Capitol Hill, Monrovia – A historic US$88.7 million deal has been signed by the Liberian government and the World Bank to implement the Excellence in Learning in Liberia (EXCEL) Project, which will improve public elementary education throughout the nation.
On June 10, 2025, the World Bank Board authorized the funding package, which consists of a US$28.7 million grant from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and a US$60 million credit from the International Development Association (IDA). This program is the first investment made in Liberia under the World Bank’s new 2025–2030 Country Partnership Framework, which places a high priority on laying the groundwork for more and better jobs.
Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Liberia’s Minister of Finance and Development Planning, signed the deal on behalf of the government of Liberia at the ceremony on Wednesday at the Executive Mansion. Ms. Georgia Wallen, the World Bank’s Country Manager for Liberia, signed on behalf of the bank.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai emphasized the value of cooperation between the government and its foreign allies in his special remarks. He noted that sustained collaboration will enable Liberia reach new heights and expressed satisfaction in the dedication of his administration and the international development community.
President Boakai stated that “this project is in direct accordance with the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development. By concentrating on what really matters, educating children and preparing teachers is an important investment for the future.” According to him, the project will be utilized to enhance educational opportunities nationwide.
The Liberian leader said without adequate resources, the nation’s youth is rob of the opportunity to compete with students across the world. “We cannot continue to observe this and do nothing. We need to start looking for answers right away.”
Through the EXCEL Project, more than 6,500 teachers will receive training, more than 4,500 school administrators will receive leadership development, and more than 100 primary schools and rehabilitation classrooms will be built nationwide.
By doing so, improved teaching strategies and instructional materials, the project will reach 2,337 public primary schools and raise the foundational literacy and numeracy levels of over 350,000 primary students. Among other anticipated results, an estimated 12,000 teachers and school administrators will receive specialized training to improve classroom efficacy and basic learning outcomes.
President Boakai emphasized that education continues to be a primary focus in Liberia’s development strategy and expressed thanks to the World Bank and the Global Partnership for Education for their ongoing assistance.
Georgia Wallen, the country manager for the World Bank, stated that the signing is a significant step in lowering learning poverty and opening doors for young Liberians. According to her, the EXCEL project was build on previous successes while concentrating on addressing Liberia’s pressing educational crisis. According to her, the project will have an impact on all public elementary schools nationwide.
Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Minister of Finance and Development Planning, described the agreement’s signing as the proper “Independence gift” for Liberia’s youth. “This is one of the biggest 26 gifts, but President Boakai has been dedicating projects and launching youth-friendly programs over the past few days.”
President Boakai was praised by Minister Ngafuan for being a leader who is focused on the right things. According to him, the Liberian people’s aspirations are just now being realized. “Plans may be created and projects can be signed, but what matters most is execution, and the president is crucial to delivery because the Liberian people want to see results,” he said.
The initiative has a lot of potential for the future of education in te nation, according to Education Minister, Dr. Jarso Jallah. She expressed that the effort will significantly enhance basic education in Liberia.
