Liberia’s Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Ngafuan has disclosed the government’s ambition to unlock Liberia’s economy through roads and energy.
He made the disclosure at the sidelines of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings in Washington DC when he met the World Bank Vice President for Western and Central Africa, Ousmane Diagana and his regional directors.
Ngafuan said roads and energy are two key drivers to unlock Liberia’s economy, which will foster growth and development across all sectors. ‘’ The government is key and committed to achieving this milestone development’’ he added.
He thanked the World Bank through its Vice President for supporting Liberia’s development drive that aligns with the current National Development Plan called the ARREST Agenda.
He said the government is making frontier efforts with big force and urgency to address the binding constraints associated with roads and energy, saying “For Liberia to develop and strengthen the private sector, we need a big force and urgency to address factors related to improving roads and energy infrastructure.”
“However, the government is trying to target counterpart funding from the World Bank and other development partners to address infrastructure needs for growth and development. When infrastructure needs are addressed, Liberians will have the opportunity to design, develop, and have access to development frameworks where private sector job access will increase,’’ Minister Ngafuan said.
He said for 2025, robust strategic and implementation plans for road, energy, and health, among other priority areas for national growth and development, are key critical steps for implementation.
The World Bank Vice President for Western and Central Africa, Mr. Ousmane Diagana praised Minister Ngafuan for his strong collaboration and commitment to work and strengthen the economy.
‘’ Let me commend you and the government for the early step you have taken to control corruption and misuse of public funds’’ he said, while stating that the World Bank team is also happy to work with Minister Ngafuan and other stakeholders to address the binding constraints.
