From Forgotten to Flourishing: ArcelorMittal-Funded Projects Spark Historic Transformation in Yarwin Mehnsonnoh

By Edmund C. Gbarwee

Kpowin Town, Nimba County – April 2025 – In a region once defined by neglect and underdevelopment, Yarwin Mehnsonnoh District is now witnessing a historic transformation driven by community development projects fully funded through ArcelorMittal Liberia’s contributions to the County Social Development Fund (CSDF).

According to local authorities, the district is experiencing unprecedented infrastructure growth, thanks to strategic collaboration between the government and ArcelorMittal Liberia, the nation’s largest private investor.

“For the first time since 1964, we are witnessing what good leadership and real corporate partnership can achieve,” declared District Superintendent Paul Jackson in an interview with Nimba D-9 TV. “Under previous leaderships, we had hopes. But today, those hopes are materializing into tangible developments.”

Currently underway are several groundbreaking projects: a modern Commissioner Compound in Kpowin Town (Zehnla Administrative District), a new police station in Zekepa (the district headquarters), another Commissioner Compound in Ganwee (Mehnsonnoh Administrative District), and one more in Zahnzayee (Blinon Administrative District). These efforts are fully backed by ArcelorMittal’s ongoing financial commitment to local development, which has surpassed US$50 million since the CSDF’s creation.

Superintendent Jackson praised national leaders including President Joseph N. Boakai Sr., Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung Sr., and the 55th Nimba Legislative Caucus for ushering in what he described as a “new chapter of real-time development.” He also credited County Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono for steering infrastructure priorities across Nimba County.

“The people are ready to work with our leaders. With a government that listens, a committed caucus, and corporate partners like ArcelorMittal Liberia, Nimba County is entering a new era of transformation,” Jackson stated.

Beyond Yarwin Mehnsonnoh, ArcelorMittal Liberia’s development footprint spans its operational counties—Nimba, Bong, and Grand Bassa—where it has renovated schools, clinics, community centers, and supported health campaigns, scholarships, and vocational training for hundreds of Liberians.

The company’s latest community development report details over US$40 million in non-CSDF investments across Liberia. In Grand Bassa, it is currently funding roadwork, water projects, and school construction under its Community Development Fund.

ArcelorMittal’s Phase 2 Expansion Project, a US$1.7 billion investment, is set to triple iron ore production from 5 to 15 million tonnes annually. The project includes the construction of a new concentrator plant in Yekepa, expansion of the Yekepa-Buchanan railway, and modernization of Buchanan Port. More than 2,000 direct construction jobs are expected, most reserved for Liberians, along with thousands of indirect employment opportunities.

To ensure local participation, the company has rolled out technical training programs, apprenticeships, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening Liberia’s skilled workforce.

The government also stands to benefit from increased revenues through taxes, royalties, and development contributions tied to the expansion.

For many residents of Yarwin Mehnsonnoh, the impact is already deeply felt. For decades, government presence was virtually absent. Now, permanent facilities are replacing makeshift structures, improving governance, security, and public service delivery.

“These projects symbolize hope, opportunity, and a better future for our children,” said Moses Zor, a local youth leader. “We are grateful to ArcelorMittal and to our government for making this possible.”

With more CSDF projects in the pipeline and a national economy set to grow with AML’s expanded operations, Superintendent Jackson says Nimba is on track for sustained progress.

“Yarwin Mehnsonnoh is no longer in the shadows,” Jackson concluded. “This is a new era of responsible partnership and growth.”