Finance Minister terms the launch of Liberia's National Development Plan as a Beginning of Building the Country

Buchanan, Grand Bassa County - Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan says the launch of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID) and the County Development Agendas is a  beginning to build the new superstructure for our nation’s development for the next five years.

 

Minister Ngafuan made the comment when he delivered a landmark speech marking the official launch of Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), the country’s National Development Plan for 2025-2029. 

 

Alongside the AAID, the 15 County Development Agendas (CDAs) were also introduced, setting the strategic framework for local and national growth across all regions of Liberia.

 

The event, held in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, was attended by His Excellency President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, members of the Legislative and Judiciary branches, members of the diplomatic corps, development partners, private sector stakeholders, and representatives from the Liberian diaspora.

 

Minister Ngafuan underscored that the AAID and the CDAs are the culmination of months of nationwide consultations and in-depth analyses, reflecting Liberia’s collective aspirations for a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient nation. 

 

The development plans are aligned with Liberia's National Vision 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and other regional and international frameworks.

 

“We are today beginning to build the new superstructure for our nation’s development for the next five years,” Minister Ngafuan stated, emphasizing that the agenda would focus on key pillars such as economic transformation, infrastructure development, rule of law, governance, environmental sustainability, and human capital development.

 

The AAID targets significant socioeconomic progress, including a 37% increase in GDP, growing the economy from US$4.75 billion to US$6.5 billion, with a corresponding rise in per capita GDP. It aims to improve life expectancy, reduce maternal mortality, and lower multidimensional poverty, ultimately contributing to Liberia’s journey toward achieving lower-middle-income status by 2029.

 

Minister Ngafuan highlighted the inclusive nature of the development plans, pointing to extensive consultations with stakeholders across all sectors, including civil society, the private sector, youth groups, and people with disabilities. He also emphasized the need for strong collaboration between the government, private sector, development partners, and Liberians at home and abroad to ensure the successful implementation of the plans.

 

The total estimated cost for the successful execution of the AAID is US$8.38 billion, with 30% of the funding expected from the Government of Liberia and the remaining 70% to be sourced from development partners, the private sector, and other stakeholders.

 

“Today marks not just the launch of a plan, but the beginning of a collective journey to transform Liberia. The AAID is not merely a document—it is a call to action,” Minister Ngafuan concluded, urging all stakeholders to unite for the shared goal of a prosperous and inclusive Liberia.

 

The launch event also celebrated the key role played by development partners, including the United Nations, USAID-DELTA, the Government of Sweden, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. Special recognition was given to consultants Subah-Belleh Associates (SBA) and Africa Development Management Associates for their contributions.

 

As the country embarks on this ambitious development trajectory, Minister Ngafuan reaffirmed Liberia’s  commitment to creating an environment of stability, peace, and opportunity for all Liberians, ensuring that no one is left behind in the nation's growth.