In a major step toward strengthening Liberia’s private sector, the Government of Liberia and the European Union have signed a €20 million financing agreement aimed at enhancing competitiveness and sustainability across key economic sectors.
The agreement, signed under the EU’s NDICI–Global Europe framework, launches the “Private Sector Development in Liberia NDICI Africa Act-62431” project, a four-year initiative focused on improving value chains in cassava, fisheries, and food processing.
At the official signing ceremony held in Monrovia, officials highlighted the project’s potential to stimulate job creation, boost rural livelihoods, and improve the business climate through targeted reforms and public-private dialogue.
“This partnership underscores our shared commitment to sustainable economic transformation,” said a representative from Liberia’s Ministry of Finance and Development Planning. “By investing in agriculture and food processing, we are laying the foundation for inclusive growth and long-term resilience.”
The project will be implemented by Expertise France in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO). It aims not only to support business development but also to promote environmental sustainability and gender inclusion ~ principles central to the EU’s development cooperation policies.
According to EU officials, the initiative aligns with the Team Europe Initiatives on Safe and Sustainable Food Systems as well as Forestry and Biodiversity. It also supports the EU Gender Action Plan III (2021–2025), reinforcing efforts to diversify Liberia’s economy through women’s empowerment and sustainable value chain development.
The program contributes directly to several global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Gender Equality (SDG 5), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), and Climate Action (SDG 13).
Domestically, the initiative complements the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), with a focus on agriculture, fisheries, and forest-based industries as strategic engines of national growth and employment.
The agreement reflects the strong and ongoing partnership between Liberia and the European Union, united in a vision of a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economic future.
