Liberia’s Finance Minister Ngafuan says the government is focused on interventions targeting youth, women, and vulnerable populations to ensure that no one is left behind.
By Lewis S. Teh
Monrovia, December 4, 2024: Liberia’s Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine K. Ngafuan says the government’s endorsement and subsequent launch of its new development plan will shape the country’s future.
On Tuesday, December 3, 2024, the government launched the Arrest Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID) at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Oldest Congo Town.
“The endorsement of the AAID … will be a giant step in our collective journey to shape the future of Liberia we want through the arrest agenda and the 15 county development agendas for 2025 to 2029,” said Mr. Ngafuan.
Through its National Steering Committee, the government held its endorsement meeting for the new development plan.
“Today marks a critical milestone as we gather for the endorsement of Liberia’s new National Development Plan by the highest decision-making body, the National Steering Committee, chaired by His Excellency the President,” said Minister Ngafuan.
According to him, the AAID endorsement will be a giant step in the collective journey to shape Liberia’s future.
The Finance Minister stated that the development of this comprehensive plan and the county development agendas have been a rigorous and collaborative process.
He said they were guided by data and shaped by insights and feedback from various stakeholders, including government actors, the private sector, civil society, development partners, and most importantly, the state.
“The validation process is not simply an exercise in procedure; it is more so an opportunity for all of us to engage in meaningful discussions, offer constructive feedback, and ensure that the AAID is comprehensive, practicable, and responsive to the country’s development needs.”
Minister Ngafuan praised stakeholders and international partners for their role, saying their collective expertise and diverse perspectives have always been invaluable.
“As we review the National Development Plan and the County Development Agenda, we must keep in mind the core objectives that underpin these plans,” Ngafuan continued.
Minister Ngafuan said the government aims to foster an economy that works for everyone, creating jobs, especially for the youth, and leveraging the demographic dividends.
He added that it aims to create opportunities for women and the physically challenged, promote entrepreneurship in agribusiness, and reduce inequality and inequity across the country.
“We have projected our real GDP growth for the five years to average about 6%, which is projected to create a pathway to work for the future.”
In addition, he disclosed that the government is looking to increase the GDP per capita income growth.
He said the government deliberately focuses on economic diversification to create jobs and reverse the trade balance from 1.1 billion U.S. dollars to 636 million U.S.
To ensure that no one is left behind, Ngafuan disclosed that the government is focused on interventions targeting the youth, women, and vulnerable populations.
Under sustainable development, he said the plan is to build on a foundation of sustainability.
“We are committed to an environmentally responsible growth that integrates climate resilience, green technologies, and conservation of our natural resources for the benefit of all,” said Minister Ngafuan.
At the same time, the Finance Minister stated that the government is committed to the future of the present and future generations.
Besides, he noted that the government’s approach treats environmental resources as assets that it shall leverage in mobilizing financing for development.
He pointed out that the government recognizes that modern infrastructure and technological advancements are critical to achieving its development goals.
“It should be noted that demands for better transport and infrastructure constituted the highest priority needs during our county consultations,” he revealed.
Ngafuan noted that the target of paving 485 kilometers of primary roads and the layout of all community roads in all county capitals is partly in response to the citizens’ demands.
