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By LAEJNet Senior Reporter, Thomas West
Monrovia, Liberia – During his State of the Nation Address, President Joseph Boakai unveiled plans to establish a palm and vegetable oil refinery aimed at boosting commercial production and strengthening Liberia’s agro-processing sector.
The initiative, which aligns with the government’s broader agenda for economic diversification and industrialization, is expected to enhance value addition in the agricultural sector and reduce the country’s dependency on imported refined oil products.
“The establishment of this refinery will create jobs, empower local farmers, and position Liberia as a competitive player in the regional agricultural market,” the President stated.
With Liberia’s abundant oil palm resources and growing vegetable farming sector, stakeholders have long called for investment in local processing to maximize benefits for smallholder farmers and agribusinesses. The President emphasized that the project would encourage private sector participation while ensuring smallholder farmers have access to fair market opportunities.
A key component of the plan includes infrastructure development, investment incentives, and capacity-building programs for farmers and processors. Experts believe that a fully operational refinery could significantly increase Liberia’s export potential and reduce post-harvest losses.
The pronouncement has been met with optimism from smallholder farmers and agribusiness investors, who see it as a step toward strengthening Liberia’s agro-industrial base. Some industry players, however, have called for clear implementation timelines and government incentives to support local producers in scaling up production.
Stakeholders in the palm oil and agribusiness sectors have welcomed the initiative but are urging the government to ensure that the refinery aligns with sustainable agricultural practices and international market standards.
The Ministry of Agriculture and the National Investment Commission are expected to provide further details on the project’s implementation, including potential partnerships with private investors and development partners.
This move is part of the government’s broader economic diversification strategy, which prioritizes investment in agriculture, manufacturing, and value-added industries to reduce reliance on raw commodity exports.
The initiative could position Liberia as a key player in West Africa’s palm oil market, benefiting both smallholder farmers and large-scale producers while driving economic growth and food security.
