Fruits & Vegetables

The Potential Market

• Global demand for fruits and vegetables, led by Europe, is continuing to trend upwards, including an increasing demand for tropical vegetables.
• Demand for fruits and vegetables (both fresh and processed) among Liberia’s neighbors are also growing, as is Liberia’s domestic demand.
• A growing number of concessions currently have to import a large portion of their employees’ fruit & vegetable needs contributing to domestic demand.

Regional Market: Liberia has access to ECOWAS market (made up of 15 member states) and Mano River Union (MRU) regional markets. Under the MRU arrangement trade with other member countries is duty free and any goods seeking to benefit must be accompanied by a proof of origin documentation.

European Markets: Liberia receives preferential treatment under the European Union’s Everything But Arms (EBA) initiative. The EBA grants duty-free, and in most cases quota-free access to EU markets.

U.S. Markets: Liberia receives preferential treatment under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which offers the most preferential access to US market available outside of free trade agreements. Liberia also has a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) with the USA.

The Supporting Infrastructure and Resources
A number of government, donor and private sector initiatives provide direct and indirect support to strengthening the agricultural sector

• U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is providing technical assistance to the Land Commission in the development of a digital land registry
• WIENCO is providing high quality inputs
• Farm house is developing and multiplying horticulture seeds
• National Investment Commission is seeking to establish a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) which will provide reliable/cheaper energy to processors
• USAID agricultural programs including FED work with farmers in six counties to increase productivity
• ACDI/VOCA programs are supporting farmers in several counties
• BOS camp provides training in agricultural production
• National Standards Laboratory provides testing of products for export markets
• Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) is focusing on rehabilitating feeder roads in Bong, Lofa and Nimba counties  
• Building Markets supports business linkages between the large concessionaires and local producers

The Competitive Advantage

A range of opportunities exist in Liberia along the value chain in the horticulture sector

There are over 20 concessions that are operating in Liberia with the potential to create over 100,000 jobs and demand high quality produce for their staff.

Concessions currently import the majority of their food requirements. The Liberia National Investment Commission (LNIC) has a business linkages program supporting linkages between producers and the large companies. Incorporating local fruit and vegetable producers into the supply chains of these corporations presents a major investment opportunity.

Among the leading fruit and vegetable producing countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Liberia has the largest renewable water assets.

The country is made up of four different agro-ecological zones, three of which are suitable for vegetable production. With minimal commercial investment and basic inputs Liberia is already producing ~850,000 MT/year of produce highlighting the country’s fertility.Its different regions offer a unique combination of opportunities for investors targeting local and regional markets for fresh produce.

Liberia has increasing transport links to support the export of horticulture products

Several airlines and sea transport companies provide cargo services and are interested in increasing their current capacities

How the LNIC Can Support You, the Investor

The LNIC is your first step toward establishing a sound and profitable business in Liberia. Wefacilitate your entrance into Liberia by:

• Helping to identify opportunities
• Finding the right information for your business
• Getting you in touch with the right people at the right places

The LNIC provides the aforementioned support in order to stimulate direct, productive investment that will create jobs and inject innovation into Liberia’s growing economy. If your aim is to establish a long-term business relationship in Liberia, we can help: info@investliberia.gov.lr or +231 (0) 770-INVEST?[+231 (0) 770-468378].