In a transformative effort to spur growth and sustainability, the Liberian government has set forth its medium-term development plan, focusing on enhancing infrastructure in critical sectors such as Information and Communication Technology (ICT), energy, sea ports, and air transport. According to Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Ngafuan, the urgency of economic diversification has never been more crucial. During a recent meeting at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex, Ngafuan highlighted the tourism industry as a key area for investment, which, combined with improvements in agriculture, could foster new private-sector opportunities. This sentiment aligns with the government’s push to develop the country’s resources in a way that encourages broader economic participation, targeting sectors that can generate immediate benefits.
The initiative, referred to as the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), has emerged through an extensive consultative process involving various stakeholders throughout Liberia. Ngafuan pointed out that validating this draft document represents one of the last steps before its launch, and he expressed gratitude toward the citizenry for their contributions. The AAID focuses predominantly on agriculture, with an intention to enhance agribusiness value chains. Acknowledging the significance of structured and strategic planning, Minister Ngafuan conveyed that the effort behind the AAID underscores the government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive framework for national growth.
Key highlights of the ARREST Agenda include a robust emphasis on infrastructure development. Roads and utilities are considered vital to the plan’s success, setting the stage for improved access to services and goods, thereby stimulating economic activity. Additionally, the agenda seeks to enhance governance through the rule of law while intensifying the fight against corruption—a landmark approach necessary for establishing a trustworthy environment for investment. The initiative will further delve into the education sector, ensuring that the learning experience is enhanced from early childhood to various levels of higher education, along with targeted improvements in health outcomes through water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) projects.
Regarding the financial aspects of the ARREST Agenda, Minister Ngafuan indicated that the plan requires an indicative budget of approximately US$7.6 million. To fund this comprehensive development strategy, varied stakeholders are expected to contribute in significant proportions; the Government of Liberia will fund 30%, while contributions from development partners, including the private sector and diaspora remittances, will bridge the remaining funds. In a presentation to the stakeholders, the Assistant Minister for Development Planning emphasized that these figures are preliminary and may be revised as the plan progresses.
Reactions to the draft plan have been overwhelmingly positive. Professor Alaric Tokpah, Acting Chairperson of the Governance Commission, commended the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning for facilitating this validation exercise, emphasizing the crucial role of meticulous planning in driving national growth. He remarked that no country can achieve significant advancements in the absence of a coherent strategy, making this collaborative effort vital for Liberia’s future. The wide-ranging assembly of stakeholders from various sectors, including civil society organizations and development partners, mirrors the inclusive nature of this verification exercise which aims to refine and validate the National Development Plan.
In summary, the ARREST Agenda is an ambitious and inclusive framework poised to revitalize Liberia’s economy through diversified investments and infrastructural improvements. By harnessing the potential of key sectors such as tourism and agriculture while ensuring that governance and education are prioritized, the government seeks to foster private investment and national development. As the stakeholders convene to finalize the draft, the recognition of diverse contributions underscores the collective effort needed for Liberia to achieve long-term sustainability and resilience in its economic landscape.
