Government Confirms Plans for Liberia’s First Large-Scale Starch Plant

Capitol Hill, Liberia: Liberia is set to establish its first-ever starch-processing factory following a proposed investment by South Korean company MakeGroup, Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah has announced.

The minister said the company’s decision is based on Liberia’s strong supply of raw agricultural materials, particularly cassava, which will serve as a key input for starch production. Once completed, the factory is expected to generate hundreds of jobs and open new, reliable markets for local farmers and producers.

Beyond starch processing, the investment plan includes a broader agro-industrial package featuring modern agro-processing facilities, cold storage and refrigerated warehouses, and agricultural machinery hubs equipped with repair and maintenance services.

Minister Piah also disclosed plans for the establishment of a US$100 million universal bank, designed to finance agricultural expansion and housing development, a move expected to improve access to credit for farmers and agribusiness operators.

He said the proposed projects align directly with Liberia’s National Agriculture Development Plan (NAP 2024–2030), which targets the development of 50,000 hectares for rice cultivation, the construction of the country’s first starch factory, and the creation of 18 agricultural machinery hubs nationwide.

The agriculture strategy also includes a poultry development program focused on maize production, feed mills, hatcheries, and slaughterhouses, aimed at cutting Liberia’s heavy reliance on imported poultry products.