By Desmond Gbeleh Wion
Capitol Hill, Monrovia — Liberia is set to benefit from a major financial boost after the World Bank agreed to commit $490 million toward key infrastructure projects across the country. The move is seen as one of the largest pledges Liberia has received in recent years and shows growing international trust in the country’s new development drive.
The World Bank said the funds will help support President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s ARREST Agenda, focusing on improvements in Agriculture, Roads, Energy, Schools, and Technology. The projects will target long-standing gaps in critical sectors like energy, road construction, education, health, farming, and digital services, aiming to spur inclusive growth and better living conditions for Liberians.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing in Monrovia, Deputy Information Minister Daniel Sando described the World Bank’s commitment as a “game-changing moment” for the nation. He said this support is not just about infrastructure, but about giving Liberians a real chance at a better life, with better roads, reliable electricity, clean water, strong schools, and quality healthcare to lay the groundwork for economic growth and national unity.
The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning said the $490 million will be used to expand energy access from the current 33 percent to 75 percent, upgrade roads, invest in schools and hospitals, strengthen agriculture, and promote digital learning opportunities.
The World Bank’s Vice President for Africa, Ousmane Diagana, praised Liberia’s recent reforms, pointing to the government’s efforts to promote transparency and fiscal responsibility. He said these steps gave the World Bank the confidence to back Liberia with such a large financial package. Diagana noted that Liberia is showing a renewed sense of direction and leadership, and said the funding will help speed up infrastructure development and create new opportunities for Liberians across the country.
The World Bank also reaffirmed its willingness to work closely with Liberia to fully support the ARREST Agenda, as part of its broader push to back African countries committed to meaningful development.
Meanwhile, in a related development, Deputy Minister Sando announced another piece of good news for Liberia: Finance Minister Hon. Augustine Ngafuan has been elected Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the Board of Governors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) for the 2025–2026 period. Liberia will serve alongside Gabon, South Korea, Guinea-Bissau, and Ireland in helping to shape major decisions at the AfDB.
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