Monrovia, Liberia – President Joseph N. Boakai pointed out that agriculture is the cornerstone of Liberia’s economic independence as he officially opened the National Agriculture Fair (NAF) 2025. He also promised to boost investments in roads, automation, and farmer empowerment to ensure the country can feed itself.
The Liberian leader described the fair as “a celebration of who we are as Liberians” and a reflection of the nation’s resiliency and potential while addressing farmers, cooperatives, traditional leaders, development partners, and government representatives on Friday, December 12, 20245, in Nimba County.
President Boakai explained that Liberia’s hardworking farmers and rich soil continue to be its greatest assets, drawing on his experience as a former Minister of Agriculture. However, he cautioned that output without market access restricts growth. He emphasized that in order to link rural areas to markets, schools, and medical facilities, his administration is giving feeder road rehabilitation first priority.
The President also highlighted the expanding influence of agriculture by citing recent economic advances, pointing out that Liberia’s economy grew by 4.0 percent last year, with a major contribution from agriculture. Boakai revealed that while rice production climbed by 8.5%, rubber production jumped by about 18%. The increases were attributed to better roads, better policies, and a greater focus on farmers by the government.
The Liberian leader did, however, announce plans to build 13 fully functional agricultural mechanization service centers around the country by 2026. He said that this action would alleviate the tremendous labor strain that women, who account for over 60% of Liberia’s agricultural workers, bear. He underlined, “Mechanization is not just about machines; it is about dignity.”
The President advised the audience to view agriculture as a cutting-edge, technologically advanced industry with prospects in agribusiness, data, logistics, and innovation. While expressing gratitude to foreign partners such as IFAD, FAO, the World Bank, AfDB, WFP, and the European Union, he emphasized that Liberians must ultimately lead and maintain their own agricultural future.
President Boakai, “As we feed ourselves, we free ourselves, formally opening the National Agriculture Fair 2025 and calling on Liberians to unite around agriculture as the foundation for national pride, prosperity, and lasting development.”
