By Amos Harris
MONROVIA, Liberia—The Government of Liberia has announced the arrival of the first consignment of rice donated by the People’s Republic of China, a significant step in the ongoing bilateral cooperation to address food security in the country.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the initial shipment of 720 metric tons of rice, equivalent to approximately 14,400 bags of 25kg, is scheduled to dock at the Freeport of Monrovia on Saturday, September 20, 2025. The remaining consignments will follow in phases between October and November of this year, bringing the total grant to 3,600 metric tons.
The rice donation was secured through a high-level bilateral agreement between President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing on September 6, 2024. This initiative is part of broader efforts to deepen cooperation and strengthen China–Liberia relations in key areas such as agriculture, infrastructure, and economic development.
The Ministry emphasized that the rice will be managed under the supervision of the Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee (MSC), chaired by the Minister of Commerce and Industry. The MSC has been mandated to ensure a transparent distribution process, guaranteeing the donation is used for its intended purpose of supporting vulnerable populations and stabilizing the domestic rice market.
“This donation comes at a critical time when the government is intensifying efforts to reduce economic hardship and strengthen national food security,” the Ministry noted. “The Government of Liberia expresses profound gratitude to the Government and people of the People’s Republic of China for this generous show of solidarity and enduring friendship.”
The grant was formally cemented through an Exchange of Notes signed by Chinese Ambassador Yin Chengwu and Liberia’s Foreign Minister, Sara Beysolow Nyanti. Both governments highlighted the agreement as a continuation of the strong diplomatic partnership that has flourished over recent decades.
Rice remains Liberia’s staple food, and fluctuations in its availability and price have long posed challenges for households and policymakers. Analysts say the grant will not only provide immediate relief but also reinforce government-led interventions designed to stabilize the rice supply chain.
Beyond food assistance, China has consistently contributed to Liberia’s national development agenda through investments in roads, public buildings, health facilities, and educational initiatives. Projects such as the construction of the Ministerial Complex, the annex to the Capitol Building, and ongoing technical and vocational training programs are cited as examples of China’s enduring role in Liberia’s progress.
Observers view this latest gesture as another reaffirmation of China’s commitment to Liberia’s socio-economic growth, particularly at a time when global food insecurity continues to pose challenges to developing nations. As the first shipment makes its way into Liberian territory, citizens and stakeholders will be watching closely to ensure that the rice is equitably distributed, with the hope that the broader grant will make a lasting impact on the country’s food security and further cement Liberia–China ties.
