Monrovia, Liberia – Zarau Wendeline Kibwe, a senior World Bank Group official, arrived in Monrovia on Monday, April 27, for a two-day mission that would put Liberia’s development strategy under international scrutiny. Kibwe’s visit coincides at a crucial moment in Liberia’s history as the country navigates economic challenges and looks to boost growth with foreign assistance. Together with other senior government officials, the Executive Director is anticipated to have high-level discussions with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan.
Beyond the halls of power, Kibwe will visit World Bank-funded project locations to evaluate their actual effects on regular Liberians and pinpoint implementation roadblocks. As talks about unlocking investment and job creation through the Bank’s private-sector arm increase, key engagements will also put him in direct contact with private sector actors, such as the Liberian Chamber of Commerce and the Liberia Business Association.
The mission highlights the World Bank Group’s increasing urgency to promote “more and better jobs,” especially when vulnerable countries like Liberia’s are threatened by global geopolitical tensions and economic headwinds.
As a member of the World Bank Board representing Liberia and twenty-one other African countries, Kibwe has considerable influence over the organization’s operations. He strikes a balance between fiduciary monitoring and advocacy for development funding that aims to reduce poverty and promote shared prosperity.
Senior Advisor Dr. Plingloh Emmanuel Munyeneh will accompany him as Liberia positions itself to draw more investment and support from one of the most significant financial organisations in the world.
Reported by: Prince Saah
