MONROVIA — Liberia and the World Bank Group have reaffirmed their strong development partnership, with Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan and visiting World Bank Executive Director for Liberia, Zarau Wendeline Kibwe, underscoring progress, resilience, and the need for sustained reforms to drive growth and improve livelihoods.
Kibwe, who represents Liberia and 21 other sub-Saharan African countries on the World Bank Board, met Tuesday with Minister Ngafuan and senior government officials as part of a mission aimed at assessing the impact of World Bank-supported projects and identifying new areas for investment.
“The World Bank Did Not Retreat on Us” — Ngafuan
Speaking at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Minister Ngafuan described the World Bank as Liberia’s most significant development partner, noting that its portfolio is approaching $1 billion across multiple sectors.
“The World Bank is Liberia’s largest donor partner in terms of the breadth of projects,” Ngafuan said. “Last year was a tough year for us… but while some were receding, the World Bank did not retreat on us. In fact, the partnership got more solid.”
He emphasized that the Bank’s continued support during difficult global conditions demonstrated the strength of the relationship.
“Friends indeed are known when the weather gets dark. It was dark, but you were there with us through it all,” he added.
Ngafuan noted that despite global economic shocks and fiscal pressures, Liberia has continued to benefit from the Bank’s responsiveness and commitment, particularly in infrastructure and public service delivery.
He pointed to tangible outcomes, including improved road connectivity and expanded access to essential services.
“When our people can drive from Monrovia to Harper, it is on account of partners’ support… The World Bank has put significant resources into this,” he said.
Portfolio Improving Amid Reforms
A central focus of the meeting was the performance of Liberia’s World Bank-funded project portfolio. While acknowledging challenges such as delays and disbursement bottlenecks, Ngafuan said there has been notable improvement in recent months.
“Our portfolio is big… we’ve had issues with investments, but the portfolio is improving. From last year to this year is a material change,” he stated.
He disclosed that the government will soon conduct a comprehensive portfolio review aimed at accelerating project implementation and enhancing efficiency.
“The disbursement rate has increased, and new projects are in the pipeline,” Ngafuan added, signaling optimism about Liberia’s development trajectory.
Kibwe Commends Liberia’s Economic Resilience
For his part, Executive Director Kibwe praised Liberia’s economic management, noting that the country’s performance compares favorably with others in the region despite global challenges.
“I think you are doing a fantastic job in terms of building that economic resilience,” Kibwe said.
He further highlighted recent World Bank approvals as evidence of Liberia’s improving macroeconomic stability.
“The level of macroeconomic stability that the country is striving to achieve… you have been able to bring the numbers to sustainable thresholds,” he noted.
Kibwe stressed that while macroeconomic gains are important, the ultimate goal remains improving the lives of ordinary Liberians.
“For us, more about performance, it’s about the impact it is having on the people of Liberia,” he said.
Focus on Jobs, Investment, and Development Impact
Kibwe explained that his visit is centered on deepening engagement with Liberian authorities and ensuring that World Bank support aligns with the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
“We are here to listen, observe, and discuss how the World Bank Group can be of more support to the people and government of Liberia,” he said.
He emphasized that improving the business climate and creating jobs remain central to the Bank’s support framework, noting that macroeconomic stability and peace are critical enablers of investment.
Strengthening a Strategic Partnership
Both officials highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration, particularly in priority sectors such as infrastructure, public works, and water service delivery.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including Central Bank Governor Henry Saamoi, Public Works Minister Roland Giddings, and senior World Bank officials, reflecting a coordinated approach to development planning.
Ngafuan concluded by reaffirming Liberia’s appreciation for the partnership.
“This support is not for the government of Liberia—it is for the people of Liberia,” he said.
As Liberia navigates global economic uncertainties, the engagement signals continued alignment between the government and the World Bank in advancing reforms, expanding investment, and delivering tangible benefits to citizens.
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