President Joseph N. Boakai has made a passionate appeal for increased continental cooperation in road financing, maintenance, and climate-resilient infrastructure. Speaking on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at the 22nd Annual General Meeting of the African Road Maintenance Funds Association (ARMFA) in Monrovia, President Boakai expressed Liberia’s honor in hosting the event at a time when the country is undergoing significant developmental changes and making great strides in sustainable infrastructure.
Boakai commended ARMFA for over two decades of leadership in coordinating road maintenance across Africa, calling the 22nd General Assembly “another milestone in strengthening cooperation, enhancing technical capacity, and advancing regional integration.” He reminded delegates that quality road infrastructure is essential for Africa’s socio-economic transformation, as it connects farmers to markets, children to schools, and patients to healthcare. He described roads as “economic and political pillars” vital for advancing the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The President emphasized that countries are facing increasing challenges from climate change impacts, rapid urbanization, and limited financing, which threaten the resilience of road networks. He pointed out that poorly maintained roads not only create technical issues but also result in significant developmental setbacks.
Boakai highlighted his government’s commitment to the ARREST Agenda, noting that Liberia is working with the National Road Fund to enhance investments, reforms, and governance in road maintenance. “No country can achieve this alone,” he stated, emphasizing that roads “weave our countries and cultures together more than we think.” The Liberian leader reaffirmed Liberia’s support for the African Union’s Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) and the AfCFTA, both of which depend heavily on improved regional connectivity.
Encouraging delegates to deepen collaboration, explore innovative financing, and adopt climate and digital solutions, Boakai expressed the hope that the Monrovia meeting would serve as a platform for practical problem-solving and renewed partnerships. “Let this be a forum for knowledge-sharing. Africa is at a crossroads where current decisions on infrastructure will shape future generations,” he added.
The President assured attendees that Liberia is ready to learn, share, and collaborate with other nations to build the “roads of Africa’s tomorrow.” He expressed gratitude to the delegates for choosing Liberia as a meeting location and encouraged them to experience the hospitality, culture, and warmth of the Liberian people during their stay.
