beginning of what both parties describe as a strategic collaboration to position Liberia as a competitive destination for agricultural investment.

“Our role at AGRA is to help Liberia position itself as an attractive destination for both smallholder and large-scale investors, not only in Africa but the whole world, to ensure food security and income generation for the people of Liberia.”

“We assist countries in finding investors.  To do this, we typically examine the data. We will collaborate with the government on the value chains identified as priorities to explore how Liberia can attract investment in the selected value chains.”
Dr. Thangata said. 

The AGRA team will spend three days in the country, holding technical discussions with stakeholders and reviewing key agricultural data. These visits will continue every two to three weeks, paving the way for the presentation of Liberia’s legacy program at AGRA’s annual summit in Dakar, Senegal, this September.

Liberia’s decision to engage AGRA follows the organization’s successful legacy programs in several African countries including Tanzania, Rwanda, Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, and Zambia. These programs have attracted millions in investment and strengthened food systems across the continent.

Minister Nuetah expressed optimism about the new partnership. “We requested AGRA’s assistance based on our initial engagement with Mr. Jonathan Saa, Vice President of Technical Expertise at AGRA, and we are confident that this partnership will help us develop a flagship program to transform our agricultural sector,” he stated. 

AGRA’s approach emphasizes data-driven planning, inclusive of both smallholder and commercial farmers. By focusing on key value chains, the organization aims to create systems that promote productivity, increase income for rural communities, and ensure long-term food security.

The collaboration also signals Liberia’s intent to modernize its agriculture through public-private partnerships. Minister Nuetah said Liberia will use the AGRA platform in Dakar to present a clear investment case. “Our goal is to ensure that when we leave Dakar in September, we see not only interest but also tangible investments that will help us develop additional projects in the agriculture sector,” he emphasized.

With agriculture being a major source of livelihood in Liberia, the AGRA partnership offers a renewed sense of hope for farmers and policymakers alike. The coming months are expected to shape the future of the sector and redefine Liberia’s role in regional food systems.