The forthcoming launch of Liberia’s national development plan, the Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), and the accompanying County Development Agendas signifies a pivotal moment in the nation’s pursuit of sustainable and inclusive growth. Scheduled for January 15, 2025, in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, the event transcends mere ceremonial significance, representing a critical juncture in Liberia’s developmental trajectory. Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan emphasizes the launch’s importance, highlighting its role as a springboard for comprehensive national progress. This event marks the culmination of extensive consultations and collaborative efforts, translating the President’s vision into a tangible roadmap for the nation’s future.
The AAID, a six-year plan aligned with the political administration’s term, represents a departure from previous development frameworks. Traditionally, each incoming administration has formulated its own development agenda based on the ruling party’s manifesto. This practice often led to discontinuities and inconsistencies in long-term development strategies. The AAID aims to address this challenge by providing a comprehensive framework that transcends political cycles, ensuring a more consistent and sustainable approach to national development. The plan is designed to be a living document, adaptable to changing circumstances while maintaining a core focus on inclusive growth and sustainable progress.
The development of the AAID has been a meticulously orchestrated process, involving a dedicated inter-governmental technical team working in close consultation with various stakeholders. This collaborative approach ensured the plan’s responsiveness to the needs and aspirations of all Liberians. Nationwide stakeholder engagements, including consultations with national and sub-national actors, independent consultants, and civil society organizations, were integral to shaping the plan’s content and priorities. The rigorous process of data collection, analysis, and validation ensured the plan’s robustness and relevance to the country’s specific context.
The AAID’s framework encompasses a series of key stages, beginning with the establishment of a dedicated technical committee. This committee was responsible for overseeing the entire planning process, coordinating stakeholder engagements, and ensuring the plan’s alignment with national development objectives. Following the nationwide consultations, the gathered information was meticulously compiled and analyzed, forming the basis for the initial drafts of the plan. These drafts were then subjected to a rigorous validation process, incorporating feedback from various stakeholders to refine the plan’s content and ensure its practicality and effectiveness.
The AAID’s implementation phase will be the true test of its efficacy. It will serve as the guiding document for Liberia’s developmental efforts across all sectors, with a focus on promoting economic growth, reducing inequality, and enhancing the well-being of all citizens. The plan’s success hinges on the continued participation and collaboration of all stakeholders, including government ministries, development partners, civil society organizations, and the general public. Minister Ngafuan has expressed his unwavering commitment to ensuring the plan’s objectives are realized through a collaborative and inclusive approach. This commitment reflects the government’s recognition that sustainable development requires the active engagement of all segments of society.
The launch event in Buchanan will serve as a symbolic gathering, bringing together government officials, development partners, civil society representatives, and ordinary citizens. This diverse assembly underscores the collective ownership and shared responsibility for Liberia’s future. The event is not merely a celebration of a document but a reaffirmation of the nation’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development. It marks a moment of shared hope and determination, signifying Liberia’s resolve to build a prosperous and equitable future for all its citizens. The AAID represents a crucial step forward in Liberia’s journey towards achieving its development aspirations.
