The European Union (EU) and the Government of Liberia(GoL) have signed two financing agreements amounting to US$21.3 million to support national development, gender equality, and civil society engagement. The signing underscores the EU’s sustained commitment to fostering good governance and sustainable development in Liberia.
The agreements, as part of the EU’s 2024 Annual Action Plan, include a US$7.3 million Support Measures Program and a US$13.6 million Spotlight Initiative, both aimed at strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing social cohesion, and advancing gender equity.
Speaking Tuesday, March 4, 2025 during the ceremony, Liberia’s Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan applauded the EU for its continued partnership and highlighted the transformative potential of the agreements.
“This is a great day for us because we are in interesting times,” Ngafuan stated. “The EU’s commitment is not just to the government but to the people of Liberia—especially those who have been left behind.”
Minister Ngafuan said that the funding will empower civil society organizations (CSOs), enhance public discourse, and ensure that women and girls who experience violence or harmful practices have access to quality essential services and justice.
He said the $7.3 million Support Measures Program focuses on two main areas, Cooperation Facility and Capacity Building, and Civil Society Engagement.
Ngafuan said the funding will not flow directly to the government but will instead support civil society organizations and the UN system to implement services benefiting vulnerable Liberians.
“The government is not only concerned about its employees but about all Liberians, especially those working with CSOs who have been affected by economic challenges. This partnership with the EU ensures we leave no one behind,” he added.
The MFDP Minister said, “The $13.6 million Spotlight Initiative focuses on combating gender-based violence and promoting the rights of women and girls. The program will be implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, and UN agencies, including UN Women, UNDP and UNFPA.”
He outlined the government’s broader strategy to strengthen domestic resource mobilization, citing the Liberia Revenue Authority’s (LRA) record-breaking US$700 million in domestic revenue in the past year.
“We are working to increase our domestic resources while partnering with international institutions like the EU. One key focus is transitioning from the Goods and Services Tax to a Value-Added Tax (VAT) system by 2026—an effort that EU support will help facilitate,” he said.
The minister revealed that the EU has committed €56 million (USD 61 million) in budget support over the next three years to help Liberia address economic challenges and improve public service delivery.
Madam Erica Gerretsen, Director for Human Development, Migration, Governance, and Peace at the European Commission, emphasized the EU’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s efforts to advance gender equality and transparency.
She said EU’s annual support to Liberia averages US$100 million, and the agreements reaffirm their dedication to strengthening governance and protecting the most vulnerable, stating that the Spotlight Initiative addresses systemic issues and supports victims of gender-based violence, ensuring no one is left behind. As part of its ongoing cooperation, the EU has also pledged to support the observation of Liberia’s upcoming Nimba County by-election.
By Prince Saah
