Speech by the President of LAS at the International Agricultural Technology Innovation and Cooperation Conference

Distinguished Colleagues, Distinguished Scientists, Esteemed Professors, and Fellow Researchers, Good day!

My name is Emmanuel Fred, President of the Liberia Academy of Sciences (LAS) and Assistant Minister for Operations at the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications of Liberia. It is a great honour to share with you some of the major developments of the Liberia Academy of Sciences (LAS), the current state of Liberia’s agricultural sector, government initiatives, and other future engagements.

Liberia, located on the west coast of Africa, is endowed with abundant natural resources and a favourable strategic location. The nation stands at a critical juncture where innovation must drive sustainable growth and prosperity. Agriculture remains the backbone of Liberia’s economy, employing more than 60 percent of the labour force and contributing significantly to GDP. Yet, the sector faces pressing challenges, most notably a heavy reliance on food imports, which undermines long-term stability and food security.

Scientific institutions such as the Liberia Academy of Sciences play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges. LAS is committed to advancing research in agriculture, health, and the environment, offering evidence-based solutions to national problems. Since its founding in July 2023 by scholars from Peking University, with support from Beijing Talent Technology Co., Ltd., LAS has grown into a national think tank and a hub for interdisciplinary cooperation, recognized by the Association of Global South researchers, based in Shanghai, China.

Our mission is to pursue scientific excellence, foster collaboration, and address pressing challenges such as sustainable development. Our vision is to improve the lives of African people through innovation-driven solutions. To this end, LAS has partnered with the African Academy of Sciences, multiple universities, Beijing Talent Technology Co., Ltd., and international organizations.

Among our notable achievements is the establishment of the African Open University in Liberia, designed to cultivate future leaders in science and technology. We have also elected three international fellows—two from Canada, one from Turkey, and one from Uzbekistan—whose expertise strengthens our global engagement.

Liberia’s agricultural sector demonstrates promising growth potential. In 2024, output grew by 3.4 percent, driven by rubber and rice production. Agriculture and fisheries accounted for nearly 30 percent of GDP in 2022, with cassava and rice as staple crops. The World Bank has emphasized that agricultural growth is essential for inclusive development, underscoring the need for value addition and rural infrastructure investment.

Despite this momentum, challenges remain:

a) Approximately 70 percent of rice, Liberia’s staple food, is imported.

b) Farmers rely heavily on manual labor and lack modern equipment.

c) Disrupted seasonal patterns threaten yields and livelihoods.

d) Poor roads, limited storage, and energy shortages result in post-harvest losses of up to 40 percent.

e) The absence of specialized agricultural banks restricts access to affordable credit and modern inputs.

To address these challenges, the Government of Liberia has launched the National Agricultural Development Plan (NADP) 2024–2030, themed “Liberians’ Self-Sufficiency Agenda.” This six-year blueprint aims to achieve food self-sufficiency, strengthen value chains, and expand exports. Key objectives include mechanization, cooperative development, youth and women employment, and climate-resilient agriculture.

Additionally, complementary initiatives such as “One Country, One Product (OCOP)” and “Hand-in-Hand” focus on agribusiness and climate adaptation. Plans are also underway to establish an Agricultural Enterprise Development Bank to expand rural credit. International partners, including the African Development Fund and UNDP, have provided substantial support, financing projects, and assisting farmer associations. We believe, with your collective support, these interventions will go a long way in solidifying the gains by the government in the years ahead.

Thank you!