The Government of Liberia has officially broken ground for a transformative $19.4 million Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) in Buchanan, signaling a major push to boost industrial agriculture and job creation.
Vice President Jeremiah K. Koung presided over the groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, May 23 , 2025, handing over the official deed for the 200-hectare site to the Liberia Special Economic Zone Authority (LSEZA). The SAPZ project is a key initiative under President Joseph Boakai’s ARREST Agenda, aimed at revitalizing the country’s agriculture and rural economy.
The ambitious project, co-funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Liberia, is expected to generate more than 156,000 jobs. It will also include the construction of modern agro-processing facilities, as well as the development of essential infrastructure such as power and road connectivity.
“This is a new chapter for Liberian farmers,” said Vice President Koung. “This zone will unlock the full potential of our agriculture sector by providing the facilities and opportunities needed to process and export Liberian produce at scale.”
The SAPZ is anticipated to not only increase agricultural productivity but also open new export markets for local farmers, further integrating Liberia into regional and global value chains.
Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, development partners, Liberia Special Economic Zone and local stakeholders attended the event, expressing optimism about the project’s potential to drive inclusive economic growth across Grand Bassa County and beyond.
