Agriculture & Agribusiness
Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy and is also a key sector for human development and economic growth in Liberia. According to the World Bank (2019), over 75 percent of the population relies on agriculture for their livelihood. The sector contributes 25 – 35 percent to Liberia’s GDP.
With over 4 million acres of arable land, Liberia has the potential for commercial agricultural production. The key sub-sectors are food crops, tree crops, horticultural crops, animal husbandry, and fisheries and aquaculture.
Top 6 Reasons to Invest in Liberia for Agriculture
Strong Demand
Liberia boasts over 19,000 (sq. km) of agricultural land which has grown by 18% between 2008 and 2018.
Liberia has a growing population which has risen to 5m+ growing 3% annually between 2010 and 2020.
Stable Business Climate
Liberia has a stable business climate since it has a politically stable government, youthful and competitive labor force, investor-friendly government policies and a dual currency regime with the US dollar.
Attractive Sectoral Opportunities
Agriculture is the mainstay of the Liberian population and with over 4m+ acres of arable land, Liberia has several promising sectoral opportunities for investors.
These include food crops which are the staple crops, tree crops which drive agricultural exports and more.
Preferential Market Access
Liberia is strategically located on the west coast of Africa and provides access to major international markets.
Liberia has also formed international trade relationships with many major markets, granting preferential access and opportunities for export.
Skilled and Cost-Effective Labor
65% of the working population in Liberia is under 25, providing a youthful and eager workforce.
Skill development programs are ensuring skills availability in a wide range of sectors. Salary costs are cost-effective compared to other locations.
Strong Government Support
The Liberian government intends to heavily invest in infrastructure to support its growing agricultural sector.
The government has implemented several investor-friendly policies and has launched lucrative incentive offers to attract investments to the agricultural space.
Source: National Investment Commission, Netherlands Enterprise Agency, USAID
Snapshot of the agriculture sector in Liberia
75%
of Liberians count agriculture1 as their source of livlihoods
43%
agriculture value added1 (as a % of GDP)
$1.3bn
value added by the agricultural sector1
4m
acres of arable land
4,320mm
of average rainfall during rainy season
$186m
of agricultural exports specifically rubber, oil palm & cocoa
Source: National Investment Commission, World Bank, USAID, OEC, US ITA, ITC trademap
Note: 1. Includes forestry and fishing
Download Liberia Market Brief: Agricultural Crops