By Staff Writer | Smart News Liberia
MONROVIA – Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan has reaffirmed Liberia’s strong partnership with the World Bank, describing the relationship as vital to the country’s development agenda as government seeks greater investment support amid mounting global economic uncertainty.
Ngafuan made the remarks on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, during a high-level meeting with the World Bank Group Executive Director for Liberia, Mr. Zarau Wendeline Kibwe, who is visiting the country to assess the impact of World Bank-backed projects and discuss future cooperation.
The World Bank official’s mission is focused on evaluating how donor-supported programs are improving the lives of ordinary Liberians, identifying implementation obstacles, and exploring opportunities for new investments aligned with Liberia’s national priorities.
Speaking at the start of the meeting, Minister Ngafuan said the visit was both timely and important, especially as Liberia continues to confront external economic shocks, fiscal strain, and broader global instability.
He emphasized that despite these challenges, the government remains firmly committed to its relationship with the World Bank, which he said has played a critical role in helping Liberia maintain economic resilience.
“Our partnership with the World Bank remains strong and impactful,” Ngafuan declared, noting that the institution has consistently supported Liberia during difficult economic periods.
A major portion of the discussions reportedly centered on the performance of Liberia’s portfolio of World Bank-funded projects. Officials reviewed progress achieved while also acknowledging persistent implementation delays and administrative bottlenecks affecting project disbursements.
Ngafuan disclosed that the government is preparing a comprehensive review of all World Bank-supported projects to improve efficiency, speed up implementation, and ensure better use of available resources.
According to him, the review will place special attention on priority sectors including infrastructure, public works, and water service delivery, areas considered critical to national growth and citizens’ welfare.
The Finance Minister also pointed to recent progress, highlighting stronger implementation rates, improved disbursement levels, and a growing pipeline of new development projects.
He said those gains are already producing visible benefits, including better road connectivity and expanded access to essential services in communities across Liberia.
For his part, Executive Director Kibwe said his visit is intended to deepen engagement with Liberian authorities and better understand the country’s changing development priorities.
He reaffirmed Liberia’s importance as a valued partner and shareholder within the World Bank Group.
Kibwe also praised Liberia for maintaining relative macroeconomic stability despite global economic headwinds, observing that the country’s recent performance compares favorably with several others in the region.
However, he urged continued reforms aimed at improving the business climate, attracting private sector investment, and creating jobs, noting that these priorities remain central to the World Bank’s support strategy for Liberia.
The meeting was attended by several senior officials, including World Bank Country Manager for Liberia Georgia Wallen, Central Bank Governor Henry Saamoi, Public Works Minister Roland Giddings, and Forestry Development Authority Managing Director Rudolph J. Merab Sr.
