Zeno Industries Expands Investment in Liberia’s Cocoa, Coffee Sector | Business

Zeno Industries Inc., a cocoa and coffee buying and exporting company operating in Liberia, has announced increased investment in the country’s cocoa and coffee value chain as part of efforts to promote prosperity through farmer empowerment and job creation.

Speaking to the Daily Observer, the company’s new Manager, Rita Zeno, said Zeno Industries is committed to transforming Liberia’s cocoa and coffee sectors through sustainable agriculture, farmer empowerment, and strong traceability systems, while creating employment opportunities for local communities.

She noted that Zeno Industries is a Liberian-owned company established in 1981 but whose operations were disrupted during the civil war. According to her, the company resumed full operations in 2022 after years of inactivity caused by the conflict.

“Because of the civil war, Zeno Industries Inc. resumed operations in 2022 after the Liberian civil war, demonstrating remarkable resilience and a deep commitment to its homeland,” she said.

Ms. Zeno disclosed that the company currently employs about 450 workers and works with a network of more than 12,234 local farmers integrated into its traceability and European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)-compliant system.

She said Zeno Industries is setting new standards for ethical and environmentally responsible agricultural production in Liberia and the southern region, adding that the company is on track to achieve full organic certification within the next four months.

According to her, this goal is part of efforts to meet international best practices and improve the global competitiveness of Liberia’s agricultural exports.

During a visit by the Daily Observer to the company’s warehouse in Ganta, several employees were observed working across two shifts, earning a daily wage of L$900, paid every two weeks.

A shift supervisor, identified as John, explained that the company operates two eight-hour shifts daily, with a third shift introduced during peak cocoa harvest seasons. He also noted that the company provides lunch for all workers.

Ms. Zeno further stated that Zeno Industries is committed to creating dignified employment opportunities, with about 80 percent of its workforce being women and 20 percent men.

She said the company’s gender-inclusive employment model reflects its broader commitment to social equity, economic empowerment, and community resilience.

Zeno Industries has also introduced a digital traceability system developed in partnership with Polipus.com, designed to ensure transparency from farm to export and verify product origin for international buyers.

“This system is fully compliant with the stringent requirements of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), positioning Zeno Industries and its partner farmers at the forefront of sustainable sourcing,” she said.

The company also welcomed recent developments within the Liberia Agricultural Commodity Regulatory Authority (LACRA), including the appointment of Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah as Board Director, as well as the reinstatement of Director General Christopher Sankolo and Deputy Director General for Operations and Technical Services Godia Alpha Kortu Gongolee.

Ms. Zeno reaffirmed Zeno Industries’ commitment to working closely with LACRA to expand employment opportunities and promote sustainable growth in Liberia’s agricultural sector.

She added that beyond agricultural production, the company plans to invest in community development projects, including scholarships, water pump installations, and sanitation initiatives aimed at improving living conditions in farming communities.