By Lewis S. Teh
MONROVIA, July 22, 2026 — Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan has called for stronger coordination, transparency and accountability among Liberia’s development partners as the government and United Nations align their priorities for 2026–2030.
Speaking at the opening of the 2026 United Nations Country Team Annual Retreat in Monrovia, Ngafuan said Liberia remains committed to inclusive growth despite global economic uncertainty and reductions in foreign assistance.
The retreat was held under the theme, “Catalyzing Impact and Collective Action in a New Development Reality Through the UN Cooperation Framework 2026–2030.”
Ngafuan thanked the UN system and other development partners for supporting Liberia following the drawdown of the United States Agency for International Development shortly after the launch of the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
“Your support, solidarity, flexibility and continued commitment enabled Liberia to weather the storm,” he said.
He also acknowledged the UN’s technical and financial support for Liberia’s third Voluntary National Review, presented at the UN High-Level Political Forum in New York.
Ngafuan reported that Liberia’s real gross domestic product growth increased from 4 percent in January 2024 to 5.5 percent in June 2026, moving closer to the government’s 2029 target of 6 percent.
He said nominal GDP increased from approximately US$4.8 billion to US$5.64 billion, while GDP per capita rose from US$861 to US$964 during the period.
The minister attributed the reported gains to improvements in tax administration, fiscal reforms and economic management.
“These achievements demonstrate that Liberia is doing its part,” Ngafuan said. “We are strengthening our institutions, improving governance, expanding domestic resource mobilization and creating an enabling environment for investment and private-sector growth.”
He urged development partners to clearly disclose the total value of their proposed support for the ARREST Agenda and identify the pillars, programs, counties and projects that would benefit.
Ngafuan said providing that information would help the government coordinate investments, prevent duplication, identify financing gaps and maximize the impact of development assistance.
He also called for regular reports detailing progress, challenges, lessons and measurable results.
“Development is not measured by the amount of money committed, but by the lives that are transformed,” he said. “Let every dollar invested be aligned with Liberia’s national priorities. Let every intervention produce measurable results. Let every partner remain accountable.”
Addressing changes in the global development system, Ngafuan said the growing emphasis on trade and investment should not undermine the principle of leaving no one behind.
“Africa should never be viewed simply through the lens of need. It should be recognized for its immense potential,” he said.
Ngafuan described Africa as a continent rich in natural resources, with a youthful population and significant potential for innovation and investment.
“Partnership with Africa is therefore not an act of charity; it is a strategic investment in our shared global future,” he added.
The minister called for Liberia and its partners to move from fragmented initiatives and policy commitments toward coordinated investments and measurable results.
“Together, let us move beyond coordination to true collaboration, beyond commitments to implementation, and beyond ambition to lasting impact,” he said.
