MONROVIA – The Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, has held high-level discussions with the newly appointed Country Manager of the African Development Bank (AfDB) for Liberia, Rees Mwasambili, as both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening development cooperation.
According to a press release issued Friday by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, the meeting took place on Thursday, March 12, 2026, when the AfDB country manager paid a courtesy visit to Minister Ngafuan to discuss ongoing and future development initiatives in Liberia.
Mr. Mwasambili led a delegation from the Bank that included Principal Country Program Officer John Baslo Bukenya and Senior Country Economist Yusuf Bob Foday, signaling the Bank’s continued engagement with Liberia on key development programs.
During the meeting, Minister Ngafuan welcomed the AfDB delegation and emphasized the critical role the Bank continues to play in supporting Liberia’s development agenda, particularly as the government works to accelerate economic recovery and national development programs.
“The presence of the Bank’s country office plays an important role in supporting Liberia’s effective use of development financing and in guiding the implementation of key national programs,” Ngafuan stated, according to the ministry’s press release.
The Finance Minister described the African Development Bank as one of Liberia’s most reliable development partners, noting that the institution has made substantial contributions to the country’s progress over the years.
He particularly highlighted the Bank’s role in Liberia’s road infrastructure development, describing the sector as essential to the country’s long-term economic transformation and regional connectivity.
Ngafuan also welcomed the appointment of a substantive AfDB Country Manager in Liberia, noting that the strengthened presence of the Bank in the country would further deepen collaboration between the Government of Liberia and the African Development Bank.
“At the Bank, we have a family,” the Finance Minister said during the meeting. “Your presence here helps guide us and ensures that we remain on track in meeting our development targets.”
At the same time, Ngafuan encouraged the Bank to continue working closely with the government to accelerate the implementation and financing of projects that are currently progressing slowly.
Speaking on behalf of the African Development Bank, Country Manager Rees Mwasambili reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s development agenda and strengthening cooperation with the government.
He expressed appreciation for the longstanding partnership between the AfDB and Liberia, while also noting his personal connection to the country.
Mwasambili explained that he had previously served in Liberia in another professional capacity and was pleased to return to lead the Bank’s operations in the country.
He assured the Finance Minister that the AfDB team would work closely with the Government of Liberia to fulfill the Bank’s mandate and support the successful implementation of development initiatives across key sectors.
The meeting highlighted the continued collaboration between the Government of Liberia and the African Development Bank as both sides work toward advancing sustainable development and economic growth across the country.
