Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan has hailed the launch of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID) and the County Development Agendas (CDAs) as a monumental step in Liberia’s quest for economic growth and national resilience.
Speaking at the launch ceremony in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, Minister Ngafuan described the initiative as the foundation of Liberia’s development framework for the next five years, emphasizing its focus on creating a prosperous and inclusive society.
“This marks the beginning of building the new superstructure for our nation’s development. It is not just a launch but a call to action for all Liberians,” Ngafuan declared.
The event, which drew President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, development partners, private sector leaders, and representatives of the Liberian diaspora, underscored the significance of the AAID and CDAs in addressing Liberia’s pressing challenges and aspirations.
The $8.38 billion development agenda, aligned with Vision 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and regional frameworks, charts a bold pathway for progress. It focuses on six pillars: economic transformation, infrastructure modernization, governance, environmental sustainability, human capital development, and adherence to the rule of law. The plan targets significant economic and social outcomes, including a 37% increase in GDP, extended life expectancy, and reductions in maternal mortality and multidimensional poverty.
Ngafuan stressed the inclusive nature of the agenda, noting its foundation in nationwide consultations that captured the perspectives of Liberians from diverse backgrounds, including farmers, youth groups, entrepreneurs, civil society, and people with disabilities. “This initiative embodies the voices of Liberians from all walks of life,” he said.
The financing of the AAID requires $8.38 billion, with 30% to be contributed by the Government of Liberia and 70% expected from development partners, private sector actors, and other stakeholders. Minister Ngafuan called for a unified approach, emphasizing the need for collaboration among government entities, international organizations, and the Liberian diaspora to achieve the outlined goals.
Tourism was highlighted as a cornerstone of the agenda, with plans to establish Liberia as a premier travel destination by 2029. This vision includes showcasing the nation’s cultural and natural heritage, developing eco-tourism sites in all 15 counties, and boosting international tourist arrivals by 10%. Central to this effort are the establishment of a Tourism Authority, improved coordination within the sector, and initiatives to enhance investment opportunities and build stakeholder capacity.
“This is not just a document—it is a shared vision for our country. Together, we must seize this moment to build a Liberia where no one is left behind,” Ngafuan concluded, urging all Liberians to unite in support of the agenda.
The launch ceremony acknowledged the critical contributions of development partners, including the United Nations, USAID-DELTA, and the Swedish Government, as well as consulting firms Subah-Belleh Associates and Africa Development Management Associates. Minister Ngafuan reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering stability, peace, and opportunity, setting the stage for a brighter future for all Liberians.
