Liberia: Government, Japan Sign US$3 Million KR Food Assistance Scheme

Under the agreement, Japan will donate a large quantity of rice to Liberia. The rice will be sold, and proceeds from the sale will be used by the Liberian government to fund targeted development projects.

Monrovia – The governments of Liberia and Japan have signed a new KR Food Assistance Scheme valued at 400 million Japanese Yen (approximately US$3 million). This initiative is part of Japan’s grant aid to support developing countries, addressing food security, and has been active in Liberia since 2008.

 By Willie Tokpah, willie.tokpah@frontpageafricaonlin.com

The signing ceremony saw Liberia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, represent the Liberian government, while Japan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Liberia, Mochizuki Hisanobu, signed on behalf of the Government of Japan.

Under the agreement, Japan will donate a large quantity of rice to Liberia. The rice will be sold, and proceeds from the sale will be used by the Liberian government to fund targeted development projects. A similar donation from Japan previously supported the construction of the Duala Market and the recently dedicated Gbarnga Central Market, among other projects.

This new donation is intended to fund a wood workshop project in Nimba County.

During the ceremony, Minister Nyanti expressed gratitude to Japan for its continuous support but emphasized Liberia’s aspiration to become self-sufficient in food production. She highlighted the country’s rich soil and the determination of its people to boost local agricultural productivity, noting that assistance aimed at fostering self-sufficiency would be especially welcome.

“We have fertile soil, and our citizens are eager to be self-sufficient. Supporting Liberia in becoming self-productive, especially in rice, is key under the leadership of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai,” Minister Nyanti said.

She underscored Liberia’s agricultural potential, particularly in rice production, and expressed confidence that with Japan’s continued support, Liberia could achieve food self-sufficiency and eventually extend aid to other nations.

“This signing ceremony deepens the partnership between Japan and Liberia. Japan has walked with us on this journey toward food security, and we value this relationship,” she added.

Minister Nyanti reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly through enhancing Liberia’s capacity to compete globally. She emphasized the importance of addressing key socio-economic indicators to ensure sustainable development.

She also acknowledged the vital role Japan’s food assistance program plays in supporting the government’s ARREST Agenda, which prioritizes agricultural development and rice security as essential for shared prosperity.

“Japan’s rice aid helps us address critical issues and gives our people a fair chance at shared prosperity. President Boakai’s ARREST Agenda is clear—agriculture, especially rice security, is the first pillar,” she said.

Minister Nyanti also called on Japan to extend its support beyond food aid by helping to build local capacity through training, technology transfer, and the provision of essential agricultural tools. She expressed optimism that with the right backing, Liberia could significantly advance its partnership with Japan.

In conclusion, she reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to strengthening its engagement with Japan and used the occasion to seek Japan’s support for Liberia’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

Japan’s Continued Commitment

In his remarks, Ambassador Mochizuki Hisanobu emphasized the significance of the KR Food Assistance Scheme as a tool in Japan’s grant aid program aimed at addressing food security challenges in developing countries.

“Since 2008, Japan has been committed to helping Liberia improve its food security situation. Rice is not just a staple food for many Liberian households—it is a critical source of sustenance,” Ambassador Hisanobu said.

He highlighted Japan’s ongoing efforts to support local rice production and address rice shortages, reaffirming Japan’s technical assistance to Liberia’s agricultural sector through projects like the Japan-Liberia Paddy and Seed Rice Project. He further emphasized the alignment of Japan’s efforts with the agricultural objectives of Liberia’s ARREST Agenda under President Boakai’s leadership.

Ambassador Hisanobu called for stronger collaboration between the two nations in the area of food security, noting that this latest donation marks another chapter in Japan’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s development.

Recent Rice Donations

In June 2024, Japan donated another consignment of rice, totaling 3,294 metric tons, valued at over 300 million Japanese Yen (approximately US$1.5 million). This grant is part of Japan’s KR Food Aid program and will be monetized to support Liberia’s socio-economic development initiatives.

The Japanese Food Assistance Program has served as a sustainable means of generating revenue through the Counterpart Value Fund, which supports Liberia’s development initiatives and addresses critical challenges to the survival, livelihood, and dignity of its people.

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