Town of Congo – President Joseph Boachey says his administration is still committed to achieving Liberia’s ambitious development goals despite increasing the challenges posed by changing global aid patterns and domestic constraints.
On Thursday at a high-level retreat on strengthening partnerships for the implementation of Liberia’s national development program, known as the arrest challenge, President Boachesia acknowledged the financial uncertainty caused by the withdrawal of major donors, particularly Liberia’s second largest source of bilateral aid.
Earlier this year, the Boakai-Koung government launched a five-year development blueprint, estimated at nearly $8.4 billion. The plan outlines key investments across infrastructure, health, education and agriculture. However, the donor shift forced the administration to reevaluate its funding strategy.
“We need to take on some reforms,” Boaches said. “But I want to ensure that this development agenda is of course. It embodies our shared aspirations for a thriving, inclusive and equitable Liberia.”
The president noted that many Liberian children have graduated from school and the unemployment rate among young people is widespread. He noted that young people are trapped in a cycle of unemployment or substance abuse, while women and girls suffer disproportionately from economic hardships. Boakai said these challenges require transformational action and stronger institutional capacity.
“Our challenges are complex and multifaceted,” he continued. “We must rethink, rethink and implement meaningful changes that can create jobs for our people, especially young people, women and people with disabilities.”
The president emphasized that successful implementation of the programme will depend heavily on strong cooperation with development partners, private companies, civil society groups and Liberia’s international allies. He urged all stakeholders to pool the objectives and resources of the national interest.
“Promoting transparency and rebuilding public trust is also essential to fostering stronger relationships within society,” Boakai said.
Retreat, Minister of Finance and Development Planning Augustine Ngahuan also called for innovation and new cooperation to secure resources for the national development plan. Ngafuan said the government is focusing on mobilizing domestic resources and cost-cutting reforms while some international donors are retreating.
He revealed that the arrest agenda includes over 370 serious interventions, aiming to reduce multidimensional poverty from 45% to 36%. The government is also aiming to increase the actual GDP per GDP from $850 to $1,050 by 2029, with Liberia approaching a low-middle income position.
Sign up for the AllAfrica newsletter for free
Get the latest African news
success!
Almost finished…
You need to check your email address.
Follow the instructions in the email you sent to complete the process.
error!
There was a problem processing the submission. Please try again later.
“We are progressing rapidly in several ways,” Ngafuan said. “Our ambitions reflect the hopes of the people of Liberia and are the result of national consultations.”
Ngafuan said the government has not withdrawn while the development environment is changing. Instead, they tackle the issues head-on through policy adjustments, better adjustments and fiscal discipline. He focused on efforts to reduce waste and spoilage while streamlining spending and focusing on efficiency.
“Tolerance for our inefficiency has effectively vanished,” he declared. “You’ll hear about the strong and harsh actions we’re trying to take.”
Ngafuan further emphasized the importance of regional cooperation through platforms such as ECOWAS and the African Union. He noted that Liberia must deepen relations with its neighbours and strengthen its integration efforts, particularly around trade, mobility and economic planning.
“This new development architecture will drive our transformation,” he said. “We must take our neighbors seriously and take advantage of the possibilities of Africa’s integration.”
The retreat brought together cabinet members, agency managers and international development partners. It aimed to strengthen collaboration and evaluate strategies to maintain Liberia’s long-term development amid growing global uncertainty.
