-Development Partners and Government Institutions Celebrate the IMF Official’s Lasting Impact on Economic Reforms, Statistical Development, and Support for Vulnerable Communities During Farewell Ceremony in Monrovia
MONROVIA – Senior government officials, development partners, and representatives of international institutions gathered Friday in Monrovia to honor outgoing International Monetary Fund (IMF) Chief of Mission Daehaeng Kim, praising his professional leadership, collaborative approach, and lasting contribution to Liberia’s development journey.
The recognition ceremony, organized by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, featured tributes from officials representing the Liberia Institute of Statistics and Geo-Information Services (LISGIS), the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL), the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), the African Development Bank (AfDB), and other key institutions that worked closely with Kim during his assignment.
Speakers described Kim as more than a development partner, portraying him as a friend of Liberia who consistently sought practical solutions to the country’s challenges while demonstrating genuine concern for the welfare of ordinary Liberians.
Among those paying tribute was LISGIS Deputy Director General for Statistics and Data Processing, Boima H. M. Sonii, who credited Kim and the IMF for supporting significant improvements in Liberia’s statistical systems.
According to Sonii, IMF technical assistance helped Liberia produce annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) estimates covering several years and expand the compilation of quarterly GDP statistics, strengthening economic planning and evidence-based policymaking.
He also highlighted IMF support in improving inflation and consumer price measurement methodologies, which have enhanced the reliability of Liberia’s economic data.
“You have been a sincere advocate for stronger institutions, better data, and sound economic management,” Sonii said in his tribute. National Disaster Management Agency Executive Director Ansu V.S. Dulleh praised Kim’s willingness to engage institutions that often operate outside traditional economic policy discussions.
She recalled his visit to the agency and said his interest in disaster preparedness and resilience demonstrated a broader understanding of the factors that influence national development.
According to Dulleh, IMF assessments and discussions helped draw attention to the resource constraints facing disaster management efforts and strengthened advocacy for increased support.
Representatives of the African Development Bank also commended Kim’s role in advancing reforms that enhanced Liberia’s credibility with development partners and international investors.
They noted that the IMF-supported Extended Credit Facility Program served as an important anchor for macroeconomic reforms and helped create an environment conducive to development financing. Beyond his professional achievements, several speakers highlighted Kim’s personal acts of generosity and humanitarian support.
Attendees recounted instances in which he quietly assisted vulnerable communities, supported educational initiatives, and demonstrated a personal commitment to improving lives beyond the scope of his official responsibilities.
Responding to the tributes, an emotional Kim expressed deep appreciation for the recognition and reflected on his years of service in Liberia. He described the country as one of the most rewarding assignments of his career and praised Liberian institutions for the progress achieved in recent years.
“Everything that has been accomplished belongs to Liberia,” Kim said. “The achievements are yours. I was simply standing on the sidelines cheering you on.” Kim said three principles guided his work throughout his assignment: trust, reasonableness, and empathy.
“I trusted you, and you trusted me,” he told attendees. “Even when we disagreed on policy approaches, I never doubted the sincerity of the people I worked with.” He further explained that his objective was never to impose solutions, but rather to understand Liberia’s realities and help communicate those realities to the international community.
“I wanted to be a translator of Liberia’s goodwill,” he said. “To help others understand the commitment and aspirations of the Liberian people.” As he prepares for his next assignment, Kim pledged to remain a supporter and friend of Liberia.
“I will continue to cheer for Liberia’s success,” he said. “I will continue to pray for Liberia and celebrate its progress wherever I may be.”
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of gifts and tokens of appreciation from government institutions and development partners, marking the end of what many attendees described as a highly productive chapter in Liberia’s partnership with the International Monetary Fund.
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