The World Bank Group has reaffirmed its support for Liberia after the institution’s Executive Director for Liberia, Zarau Wendeline Kibwe, held high-level discussions with senior government officials aimed at accelerating project delivery, strengthening economic resilience, and expanding development impact across the country.
During a meeting Tuesday with Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan and other top officials in Monrovia, Kibwe said his mission was focused on assessing how World Bank-supported programs are transforming lives on the ground, identifying implementation bottlenecks, and exploring fresh investment opportunities aligned with Liberia’s evolving national priorities amid growing global economic uncertainty.
Welcoming the delegation, Minister Ngafuan described the visit as both timely and strategic as Liberia continues to navigate external economic shocks, fiscal pressures, and shifting geopolitical realities.
“Our partnership with the World Bank remains one of the cornerstones of Liberia’s development agenda,” Ngafuan said, highlighting the institution’s consistent support in helping the country maintain economic stability and strengthen resilience during difficult global conditions.
A key part of the discussions centered on Liberia’s World Bank-funded project portfolio, with officials reviewing ongoing progress while acknowledging persistent challenges that have slowed implementation and affected disbursement timelines.
Ngafuan disclosed that the government is preparing for a comprehensive portfolio review aimed at improving efficiency, removing administrative bottlenecks, and accelerating the delivery of critical projects.
He said priority attention will be given to infrastructure development, public works, and water service expansion—sectors considered essential to improving living conditions and driving long-term economic growth.
Despite existing hurdles, the Finance Minister pointed to encouraging gains in recent months, including stronger project execution, increased disbursement rates, and a growing pipeline of new development initiatives.
“These efforts are already translating into tangible improvements, from better road connectivity to expanded access to essential public services in communities across Liberia,” he noted.
For his part, Kibwe said the visit was intended to deepen engagement with Liberian authorities and gain firsthand insight into the country’s shifting development needs.
He reaffirmed that Liberia remains an important shareholder and valued partner within the World Bank system.
Kibwe also commended the Liberian government for maintaining relative macroeconomic stability despite mounting global pressures, noting that Liberia’s recent economic performance compares favorably with several countries in the region.
He, however, stressed the importance of sustaining critical reforms aimed at improving the investment climate, strengthening private sector confidence, and creating jobs for ordinary Liberians.
Also attending the meeting were Georgia Wallen, Plingloh Emmanuel Munyeneh, Henry Saamoi, Roland Giddings, and Rudolph J. Merab Sr., among other senior officials.
About the Author
