The Government of Liberia has allocated US$98 million in the Draft National Budget for the Fiscal Year 2025 to support critical development initiatives, with a significant focus on infrastructure, particularly road construction and rehabilitation.
This funding is part of the ARREST-Specific Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP) and is expected to be supplemented by a contingency budget. According to the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), US$52.9 million of the total allocation will be directed toward road projects, including ongoing and new initiatives.
Key road projects highlighted in the budget include the Saclepea-Zwedru segment of the SECRAMP project, the Sanniquellie-Loguatuo highway, and the Salayea-Beyan Town stretch of the Gbarnga-Mendikorma road. The MFDP noted that these projects have faced delays but are now positioned for progress.
An additional US$15 million has been set aside for the “No Car Will Be Stuck” initiative, part of the Pliable Roads Program. This initiative ensures that urban streets, community roads, and farm-to-market routes remain passable year-round, particularly during the rainy season. It includes paving roads in several communities using coal tar.
Beyond road infrastructure, the PSIP funding will support various other key development projects beyond road infrastructure. These include the rehabilitation of the road between Gabriel Tucker Bridge and St. Paul’s Bridge, expanding Roberts International Airport, and upgrading the Liberia Broadcasting System to ensure nationwide access to LNTV.
The budget also prioritizes investments in several vital sectors. In agriculture, US$7 million will fund initiatives to improve research extension services for farmers and enhance value-added agricultural processes. This investment aims to strengthen Liberia’s agricultural value chain, reduce dependency on imports, and expand export potential.
The education sector receives a boost with US$5.3 million allocated for various initiatives, including renovations and expansions at schools such as the Monrovia Consolidated School System and Booker Washington Institute. Additionally, US$600,000 will fund the Digital Transformation Program to integrate technology into education, and US$1 million will support a school feeding program to improve nutrition and attendance.
In healthcare, US$7.6 million will be allocated for critical projects, including US$1.9 million for expanding capacity at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital. Other health priorities include upgrading the Jackson F. Doe Memorial Hospital in Nimba County and reconstructing the CH Rennie Hospital in Margibi County.
The budget also sets aside US$3.7 million for the Rule of Law, including funds for renovating military housing, police barracks, and the Temple of Justice complex and supporting the anti-drug “Kush Must Go” campaign. Additionally, US$2.5 million will be allocated to urban sanitation efforts, focusing on waste management in Monrovia, Paynesville, and other county capitals.
The Ministry of Finance & Development Planning emphasized that the FY 2025 budget reflects the government’s strong commitment to addressing infrastructure gaps, enhancing economic productivity, and improving public services. These development interventions are expected to foster sustainable growth and significantly improve the quality of life for Liberians across the country.
