The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), and the European Union (EU) has officially signed a €20 million financing agreement under the NDICI–Global Europe framework, titled “Private Sector Development in Liberia – NDICI Africa Act-62431.”
The agreement was signed on Monday, June 16, marking a major milestone in Liberia’s ongoing effort to foster inclusive economic development and private sector transformation. The initiative will be implemented over four years (2025–2029) and will focus on enhancing value chains in cassava, fisheries, and food processing.
Driving Economic Growth and Job Creation
This ambitious partnership aims to increase the competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience of Liberia’s private sector—particularly in rural and underserved communities. Through targeted support to agricultural value chains and processing industries, the project seeks to:
• Create decent jobs
• Enhance environmental sustainability
• Improve market access and food systems
• Strengthen local enterprises and cooperatives
Additionally, it is designed to bolster the investment climate through regulatory reforms and enhanced public-private dialogue, improving the overall business environment.
Implementing Partners and Alignment with EU Priorities
The program will be implemented by Expertise France in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO). It is part of the EU’s Team Europe Initiatives focused on Safe and Sustainable Food Systems, Forestry, and Biodiversity, and strongly reflects the objectives of the EU Gender Action Plan III (2021–2025) by promoting gender inclusivity and economic empowerment.
The initiative aligns with the Government of Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), which prioritizes agriculture, fisheries, and sustainable natural resource management as pathways for national growth and employment generation.
Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals
This €20 million investment will directly contribute to Liberia’s progress toward achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 13: Climate Action
A Shared Commitment to a Resilient Future
Speaking at the signing ceremony, representatives from both the Liberian government and the European Union emphasized the shared commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economic future.
“This partnership is not just about aid; it’s about building a system that empowers Liberians, especially women and rural populations, to create value and thrive in their local economies,” a joint statement from the Ministry of Finance and the EU Delegation noted.
The project is expected to officially launch its first phase in the third quarter of 2025, with rollout activities planned across key agricultural and fisheries hubs nationwide.
This financing agreement represents another step in Liberia’s long-term journey toward economic self-reliance, value-added production, and environmental stewardship—with strong support from its international development partners.
