Liberia’s Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, has reaffirmed the government’s determination to accelerate national infrastructure development as the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) conducts a high-level visit to review ongoing projects and consider financing for new priority interventions.
The Saudi delegation, led by Mr. Abdulrahman Bin Ahujaa Al-Habri, Director of West Africa Operations at the SFD, held discussions with Minister Ngafuan focused on funding key road and energy projects, including the Konia–Voinjama corridor and the expansion of electricity supply to underserved communities.
Minister Ngafuan underscored the government’s strategy of mobilizing international financing to fast-track critical infrastructure, noting that the current administration has made progress in reviving previously stalled projects. He recalled that renewed engagement with Arab lenders was essential to restoring confidence and reopening long-standing development partnerships.
According to the Finance Minister, the government has already secured financing commitments for the Salayea–Konia corridor and concluded a concession arrangement for the Mendikorma–Voinjama corridor. Ongoing discussions with the SFD are expected to help finalize the financing framework for the strategic Gbarnga–Mendikorma Highway.
The Konia–Voinjama corridor remains a top national priority, as it links agriculturally and mineral-rich counties to domestic markets and cross-border trade routes, strengthening commerce, investment, and regional integration. The Zorzor–Yeala Town road corridor is also being considered for possible financing support.
Mr. Al-Habri reaffirmed the SFD’s nearly five-decade partnership with Liberia, praising the credibility of the current administration and expressing the Fund’s readiness to review proposals for high-impact development projects. He confirmed that the SFD is assessing potential financing for the Konia–Voinjama corridor as well as electricity extension from the Botota CLSG Sub-Station to communities along the route.
Liberia has already submitted a formal request for financing the electricity extension project through its Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Officials believe the SFD’s visit will further boost Liberia’s infrastructure agenda and support broader economic growth.
Discussions during the meeting also emphasized the role of infrastructure development in reducing poverty and driving economic transformation. Minister Ngafuan noted that the government’s focus on roads, energy, and connectivity is aimed at improving livelihoods and expanding access to markets and social services.
The SFD’s engagement marks a significant step in Liberia’s efforts to mobilize international financing, promote public-private partnerships, and create a more conducive environment for investment. Authorities say the anticipated projects are expected to generate jobs, stimulate local economies, and deepen regional integration.
As Liberia strengthens its partnership with Saudi Arabia, officials remain optimistic that sustained cooperation with the SFD will accelerate infrastructure delivery and support the country’s long-term development goals.
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