By Vaye A. Lepolu
Monrovia, – Vietnamese agricultural conglomerate UNILAND Group will invest $120 million to establish commercial rice plantations across five Liberian counties, potentially reducing the nation’s heavy reliance on imported rice. The five-year development plan was finalized during meetings this week between UNILAND executives and President Joseph Boakai’s administration.
During an official visit facilitated by Liberia’s Foreign Ministry, UNILAND Chairman Van Trung Le announced plans to construct two modern rice mills with 50,000-ton annual capacity while training 5,000 Liberian farmers in intensive cultivation techniques. The company has committed to sourcing 80% of its workforce locally and developing irrigation infrastructure in project areas.
Agriculture Minister J. Alexander Nuetah told reporters the investment could replace 40% of Liberia’s annual rice imports within three years. Liberia currently imports approximately 300,000 metric tons of rice each year at a cost of nearly $200 million, according to ministry figures.
The Vietnamese delegation conducted preliminary site surveys in Bong, Nimba, and Lofa counties, regions identified as having optimal growing conditions. UNILAND, which operates similar projects in Cambodia and Myanmar, will utilize high-yield rice varieties adapted to West African conditions.
President Boakai emphasized the alignment with his administration’s ARREST agenda, noting this investment finally unlocks Liberia’s agricultural potential after decades of underproduction. The World Food Programme’s Liberia office welcomed the development, citing its potential to stabilize local rice prices that have fluctuated between $28-$35 per 50kg bag in Monrovia markets.
Phase one development will begin May 2025 with land preparation in Bong County, where UNILAND has leased 15,000 hectares. Full production is expected by mid-2027, though challenges remain including Liberia’s limited processing infrastructure and high electricity costs. The government has pledged to fast-track road improvements in project areas and explore renewable energy solutions for milling operations.
