By Lewis S. Teh
Monrovia, Liberia – March 17, 2026: The Government of Liberia has called for deeper cooperation with the African Development Bank (AfDB) following a high-level meeting at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) in Monrovia.
Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan met with the Bank’s newly appointed Country Manager, Rees Mwasambili, to discuss development financing and the implementation of key national projects.
The meeting brought together senior officials from both the Government and the AfDB to review ongoing programs and explore strategies to improve funding support, accelerate project execution, and strengthen collaboration in priority sectors critical to Liberia’s economic growth.
Welcoming the AfDB delegation, Minister Ngafuan underscored the importance of the Bank’s continued presence in Liberia. He noted that the Country Office plays a vital role in ensuring effective use of development financing and the timely delivery of national projects.
Ngafuan described the AfDB as one of Liberia’s most dependable development partners, highlighting its longstanding contributions to national progress—particularly in the road infrastructure sector, which remains central to improving connectivity, trade, and economic transformation across the country.
The Minister also welcomed the appointment of the new Country Manager, stating that strong leadership at the Bank’s Liberia office would help deepen cooperation and accelerate progress on projects that have experienced delays. He encouraged the Bank to maintain close engagement with the government in support of ongoing reforms and development initiatives.
For his part, AfDB Country Manager Rees Mwasambili reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to Liberia, assuring the government that the institution would continue to provide technical and financial support to advance development programs in key sectors. He noted that his assignment to Liberia is especially meaningful, as he previously worked in the country and understands its development challenges and opportunities.
Mr. Mwasambili was accompanied by Principal Country Program Officer John Baslo Bukenya and Senior Country Economist Yusuf Bob Foday, who joined discussions focused on strengthening cooperation and ensuring that ongoing and future projects are implemented more effectively.
The meeting underscores the growing partnership between Liberia and the African Development Bank as the government seeks increased support to expand infrastructure, improve public services, and promote sustainable economic development nationwide.
