The Liberia Agriculture Commodity Regulatory Authority (LACRA) has unveiled an ambitious plan to revive the coffee industry.
For that, officials have disclosed that a Dubai-based investment firm, has expressed interest in committing up to US$1 billion to the sector.
The announcement was made during a visit by LACRA Executive Director, Christopher D. Sankolo, to coffee seedling and nursery sites in Gbarnga, Bong County, where he inspected ongoing efforts to expand coffee production and restore position as a major agricultural producer.
Sankolo praised LACRA staff, farmers, and development partners for their commitment to strengthen coffee cultivation.
He described the establishment of coffee nurseries as a step to rebuild a sector that once served as an important source of income and employment.
Sankolo said, collaboration and teamwork will be essential in transforming the coffee industry into a key driver of economic growth.
He informed the gathering that LACRA has pursued amendments to enhance the Agency’s mandate, and create a more attractive environment for investors.
“Consultations with members of the Legislature have been encouraging, increasing optimism that the proposed reforms will receive timely consideration.”
Sankolo further disclosed that discussions with an international investment company based in Dubai, have generated strong interest in Liberia’s coffee sector.
He said, the potential investor considers Liberian coffee highly competitive, and believes the country possesses enormous potential for large-scale production and processing.
Sankolo acknowledged that access to land remains one of the major challenges facing agricultural development.
However, he said, government’s revised agricultural framework will enable LACRA to work closely with local communities to facilitate land-use agreements that protect community interests while attracting investment.
Under the proposed arrangement, communities will remain stakeholders in development initiatives, while investors provide capital, technology, and processing facilities capable of creating jobs and expanding economic opportunities.
Meanwhile, LACRA Deputy Director for Operations and Technical Services, Godia Alpha Gongolee, announced plans to distribute coffee seedlings to farmers nationwide.
Gongolee said, the initiative will boost production, improve livelihoods, and strengthen agricultural value chain.
Officials believe the latest efforts could mark the beginning of a new chapter for coffee industry, positioning it as a major contributor to national development and export earnings.
