Liberia Vice President Launches Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) project.

Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung has officially launched the Liberia Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) project.

The project, supported by a $19.4 million investment from the African Development Bank (AfDB), aims to transform Liberia’s agriculture sector by reducing the country’s dependence on food imports, creating jobs, and alleviating poverty through sustainable practices and strategic investments.

The launching ceremony was held in Monrovia at the Industrial Freezone Compound on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

Vice President Koung said the SAPZ project is a key component of the government’s ARREST Agenda, which prioritizes Agriculture, Roads, Renewable Energy, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism as foundational pillars for national development.

The Liberian Vice President disclosed that the project seeks to drive economic growth by providing a conducive environment for private sector engagement and foreign direct investment.

He then mentioned that Grand Bassa County would be a focus point for value-added agricultural activities within a 631-hectare Special Economic Zone (SEZ), stating that the SAPZ will operate on 200 hectares, with plans for future expansion.

Vice President Koung, speaking on behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, highlighted the project’s importance in revitalizing Liberia’s agricultural landscape.

“The SAPZ project is not just about planning; it’s about implementation. We must all intensify our efforts to transform plans into action,” he stated. He further commended the Liberia Special Economic Zones Authority (LSEZA) for their pivotal role in driving economic development and reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the agriculture sector as a means to foster inclusive and sustainable growth.

The launch event attracted key stakeholders, including representatives from the LSEZA, the National Investment Commission (NIC), the AfDB, and the private sector. Executive Chairman of LSEZA, Mr. Prince A. Wreh, expressed his gratitude to the Government of Liberia and international partners such as the World Bank, USAID, and UNDP for their invaluable support.

Mr. Wreh reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the President’s vision for economic transformation and acknowledged the critical contributions of these partners in making the SAPZ project a reality.

Madam Josephine Francis, President of the Farmers Union Network, emphasized the transformative potential of agro-processing in unlocking Liberia’s economic potential.

She noted that adding value to agricultural products like cocoa and coffee can significantly boost exports, enhance trade competitiveness, and create job opportunities.

The SAPZ will provide agro-businesses with access to new markets, infrastructure, and operational support, thereby improving product quality and driving business growth.

The Country Director of the African Development Bank reiterated the organization’s full support for the SAPZ initiative, urging all stakeholders to recognize the agricultural sector’s role as a vital component of Liberia’s broader agribusiness landscape.

He emphasized the transformative impact that agribusiness can have on the nation’s economy and the well-being of its people.

This launch marks a pivotal milestone in LSEZA’s five-year Strategic Plan, which focuses on designating and regulating special economic zones.

The SAPZ project is expected to play a crucial role in driving economic growth and job creation, aligning with Liberia’s ARREST Agenda to promote sustainable development across the nation. Continued collaboration between the government, development partners, and the private sector will be essential to ensure the long-term success and impact of the SAPZ initiative on Liberia’s economy and its people.

The launching ceremony was attended severs government officials from different sectors.