The Liberian government, represented by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, expressed profound gratitude for the World Bank’s enduring support across various sectors. This appreciation came during a visit by Ousmane Diagana, the World Bank Vice President for Western and Central Africa, and his delegation to Liberia. Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan emphasized the World Bank’s pivotal role as Liberia’s largest multilateral partner, highlighting the institution’s contributions throughout the nation’s journey from post-conflict recovery to its current development trajectory. He underscored the impossibility of narrating Liberia’s progress without acknowledging the World Bank’s substantial involvement. The visit coincided with Liberia’s preparation to launch its new development agenda, the Agenda for Transformation, Reconciliation, and Reconstruction Through Empowerment and Sustainable Development (ARREST), with the World Bank aligning its programs in support of this initiative.
Minister Ngafuan lauded the World Bank’s impactful engagement across multiple sectors, extending beyond infrastructure development to encompass health systems strengthening, disease surveillance, agriculture, fisheries, education, social protection, governance, water resources, women’s empowerment, and finance. He detailed the breadth of the World Bank’s involvement, citing a portfolio of 19 active projects totaling US$922 million, a testament to the institution’s long-standing partnership with Liberia since 1962. Specifically, the Minister acknowledged the World Bank’s crucial support in the energy sector, aiming to boost Liberia’s energy access from the current 33% to an ambitious target of 80%, a feat he deemed achievable with the Bank’s continued collaboration. He also expressed gratitude for the timely disbursement of budget support funding, including a dedicated allocation for disaster relief.
World Bank Vice President Ousmane Diagana affirmed the institution’s commitment to regular engagement with Liberia, emphasizing the importance of policy discussions and collaborative efforts. He stated that the delegation’s visit aimed to foster dialogue with Liberian citizens, exploring new partnership opportunities and supporting the implementation of the ARREST agenda. The visit included site visits to key projects, such as the Mount Coffee Hydro Powerplant and Afropa Factory Liberia, Inc., showcasing the World Bank Group’s investments in energy access and private sector development. These investments underscore the World Bank’s dedication to Liberia’s ambitious energy goals and its support for local businesses like Afropa, a diversified corporation operating in automotive trading, real estate, fast-moving consumer goods, and beverages.
The World Bank’s investment in the Mount Coffee Hydro Powerplant represents a significant contribution to Liberia’s energy infrastructure, aiming to increase electricity generation capacity and improve access to reliable power. This project aligns with the country’s broader development goals of fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for its citizens. Similarly, the World Bank’s support for Afropa Factory Liberia, Inc. demonstrates its commitment to private sector development, recognizing the importance of local businesses in driving economic progress and creating job opportunities. By investing in a diversified company like Afropa, the World Bank aims to stimulate growth in various sectors, contributing to a more robust and resilient Liberian economy.
Diagana’s visit further included high-level meetings with President George Weah and senior government officials, as well as the Development Trust Fund Partnership Council. These meetings provided a platform to discuss the World Bank Group’s engagement strategy in Liberia over the next five years, reaffirming the institution’s long-term commitment to the country’s development. The discussions focused on aligning the World Bank’s programs with Liberia’s national development priorities, ensuring that its support is targeted and effective in achieving the country’s development goals. The engagement with the Development Trust Fund Partnership Council emphasized the collaborative approach adopted by the World Bank, working in partnership with other stakeholders to maximize the impact of development initiatives.
These meetings underscore the significance of the World Bank’s partnership with Liberia, a relationship built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to sustainable development. The Bank’s engagement spans a multitude of sectors, reflecting a holistic approach to development, recognizing the interconnectedness of various aspects of a nation’s progress. The institution’s support for Liberia extends beyond financial assistance, encompassing technical expertise and policy guidance, contributing to the country’s capacity building and long-term development trajectory. The ongoing dialogue between the World Bank and the Liberian government ensures that the Bank’s interventions remain aligned with the country’s evolving needs and priorities, fostering a dynamic and responsive partnership.
