GANTA, Nimba County — Liberia on Monday, January 19, formally launched its first post-war Liberia National Infrastructure Conference, a five-day high-level forum aimed at rethinking, coordinating, and accelerating the country’s infrastructure development agenda as a foundation for economic recovery and inclusive growth.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai officially declared the conference open at Jackie’s Resort in Ganta, describing the gathering as a decisive shift from fragmented interventions toward coordinated, resilient, and people-centered infrastructure delivery. The conference, running from January 19–23, 2026, is held under the theme “Rebranding and Rebuilding Through Reconstruction.”
Organized by the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Public Works, the conference brings together senior government officials, lawmakers, development partners, engineers, private-sector actors, academics, and members of the Liberian diaspora to assess infrastructure gaps and chart a practical pathway for reconstruction in a post-war context.
In his opening message, President Boakai emphasized that infrastructure is not merely about physical assets such as roads and bridges, but a strategic enabler of productivity, private-sector growth, social inclusion, and national resilience. He called on participants to translate dialogue into “bankable projects, implementable policies, and measurable outcomes,” urging disciplined execution and climate-conscious planning in line with Liberia’s development priorities.
The conference aligns with Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development and is framed within broader continental and global commitments, including Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals. Discussions are structured around key thematic areas: spatial development and urban planning; housing and social infrastructure; energy and transport systems; water, sewerage and sanitation; telecommunications and digital connectivity; and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Speaker of the House of Representatives Richard Nagbe Koon, and Senate Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence all underscored the Legislature’s readiness to support policy reforms and oversight frameworks that promote transparency, accountability, and equitable infrastructure development nationwide.
The five-day program features plenary sessions, panel discussions, technical presentations, and roundtables covering energy access, road connectivity, transport systems, climate adaptation, and digital transformation. A keynote address on reconstruction and resilience is being delivered by Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, Ghana’s Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, reflecting regional cooperation and shared development experiences.
According to organizers, the final day of the conference will focus on partnerships, investment opportunities, and the articulation of a national roadmap for implementation, including field visits and a closing ceremony summarizing key outcomes. Government officials say the National Infrastructure Conference marks a historic milestone in Liberia’s post-war recovery, signaling renewed commitment to coordinated planning, sustainable investment, and the rebuilding of national systems capable of supporting long-term growth and improved living standards across both urban and rural communities.
