President Joseph Nyuma Boakai of Liberia met with a European Investment Bank (EIB) delegation in Rome to discuss a $50 million concessional loan aimed at developing the rice value chain in Liberia. The EIB team was led by Vice President for West and Central Africa, Madam Gelsomina Vigliotti.
Vice President Vigliotti reiterated the EIB's commitment to supporting sustainable agricultural development in Liberia. The proposed loan will fund infrastructure critical to enhancing rice production, contributing to Liberia's self-sufficiency goals in food production. The initiative includes collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
President Boakai emphasized the need to rebuild Liberia’s agricultural systems, severely impacted by a 14-year civil crisis. He stressed using local infrastructure and expertise: “We must work with those who know the land and the needs of our farmers,” he stated. “The revitalization of our agricultural sector is key to rebuilding our economy and ensuring food security for our people.”
The EIB delegation noted that discussions were advancing rapidly, with project commencement expected soon. They praised Liberia’s National Agricultural Development Plan, coordinated by Minister of Agriculture Dr. Alexander Nuetah, aligning it with the government's agriculture development agenda.
Minister Nuetah highlighted plans to encourage farming in lowland areas for better irrigation management and market access as essential for success.
President Boakai urged efficient execution through coordination, ensuring alignment with Liberia’s agriculture development priorities.
The EIB delegation included Vice President Gelsomina Vigliotti, Bio-Economy Division Head Felipe Ortega Schillingmann, West and Central Africa Public Sector Unit Head Svetia Stoeva, and Senior Economist Blanca Amado. Agriculture remains central to Liberia’s development strategy.
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