MONROVIA, Liberia — Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan has described the launch of the Excellence in Learning in Liberia (EXCEL) Project as a decisive move by the Boakai administration to confront learning poverty and invest in Liberia’s long-term human capital, rather than short-term consumption.
Speaking at the official launch of the project on Monday, Ngafuan said the government is deliberately prioritizing education as a foundation for sustainable development, warning that without a strong learning base, economic progress will remain fragile.
“We cannot only be thinking about bread and butter for today,” Ngafuan said. “We must also think about bread and butter for tomorrow.”
The EXCEL Project, supported by the World Bank, Global Partnership for Education (GPE), the European Union, and other partners, is designed to reduce learning poverty and improve foundational education outcomes nationwide.
Education as the Bedrock of Development
Ngafuan praised President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for what he described as a strategic, forward-looking leadership style that focuses on long-term impact rather than political symbolism.
“You said your duty was not to curse the darkness, but to light the candle,” Ngafuan told the President. “And you are lighting the candle in all sectors, simultaneously.”
He used a construction analogy to emphasize the importance of early learning.
“If the foundation is shaky, the superstructure will collapse like a pack of cards,” he said, stressing that school feeding programs alone cannot substitute for strong learning outcomes.
Reducing Learning Poverty
The Finance Minister said the EXCEL Project’s emphasis on reducing learning poverty reflects a deeper understanding of poverty beyond immediate consumption.
“When we talk about poverty, people think about cabbage and bread and butter,” Ngafuan noted. “But the reason many of us can afford bread and butter today is because of a strong foundation years ago.”
He framed the initiative as an issue of intergenerational equity, arguing that today’s decisions must secure opportunities for future generations.
Credibility With Partners Driving Results
Ngafuan placed the EXCEL launch within a broader wave of recent development milestones, including renewed health financing with the United States, Liberia’s reconfirmation for a second Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact, and the mobilization of more than US$80 million for the Gbarnga–Mendikorma highway corridor.
He attributed these gains to improved credibility with international partners.
“When we pay, our credibility is strengthened, and when our credibility is strengthened, we get more for the country,” he said.
The Minister disclosed that the government has allocated about US$25 million in the upcoming budget to service obligations to the World Bank, describing debt service as a strategic investment rather than a burden.
Education Financing Beyond the Budget
Ngafuan acknowledged ongoing public debate over budget allocations but urged Liberians to view education financing more broadly.
“Look at the panorama,” he said. “We have US$88 million for education, and we are concluding with partners for more than US$30 million in additional support.”
He explained that some major development initiatives, including education and agricultural transformation projects, operate outside the national budget but remain fully aligned with national priorities.
Commitment to Timely Project Execution
Warning against delays that inflate costs and undermine impact, Ngafuan said the Boakai administration is determined to execute projects on schedule and meet counterpart funding obligations.
“As we delay projects, government pays commitment fees,” he said. “To enhance our credibility, this government is paying its obligations.”
A Long-Term Vision
In closing, Ngafuan quoted Chinese philosopher Confucius to underscore the administration’s long-term approach.
“If you are planning for a year, plant rice. If you are planning for a decade, plant trees. But if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people,” he said. “That is what we are doing here.” He said the EXCEL Project reflects President Boakai’s determination to plan not just for his tenure, but for generations of Liberians to come.
