A three-member delegation from the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) is currently in Liberia to collaborate with the government on developing a legacy program aimed at helping to revitalize the country’s agricultural sector.
AGRA is an African-led, African based organization that seeks to catalyze agricultural transformation on the continent.
The delegation, led by Dr. Paul Thangata, Head of Data and Analytics at AGRA, arrived at the request of Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah.
Dr. Thangata explained, “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 aiming to explore how Liberia can attract investment in the selected value chains.”
AGRA’s involvement in Liberia follows its success in other African countries. In 2023, the organization helped Tanzania develop a legacy program that attracted significant investment, inspiring other nations to seek similar support.
In 2024, AGRA worked with Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Zambia to boost their agricultural sectors and attract investment. Now, Liberia has joined the list of countries benefiting from AGRA’s expertise.
“We have seen great potential, and the first indication of this is the passion of the minister and the enthusiasm of the people,” Dr. Thangata stated. “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.”
AGRA is committed to supporting smallholder farmers, recognizing them as key investors in their communities. The organization’s efforts aim to improve farmer productivity, allowing them to generate income while contributing to national food security. AGRA is also focused on attracting larger investors to Liberia’s agricultural sector, which would strengthen the capacity of local farmers.
The delegation will be in Liberia for three days, with future visits scheduled every two to three weeks.
Meanwhile, Minister Nuetah has expressed gratitude for AGRA coming to support Liberia’s agriculture, stating the collaboration is crucial in reviving the country’s agricultural sector.
“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,” Minister Nuetah said.
The agriculture minister also highlighted the upcoming AGRA annual meeting in Dakar, Senegal, where Liberia will present its legacy program to potential investors. “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 added.
This partnership between AGRA and Liberia reflects a shared vision for a thriving agricultural sector that drives food security, economic growth, and poverty reduction. The delegation’s visit marks a crucial step towards realizing that vision. Both AGRA and the Ministry of Agriculture are committed to working closely to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for Liberia’s farmers and the nation as a whole.
As the collaboration unfolds, Liberia looks forward to the opportunities that AGRA’s support will bring, setting a benchmark for other African nations looking to unlock their agricultural potential.