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Amid rising threats from coastal erosion and climate change, the Japanese government has expressed interest in partnering with Liberia to provide technical, financial, and strategic support to strengthen the country’s coastal and maritime defenses.
By: Kruah Thompson
Monrovia, August 29, 2025: The proposed partnership, which aims to address growing environmental and security challenges along Liberia’s Atlantic coastline, follows Liberia’s participation in the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama, Japan. The conference, held under the theme “Co-Creating Solutions for Africa’s Future,” highlighted opportunities for collaboration between African nations and Japan.
For the past 40 years, Liberia’s extensive coastline has long been vulnerable to natural and man-made threats. Communities along the Atlantic, including Grand Bassa, Montserrado, Grand Cape Mount, and Sinoe, have faced severe coastal erosion due to climate change and limited resources.
Sometimes they experienced storm surges that damaged their homes, roads, and other infrastructure, thereby increasing the number of displaced people in the country.
A 2010 UNDP report revealed that “since 1969, sea erosion has removed at least 250 meters of coastline at Balawudeh Town in Buchanan, averaging 6.6 meters per year. Approximately 60,000 residents in lowland and flood-prone communities are affected annually, with recurring health challenges from waterborne diseases.”
Despite assistance from organizations such as the World Bank, the Red Cross, and UNDP, the situation remains critical, especially during Liberia’s rainy season.
In response, Daniel O. Sanoe, Deputy Minister for Public Affairs at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism, stated that Japan has indicated its willingness to provide technical assistance, training, and possibly equipment to bolster Liberia’s maritime security.
“This partnership represents an opportunity to safeguard Liberia’s maritime resources, protect coastal communities, and enhance regional stability,” Sanoe said. “Japan’s support could significantly improve our capacity to address both security and environmental challenges along our coast.”
The initiative is still in planning stages, with Liberia and Japan exploring the scope of cooperation, funding, and timelines for implementation. Japan, drawing on its experience in advanced coastal protection and artificial island construction, has proposed collaboration on sea defense, waste management, and maritime security.
Under the broader TICAD 9 framework, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that Liberia stands to benefit in multiple sectors, including economic growth and investment, through access to Japan’s USD 1.5 billion impact investment fund and TICAD’s USD 5.5 billion Enhanced Private Sector Assistance for Africa.
Agriculture and Food Security: Pilot projects for climate-resilient rice varieties in Lofa and Bong counties, mechanized farming, Japanese irrigation technologies, and post-harvest value chain support.
Human Capital Development: Skills training for at least 500 Liberian youth under Japan’s African initiative, scholarships through the ABE Initiative and Africa Youth Program 2025, and opportunities for women’s empowerment.
Health and Social Development: Upgrades to referral hospitals, medical equipment grants, training for health personnel, and vaccine access via Japan’s USD 550 million contribution to GAVI.
Peace, Stability, and Governance: Maritime security capacity building, countering illegal fishing, governance training, and participation in Japan’s Africa Mine Action Platform and peacebuilding initiatives.
A USD 72 million funding proposal covering priority projects in infrastructure, health, education, and agriculture is under review by the Japanese government. Liberia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs will establish a TICAD 9 Implementation Desk to monitor commitments and provide quarterly updates to the public. -Edited by Othello B. Garblah.
