Japan Donates 2,929 Metric Tons of Rice To Liberia
Acting Minister of Commerce and Industry, Hon. Stephen M. Yekeson, Jr., has lauded the longstanding bilateral relationship between Liberia and Japan following the formal receipt of 2,929.02 metric tons of Japanese rice donated by the Government and people of Japan to Liberia.
During the official handover ceremony on Monday November 2, 2026, at the Ministry at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, Acting Minister Yekeson described the donation as more than food assistance, noting that it represents Japan's continued confidence in Liberia and the enduring partnership between the two countries, which spans more than six decades.
The consignment comprises 97,634 bags of 30-kilogram rice, which will be monetized, with the proceeds deposited at the Central Bank of Liberia for investment in development projects intended to improve the living conditions of the Liberian people.
Acting Minister Yekeson emphasized that, since 2008, Japan's assistance through the Japanese Counterpart Value Fund has supported several development initiatives across Liberia.
The initiatives include the construction of markets serving hundreds of vendors, bridges connecting isolated rural communities, housing for vulnerable families, warehouses aimed at reducing post-harvest losses, and the establishment of a modern wood factory in Nimba County, which is expected to provide training opportunities for hundreds of young Liberians.
The Acting Minister expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Japan for their continued support and acknowledged the contributions of key institutions and stakeholders involved in facilitating the donation.
He specifically thanked the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) for facilitating customs clearance, the National Port Authority (NPA) for granting berthing priority, the Liberian Marketing Association (LMA) for serving as a primary beneficiary of food aid proceeds since 2018 through market development initiatives in Montserrado and Bong Counties, and Northwestern Commodities, the vendor responsible for the current consignment.
According to him, the monetization process has been affected by unforeseen fluctuations in rice prices on the Liberian market, particularly the recent decline in the commodity's market price.
The Acting Minister noted that the program operates under an agreed notification pricing arrangement with the Japanese Government, requiring proceeds from rice sales to be reconciled against previously announced pricing benchmarks.
In his keynote address and official handover statement, the Japanese Ambassador accredited to Liberia, HE Hiroshi Yoshimoto reaffirmed the Government of Japan’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s food security, agricultural development, and economic growth during the handover ceremony of the 2025 Kennedy Round Food Assistance Program.
Ambassador Yoshimoto expressed satisfaction that the necessary procedures for the 2025 food assistance program had been completed and that the rice donation had arrived, paving the way for its official handover. He noted that he had also participated in the signing ceremony the previous year and welcomed the successful completion of the process.
The Ambassador further disclosed that the exchange of notes agreement for the 2026 food assistance program had been signed earlier in the day, marking the beginning of the process for the next phase of Japan’s assistance to Liberia.
He emphasized that the handover represents the fulfillment of Japan’s 2025 commitment and an important step toward ensuring that the intended beneficiaries receive the support provided under the program.
The Japanese Diplomat noted that while food assistance helps address immediate needs, Japan’s broader objective is to support Liberia in developing a resilient and self-reliant agricultural sector capable of meeting the country’s long-term food requirements.
He also highlighted the importance of local economic development and employment opportunities for women and young people.
“I want to reaffirm Japan’s support and commitment to continuing to work with the Government and people of Liberia to deepen our partnership and advance our shared aspirations for food security and a prosperous Liberia,” Ambassador Yoshimoto stated.
According to the Ambassador, the successful completion of the process demonstrates the importance of collaboration, effective coordination, and a shared commitment to achieving the program’s objectives. He called on the Secretariat to maintain rigorous oversight, ensure accurate fund accounting, and establish appropriate audit mechanisms to promote transparency and accountability in the management of the counterpart value fund.
Meanwhile speaking on behalf of the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Hon Samuel Stevquoah, Mr. Bill Massaquoi, expressed the Government of Liberia’s profound gratitude to the Government and people of Japan for their continued support to Liberia through the 2025 Kennedy Round Food Assistance Program.
He noted that Japan has consistently stood with Liberia during difficult periods and continues to support the country’s development efforts. According to him, the assistance goes beyond providing food, as it also contributes to strengthening local markets, supporting traders, and creating economic opportunities for market women.
Mr. Massaquoi stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in managing the counterpart fund generated from the sale of the donated rice. He assured the Government of Japan that the Liberian Government remains committed to ensuring that the proceeds are properly managed and used to benefit the Liberian people.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Liberia, we thank Japan for this generous gesture,” Mr. Massaquoi said, emphasizing that the donation represents another milestone in the longstanding relationship between the two countries.
For his part, the Chairman of the Rice Committee, Ambassador Charles Minor, expressed the Government of Liberia’s appreciation to the Government and people of Japan for their continued support to Liberia, particularly through the donation of rice aimed at strengthening the country’s rice supply and food security efforts.
Ambassador Minor commended Japan for its longstanding commitment to supporting Liberia, describing the donation as a valuable gesture of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. He called on the Japanese Ambassador to convey Liberia’s gratitude to the Emperor, Government, and people of Japan for their continued generosity.
Also speaking, the General Manager of Northwestern Commodities Inc., Ahamadu A. Dukuly, expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Japan for their continued support to Liberia, while reaffirming the company’s commitment to successfully fulfilling its obligations under the monetization arrangement for Japanese-donated rice.
Mr. Dukuly whose entity is the vendor said the donation reflects the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Liberia and Japan.
He also thanked the Government of Liberia, particularly the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and relevant institutions, for providing the company the opportunity to participate in the competitive bidding process and emerge as the successful bidder for the rice monetization exercise.
Jacob N.B. Parley
Public Affairs Director
Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Emails: jacobtheancestor@yahoo.com/jacobnbparley1@gmail.com
Contacts: 0777604576/0886560455
WhatsApp: 0881336137
