Liberia, IAEA sign five-year framework on nuclear technology for development

Published: September 22, 2025

VIENNA — Liberia has signed a five-year Country Programme Framework (CPF) with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), setting a roadmap for cooperation in agriculture, health, energy and environmental management from 2026 to 2030.

The agreement, signed in Vienna by Agriculture Minister Dr. Alexander Nuetah and IAEA Deputy Director General Hua Liu, outlines how Liberia will apply nuclear science and technology to national development priorities under President Joseph Boakai’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.

Broad Areas of Focus

The CPF highlights five key sectors:

• Nuclear and Radiation Safety & Security: Building a regulatory framework and establishing an independent authority.
• Food and Agriculture: Using nuclear technology to boost crop and livestock productivity, improve food safety, and strengthen soil and water management.
• Health and Nutrition: Establishing a radiotherapy facility and applying nuclear techniques to improve maternal and child health.
• Energy and Industry: Expanding capacity in energy planning and strategy development using IAEA tools.
• Water and Environment: Applying isotopic techniques for sustainable water management.

National Priorities and Partnerships

The framework was developed with contributions from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Environmental Protection Agency, Ministries of Agriculture and Health, and partners such as UNDP, FAO and WHO.

“The CPF reinforces Liberia’s commitment to peaceful nuclear technology, food security, governance, human capital development and environmental sustainability,” the Agriculture Ministry said in a statement.

Building Local Capacity

Officials emphasized that the CPF will strengthen local expertise while addressing urgent challenges including food insecurity, maternal and child health, and water management. The Ministry added: “This partnership strengthens Liberia’s capacity to harness modern technologies for sustainable development. It also reflects our continued dedication to ensuring safe, effective and peaceful applications of nuclear science.”

Long-Term Commitment

Liberia, which has been a member of the IAEA since 1962, continues to leverage nuclear science to support national priorities and strengthen technical capacity. The new framework is expected to enhance national ownership of projects, align them with development goals, and deepen collaboration with UN and international partners.