Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan has called on development partners to align their initiatives with Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID) and the 15 County Development Agendas (CDAs). Speaking at the opening of the Government of Liberia and United Nations Strategic Policy Dialogue in Monrovia, Minister Ngafuan emphasized the need for a unified approach to ensure meaningful outcomes for the Liberian people.
Addressing participants on behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, the Minister expressed gratitude to the United Nations and other development partners for their continued support, describing their collaboration as essential to the nation’s future. “We are committed to the vision of a developed and prosperous Liberia,” he affirmed, underlining the government’s dedication to long-term development goals.
Ngafuan highlighted Liberia’s shift to program-based planning and budgeting, aimed at delivering tangible results for citizens. He praised the United Nations for its pivotal role in organizing the Joint Strategic Policy Dialogue, calling it a crucial milestone in advancing the country’s development priorities. The AAID and CDAs, endorsed by the National Coordination Committee and National Steering Committee chaired by President Boakai, were presented as the cornerstone of Liberia’s development strategy.
“Development is a diverse phenomenon,” the Minister noted, adding that while perspectives may vary, the shared objective remains to create transformative solutions for the nation’s future. He stressed the importance of using credible data and conducting broad consultations to guide these efforts.
Ngafuan stressed the government’s commitment by aligning the 2025 Draft National Budget with the AAID and CDAs, allocating $106 million to key public sector programs. He indicated plans to expand funding as fiscal conditions improve, ensuring that priority sectors receive adequate resources. He also highlighted the alignment of the AAID with global frameworks, noting that 83% of its interventions correspond to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on economic growth, quality education, and peace and justice.
Outlining Liberia’s National Development Plan (NDP), Ngafuan detailed an $8.4 billion investment blueprint aimed at bolstering human capital, infrastructure, and economic transformation. The government has committed to securing $5.06 billion over 60% of the financing, while seeking international partnerships to cover the remaining funding needs. He emphasized the importance of transparency and effective resource management, assuring stakeholders of continued improvements to public financial systems.
The Minister also encouraged exploration of innovative financing through the integrated National Financing Framework, which he described as vital for achieving Liberia’s development goals. He concluded by urging all partners to align their programs with national priorities, emphasizing that collective efforts are essential to realizing Liberia’s vision of a brighter and more prosperous future for all.
