MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Liberia’s Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, has urged international development partners to align their initiatives with the country’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID) and the County Development Agendas (CDAs). Speaking at the launch of the Government of Liberia and United Nations Strategic Policy Dialogue in Monrovia, Ngafuan emphasized the need for a coordinated and unified effort to achieve meaningful outcomes for the nation.
In his address, delivered on behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Ngafuan expressed deep appreciation for the ongoing support from the United Nations and other international partners, highlighting the critical role their collaboration plays in Liberia’s progress. “We are committed to building a prosperous and developed Liberia,” he affirmed, underscoring the government’s long-term commitment to advancing the nation’s development agenda.
The Minister outlined the government’s shift toward program-based planning and budgeting, a move aimed at producing tangible results for the population. He praised the United Nations for its facilitation of the Joint Strategic Policy Dialogue, recognizing it as a key step in aligning international and national priorities. Ngafuan highlighted the AAID and CDAs, which were endorsed by both the National Coordination Committee and the National Steering Committee led by President Boakai, as the central pillars of Liberia’s development strategy.
Acknowledging that development is a multifaceted process, Ngafuan stressed the importance of aligning efforts across various sectors to create lasting solutions for Liberia’s future. He called for the use of reliable data and broad consultations to ensure that the nation’s development path is informed by the needs and aspirations of its people.
Ngafuan also provided insights into Liberia’s forthcoming 2025 Draft National Budget, which he confirmed would align with the AAID and CDAs. The proposed budget allocates $106 million toward key public sector programs, with plans to increase funding as Liberia’s fiscal conditions improve. He emphasized the need for continued investment in priority sectors, noting that the AAID also aligns closely with global frameworks such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in areas of economic growth, education, and justice.
Discussing Liberia’s National Development Plan (NDP), Ngafuan unveiled an ambitious $8.4 billion investment blueprint aimed at strengthening human capital, improving infrastructure, and driving economic transformation. He explained that the government intends to raise $5.06 billion, or over 60% of the required funding, while seeking international support to fill the remaining financing gap.
Ngafuan stressed the importance of transparency in the management of public resources, assuring stakeholders that the government is committed to improving its financial systems to ensure that funds are used effectively. He also advocated for the use of innovative financing models through the National Financing Framework, which he believes will be crucial in achieving Liberia’s development objectives.
In conclusion, Ngafuan called for all development partners to align their programs with Liberia’s national priorities, reiterating that collective action is essential to realizing the nation’s vision of a prosperous future for all its citizens.
