As UNDP Supports Ministry of Local Government
Monrovia, Liberia – The Ministry of Local Government (MLG), with assistance from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the Liberia Decentralisation Support Programme (LDSP), has received a shipment of information and communication technology (ICT) equipment to bolster County Development Planning Units (CDPUs) throughout the nation, marking a significant step toward accelerating Liberia’s decentralisation agenda.
Five counties Grand Gedeh, River Gee, Maryland, Grand Kru, and Sinoe will directly benefit from the ICT package, which includes desktop computers, laptops, printers, air conditioners, and Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) units valued at more than $25,000.
Strengthening integrated data management, real-time reporting, and coordination among local governance structures all essential components for evidence-based planning and effective service delivery this focused investment seeks to increase institutional capacity at the county level.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Deputy Minister Designate for Local Government and Decentralization, Edward Mulbah, reaffirmed the Government of Liberia’s commitment to decentralization as a cornerstone of inclusive governance and sustainable development.
Deputy Minister Mulbah stressed that for decades, centralized decision-making has historically constrained citizens’ ability to meaningfully influence development initiatives in their own communities.
“Decentralization shifts power closer to the people. It enables communities to define their priorities, shape development agendas, and take ownership of outcomes. This is about empowering citizens to become architects of their own development,” Mulbah noted.
He clarified that the Local Government Act of 2018 serves as the foundation for the creation of County Development Planning Units, and the Revenue Sharing Law of 2022 provides additional support. When combined, these legal frameworks offer a strong basis for enhancing development planning, bolstering subnational governance, and guaranteeing more equitable resource distribution.
He continued by saying that the Ministry of Local Government must engage closely with development partners to offer executive oversight for the execution of these reforms. “With support from UNDP and other partners, fifteen County Development Planning Units have been established nationwide. Today’s handover equips five additional counties, bringing the total number of counties supported with ICT tools to nine. The remaining six- Bong, Nimba, Lofa, Grand Bassa, Bomi, and Gbarpolu will be equipped as resources become available,” Mr. Mulbah stated.
He emphasised the crucial role CDPUs, which were created under Chapter 5 of the Local Government Act, play in coordinating development processes at the county level. Resource mobilization through proposal creation, data gathering and analysis, monitoring and assessment, reporting, and County Development Agenda cooperation are among their duties. He emphasized that equipping these units is crucial to converting decentralization policies into observable outcomes for citizens.
Mr. Stanley Kamara, Team Leader for the Inclusive Governance and Public Institutions Pillar, emphasized the significance of robust digital systems in contemporary public administration while reiterating UNDP’s collaboration with the Government of Liberia.
“Strengthening ICT capacity at the subnational level is critical for improving institutional performance, promoting transparency and accountability, and enabling data-driven decision-making,” Kamara said.
He added that “This support reflects UNDP’s continued commitment to inclusive governance and improved service delivery, ensuring that development responds to the real needs of communities.”
The Ministry of Local Government also recognised the financial assistance provided by the Government of Sweden, whose financing for the Liberia Decentralisation Support Programme enabled the purchase and delivery of the equipment, as well as the important contributions made by UN Women and other partners.
In order to facilitate planning, coordination, and reporting tasks, the Ministry stressed that the ICT equipment is only used by the County Development Planning Units. This intervention is a part of a larger national initiative to improve accountability frameworks, modernise public sector systems, and develop inclusive local governance throughout Liberia.
The transfer signifies the Government of Liberia and UNDP’s long-term collaboration, strengthening their shared dedication to creating strong institutions and promoting inclusive, responsible, and results-driven governance across the country.
Reported by: Naneka Hoffman
