In a significant move to enhance agricultural productivity and food security, The Ministry of Agriculture and partners, launched the Seed Sector Investment Round Table under the theme “A Roadmap for Seed Sector Transformation in Liberia.”
The event which took place at the Royal Grand Hotel in Monrovia on Thursday, April 30, 2026 brought together stakeholders from various sectors, including government officials, development partners, and private investors.
The Round Table has brought together stakeholders to address the pressing challenges facing Liberia’s agricultural landscape, particularly in the seed sector, which is considered vital for the nation’s self-sufficiency and sovereignty.
Dr. Abebe Bush, representative of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), outlined the main objectives of the round table.
- To showcase priority seed setorinvetmerts across value chains,
- To engage developrment finance institutions
(DFIs), donors, ard private investors.
- To promote public private partnerships PPP and blended finance rmodes.
4, To align Stakeholder Investrnents by harmonising ongoing and planned interventions.
- Define priority financing areas and mechanisms
(2026-2030).
Minister Mamaka Bility highlighted the critical need of seed sector in ensuring national food security.
Minister Bility said the seed sector is not merely an aspect of agriculture but the very “DNA of our national sovereignty.
“A nation cannot claim independence if it relies on the world for its food, nor can it claim peace if its people go hungry.”
She recognized the challenges posed by climate shocks and global supply chain disruptions, stressing the urgent need to modernize farming practices.
Madam Bility expressed optimism about the opportunities that lie ahead under the government’s agricultural agenda, stating, “Agriculture is the engine, and the seed is the fuel.
The round table aimed to showcase high-yield investment opportunities across priority value chains such as rice, vegetables, and cereals.
Minister Bility called for stakeholders to look beyond just the soil and to recognize the strategic market potential that Liberia offers.
She explained that the government is not seeking charity but rather partners for shared prosperity, urging the mobilization of capital from development finance institutions, bilateral donors, and private investors.
Another significant aspect of the event was the commitment to championing public-private partnerships.
Minister Bility noted that the government is dedicated to de-risking the agriculture sector through blended finance models, ensuring that risks are shared and rewards are mutually enjoyed.
The minister also addressed the need for harmonizing efforts within the sector, pointing out that past interventions have often been fragmented.
By aligning stakeholder investments, the goal is to ensure that every dollar spent leads to a multiplying effect in the agricultural landscape.
Dr. Alexander Nutah, Minister of Agriculture, stressed accountability, emphasizing that commitment to establishing a culture of accountability was a recurring theme throughout the discussions.
Dr, Nutah announced plans to develop a rigorous seed sector investment monitoring and evaluation framework, ensuring transparency and the tracking of progress toward set goals.
He stated, “We are committed to measuring impact and reporting to our partners.” The round table is seen as a critical juncture for Liberia’s agricultural transformation, with the government prioritizing the development of a robust, inclusive, and sustainable seed system.
The minister reiterated, “Agricultural productivity begins with seeds,” highlighting the need for consistent availability of quality certified seeds as the foundation for productivity and food security.
Minister Nutah also extended a call to action to all stakeholders present. He urged them to invest in Liberia’s seed sector, emphasizing that the time for action is now.
“We have moved beyond recognizing the problem; we are now building the solutions,” he asserted, inviting partners to join in the mission to transform Liberia’s agricultural landscape.
With the seed sector positioned as a cornerstone of national development, the investments made are expected to pave the way for a more prosperous and self-sufficient Liberia, capable of meeting its food needs and ensuring the well-being of its citizens.