MONROVIA – The European Union has reiterated its long-term political and economic commitment to Liberia, presenting the country as a credible partner that meets democratic and governance benchmarks for sustained cooperation. This comes at a time of shifting global alliances and tightening development finance. Beyond diplomatic assurances, the EU’s engagement, diplomats say, is increasingly defined by large-scale investments in energy, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and institutional reform. Speaking in Monrovia, EU Ambassador Nona Deprez framed the partnership as one rooted in shared values, predictability, and long-term impact rather than short-term aid. As Liberia pursues its ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, the scope and structure of EU support signal both confidence in Liberia’s reform trajectory and rising expectations for delivery, accountability, and private-sector–led growth. The Analyst reports.
The European Union has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to Liberia’s development, describing the country as a reliable partner that meets the democratic and governance standards required for sustained cooperation, while unveiling major investments across energy, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and governance.
Speaking Thursday at the Ministry of Information regular press briefing, European Union Ambassador to Liberia, H.E. Nona Deprez, outlined the depth of EU engagement in Liberia, stressing that the Union remains a predictable and dependable partner amid rising global geopolitical and economic tensions.
“I am really happy to be here,” Ambassador Deprez said, noting that while the EU does “so many things” in Liberia, the complexity of its engagement sometimes makes it difficult to fully communicate the scale and impact of its contributions.
EU–Africa Economic Partnership
Ambassador Deprez situated EU–Liberia relations within the broader EU–Africa partnership, describing Europe as Africa’s closest neighbor and largest economic partner.
She noted that the European Union is Africa’s biggest trading partner and investor, while Africa ranks as the EU’s fourth-largest trading partner. Over the past decade, EU imports from Africa have grown by 37 percent, with manufacturing imports increasing by 75 percent.
She disclosed that 44 African countries, including Liberia, benefit from the EU’s “Everything But Arms” (EBA) trade scheme, which allows all Liberian exports—except arms—to enter the EU market duty-free and quota-free. “This is really important for Liberia,” she emphasized.
Investment and Long-Term Commitment
On investment, Ambassador Deprez revealed that European investment stock in Africa has increased by 13 percent and is now six times larger than Chinese investment on the continent.
She stressed that European companies invest for the long term, comply with regulations, pay taxes, and provide decent jobs.
In Liberia, she said, the EU remains anchored in shared values such as multilateralism, a rules-based international order, and collective strength. “Our motto is that we are stronger together,” she said, adding that this philosophy defines EU–Liberia cooperation.
EU–Liberia Business Forum
Ambassador Deprez announced that the EU, in collaboration with the Government of Liberia, will host an EU–Liberia Business Forum in Brussels on February 24–25. The forum is aimed at attracting European investment to Liberia and creating employment opportunities.
She said all EU interventions in Liberia are centered on growth, job creation, and improving the business environment.
Education and Skills Development
The Ambassador highlighted Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a flagship area of EU cooperation. Together with member states such as France, Germany, and Sweden, the EU is constructing and rehabilitating TVET institutions across all 15 counties.
These centers are being equipped with modern facilities for trades including welding, automotive mechanics, hospitality, and other skills aligned with labor market needs. Beyond infrastructure, the EU is investing in teacher training and pedagogical development to ensure workforce readiness.
The EU is also supporting basic education through the Global Partnership for Education, a joint initiative with the World Bank and EU member states, which President Joseph Nyuma Boakai referenced in his recent State of the Nation Address.
Infrastructure and Energy
Ambassador Deprez detailed extensive EU investments in roads and energy, including support for the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant and the Light Up Monrovia project, which has supplied electricity to more than 40,000 households.
She disclosed ongoing electricity distribution projects in Buchanan, solar and hydro generation initiatives in Greenville, and solar installations in Barclayville, underscoring the importance of reaching remote communities.
The EU has also electrified the Roberts International Airport corridor, connected the airport to the national grid, and announced new equipment and safety upgrades to strengthen Liberia’s investment climate.
Discussions are also underway with the Ministry of Public Works on potential EU investment in sections of the Coastal Highway, with announcements expected in the coming weeks.
Climate Change and Natural Resources
On climate action, Ambassador Deprez said the EU aims to become the world’s first carbon-neutral continent by 2050, while demonstrating that economic growth can be decoupled from greenhouse gas emissions.
Acknowledging Liberia’s vulnerability to climate change, she said the EU is supporting forest conservation, biodiversity protection, and alternative livelihoods for forest-dependent communities to promote sustainable natural resource management.
Agriculture and Food Security
She disclosed that EU agricultural support is shifting from individual farmer assistance toward systemic reforms, including climate-adapted rice seeds and value chain development for fisheries, cocoa, coffee, and cassava.
Noting Liberia’s lack of a national soil mapping system, Ambassador Deprez said the EU is working to address the gap to help farmers determine appropriate crops. Support is also being provided to strengthen food safety institutions to protect consumers and improve public health.
Budget Support and Governance
Ambassador Deprez confirmed that the EU has made its first budget support disbursement to Liberia’s Treasury, describing it as a strong vote of confidence in Liberia’s governance framework.
She said budget support is conditional on democracy, macroeconomic stability, transparent budgeting, and credible reform plans, noting that Liberia meets these criteria under the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
She commended integrity institutions such as the General Auditing Commission, Liberia Revenue Authority, Internal Audit Agency, and forestry oversight bodies, pledging continued EU support.
2026 Priorities
Looking ahead to 2026, Ambassador Deprez announced the signing of a €25 million fisheries program to develop artisanal fishing value chains, working with the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority and community management units.
She also disclosed new private-sector development programs targeting fisheries, timber, and cassava, integrated with TVET training to support employment creation.
The EU will continue supporting the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court, particularly its outreach activities and roadmap implementation.
Scholarships and Youth Opportunities
Ambassador Deprez urged Liberian students, teachers, and entrepreneurs to apply for Erasmus scholarships, including the Erasmus Mundus master’s program, noting that applications from Liberia remain low.
“All costs are covered, including visas,” she said, encouraging applicants to apply online before the February 15 deadline.
Gender Equality and Spotlight Program
Reaffirming the EU’s commitment to gender equality, she described it as the foundation of sustainable development. The EU will roll out Spotlight 2.0, expanding efforts to combat sexual and gender-based violence while promoting women’s economic empowerment and political participation, in collaboration with the World Bank and relevant ministries.
Ambassador Deprez concluded that while aid alone cannot end poverty, strategic investment, private-sector engagement, and strong partnerships are essential for sustainable growth.
“I think Liberia is progressing extremely well,” she said, expressing satisfaction with the EU’s close collaboration with the Government of Liberia.