Monrovia, Liberia – The Government of Liberia and a group of Arab development partners on Friday signed a new US$12.8 million financing agreement that will fund the second phase of the Gbarnga–Mendikorma Road Project, an innovative highway meant to connect central Liberia to the northern border with Sierra Leone. This represents a significant financial boost for one of Liberia’s most important infrastructure projects.
Officials from the Government of Liberia, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, the OPEC Fund for International Development, the Saudi Fund for Development, and other Arab partners long involved in Liberia’s development agenda gathered for the signing in Monrovia.
Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Liberia’s Minister of Finance and Development Planning, called the occasion “a great day for Liberia,” stressing that the Boakai administration is stepping up efforts to resurrect delayed infrastructure projects and fortify bilateral ties. Minister Ngafuan noted that in order to proceed with the project, the government has already obtained commitments from development partners totaling more than US$80 million.
The breakdown consists of: $30 million USD from BADEA, $30 million USD from the OPEC Fund, US$12.8 million signed on Friday by the Kuwaiti Fund, and the Saudi Fund initially contributed US$10 million, and more assistance is anticipated.
He went on to say that the new funding guarantees the construction of the about 50-kilometer Salayea–Konia road portion, which is essential to expanding the agricultural belt in the area. Ngafuan stated, “We don’t want the work to stop, the private financing agreement recently ratified by the Legislature will support our expedition beyond that, and our partners are prepared to keep supporting us until we reach Voinjama.”
It has long been known that the Gbarnga–Mendikorma corridor is a top priority for national development. Early in 2010, feasibility studies were started, with technical evaluations funded by almost US$2 million from Arab Development partners.
The Kuwait Fund continued to provide assistance even during emergencies like the 2014–2016 Ebola crisis, which resulted in the suspension of numerous projects throughout the area. The Kuwait Fund halted payments as Liberia’s difficulties with debt service commitments caused the project to stagnate in recent years.
Ngafuan noted that Liberia’s debt exposure to the Kuwait Fund reached 40% of the nation’s debt ratio in 2010, but as part of a larger debt relief procedure, Kuwait consented to waive and cancel a sizable chunk. The Minister declared, “We returned to Kuwait this year, restructured our debt facility, restored confidence, and since then we have been current with all obligations.” He revealed that their support is now more powerful than before.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. sees roads as the foundation of Liberia’s economic development and a key element of his ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, Minister Ngafuan stated.
According to him, road development is the first step towards development. For this reason, President Boakai is spearheading this effort with the backing of the infrastructure team as a whole and the Minister of Public Works. “It is sprinting now, not snail-pacing,” he said, pointing out that the administration has now moved from planning to quick execution.
In his thank-you speech to the Kuwait Fund team, Public Works Minister Roland Lafayette Giddings emphasized that Kuwait has been crucial to Liberia’s infrastructure reconstruction since the 1970s. According to Giddings, this route travels through a significant agricultural zone in Liberia. The Kuwait Fund put together the group, funded the initial feasibility studies, and contributed to our current situation. He noted that Phase Two represents a fresh start.
According to the head of the Kuwait Fund delegation, the signing demonstrates their steadfast dedication to Liberia’s advancement. He said that this accord is a sign of continuity. In addition to supporting this project, “we look forward to Liberia identifying further high-priority initiatives.”
The fund is still completely committed, he underlined: “We are here to approve this, and we are here to continue this.”
When the Gbarnga–Mendikorma roadway is finished, it will: Boost farmers’ market access in Bong, Lofa, and other important agricultural counties. It will Boost regional trade between Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. The new road will cut down on travel time and expenses in the northern corridor. It will increase rural development, economic integration, and food security. In the upcoming months, the government anticipates that the Gbarnga–Salayea segment will reach its first significant milestone completion.
