MONROVIA — The World Bank Group Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer, Paschal Donohoe, is set to visit Liberia and Ghana from March 15–20, 2026, in his first official trip to West Africa since assuming office in November 2025.
The visit is expected to reinforce the World Bank’s commitment to supporting economic reforms, job creation, and sustainable development across the region.
High-Level Engagements Planned
During the visit, Donohoe will meet with Joseph Nyuma Boakai in Monrovia and John Dramani Mahama in Accra, alongside senior government officials and key stakeholders.
Discussions will center on economic governance, job creation, and energy access, including initiatives such as Mission 300, which aims to expand electricity coverage across Africa.
Focus on Liberia’s Development Priorities
While in Liberia, Donohoe is expected to hold meetings with the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, the Central Bank, and private sector actors to discuss priorities including:
- Expanding access to education and skills development
- Strengthening the energy sector
- Attracting private investment
He will also tour the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant, a critical national asset supplying about 88 megawatts of electricity to Monrovia and its environs. The facility is currently being expanded with a 20-megawatt solar photovoltaic project, reflecting Liberia’s shift toward diversified energy sources.
Ghana Leg of Visit
In Ghana, the World Bank official will engage government leaders, parliamentarians, civil society groups, and business leaders on scaling development solutions.
He is also scheduled to deliver a public lecture at the University of Ghana titled “Building Skills, Creating Jobs, and Empowering Africa’s Future.”
Additionally, Donohoe will visit key development projects, including the Ghana Accountability and Learning Outcomes Project (GALOP) and a major rooftop solar installation in Tema.
Strong Financial Footprint
The World Bank Group maintains a significant presence in both countries:
- In Ghana, its portfolio stands at approximately US$4.24 billion across 22 projects, with additional investments from its private sector arm, IFC, exceeding US$800 million in recent years.
- In Liberia, the Bank supports 18 active projects valued at about US$936.8 million, spanning infrastructure, health, agriculture, governance, and social protection.
Other World Bank affiliates, including the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), also continue to play key roles in supporting private sector growth and investment.
Strengthening Regional Partnership
Donohoe’s visit underscores a broader push by the World Bank to translate economic reforms into tangible growth, job opportunities, and improved living standards.
For Liberia, the engagement comes at a time when the government is seeking to accelerate development under its national agenda, with particular emphasis on energy, infrastructure, and private sector expansion.
Analysts say the visit could help deepen cooperation and unlock additional financing and technical support for priority sectors in the country.
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