Liberia Strengthens Global Partnerships to Advance Food Security at World Bank–IMF Spring Meetings

Washington, D.C., April 2026 – The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Agriculture, is intensifying efforts to transform the country’s food systems and achieve sustainable food security, as Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah leads a high-level delegation to the 2026 Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund.

Held from April 13–18 in Washington, D.C., under the theme “Building Prosperity through Policy,” the meetings provide a critical platform for advancing policy reforms, unlocking private-sector investment, and strengthening global partnerships in key sectors, including agriculture. The Spring Meetings bring together central bankers, ministers of finance and development, private sector leaders, and civil society representatives from around the world to address pressing global economic challenges and mobilize support for sustainable development.

On the margins of the meetings, Minister Nuetah, accompanied by Assistant Minister for Planning and Development Francis F. B. Mulbah, held strategic discussions with Dr. Shobha Shetty, Manager of the World Bank’s Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP). The engagement focused on scaling up investments to accelerate Liberia’s agricultural transformation and enhance resilience across the food system.

Minister Nuetah underscored Liberia’s appreciation for longstanding partnerships with international development institutions, including GAFSP and the African Development Bank, which have supported the development of vital food security infrastructure such as irrigation systems and rice processing facilities.

Highlighting ongoing progress, the Minister pointed to the strong performance of the Smallholder Agriculture Development for Food and Nutrition Security (SADFONS) project, which continues to deliver measurable improvements in food production, rural incomes, and livelihoods. He emphasized the success of the home-grown school feeding initiative under the project, noting its role in improving child nutrition, boosting school enrollment, and creating sustainable market opportunities for local farmers.

“Liberia is making tangible progress in strengthening its food systems, but scaling up these gains requires sustained investment and innovative partnerships,” Minister Nuetah said. “We are committed to working with our partners to ensure that no Liberian goes hungry.”

The Minister also raised concerns about emerging global challenges, particularly the potential impact of ongoing crises in the Middle East on food-importing countries like Liberia. Rising fuel and fertilizer costs, he noted, pose risks to agricultural productivity, market access, and food affordability.

“These global shocks highlight the urgency of implementing Liberia’s Preparedness Plan for Food and Nutrition Security Crises,” he added. “Timely and flexible support will be essential to protect vulnerable populations and sustain agricultural growth.”

In response, Dr. Shetty reaffirmed GAFSP’s commitment to supporting resilient and inclusive food systems, particularly for smallholder farmers. She commended Liberia’s home-grown school feeding program as a model for integrated food security and human capital development.

Dr. Shetty further announced an upcoming GAFSP call for proposals, with approximately US$160 million in financing available to support catalytic investments. She encouraged Liberia to strategically position itself to access these resources and leverage additional co-financing from partners and the private sector.

The Government of Liberia remains steadfast in its commitment to strengthening partnerships, mobilizing investments, and implementing innovative solutions to drive agricultural transformation, enhance resilience, and ensure sustainable food and nutrition security for all Liberians.