Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan has called on Liberia’s international development partners to strengthen transparency, predictability, and accountability as the country moves forward with its ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
Speaking Tuesday at the opening of the 2026 United Nations Country Team Annual Retreat in Monrovia, Ngafuan said development partnerships must be measured by tangible improvements in people’s lives rather than the number of meetings or policy commitments.
The retreat is being held under the theme, “Catalyzing Impact and Collective Action in a New Development Reality Through the UN Cooperation Framework 2026–2030.”
Addressing participants, including UN Resident Coordinator Christine N. Umutoni, Foreign Affairs Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, UN Special Adviser Cristina Duarte, and heads of UN agencies, Ngafuan said Liberia remains committed to its development goals despite global economic uncertainty.
“Liberia is not retreating; we are moving forward with confidence and determination,” he said.
The minister thanked the United Nations and other development partners for supporting Liberia following the reduction of USAID assistance shortly after the launch of the ARREST Agenda.
“That presented significant uncertainties, yet your support, solidarity, flexibility, and continued commitment enabled Liberia to weather the storm,” Ngafuan said.
He also acknowledged the UN’s technical and financial support in preparing Liberia’s Third Voluntary National Review, which was recently presented in New York.
Highlighting recent economic progress, Ngafuan said Liberia’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth increased from 4.0 percent in January 2024 to 5.5 percent by June 2026. During the same period, nominal GDP rose from US$4.8 billion to US$5.64 billion, while GDP per capita increased from US$861 to US$964.
He attributed the improvements to stronger tax administration, fiscal reforms, and prudent economic management.
“These achievements demonstrate that Liberia is doing its part,” he said.
Ngafuan also challenged longstanding perceptions of Africa, arguing that the continent should no longer be viewed solely through the lens of aid and humanitarian need.
“Africa should be recognized for its immense potential. Partnership with Africa is therefore not an act of charity; it is a strategic investment in our shared global future,” he said.
While acknowledging the global shift from traditional aid toward trade and investment, the finance minister urged development partners to ensure that vulnerable populations are not left behind.
He called on partners supporting the ARREST Agenda to clearly disclose the value of their financial commitments and identify the specific pillars, flagship programs, counties, and projects those resources will support.
Ngafuan also emphasized the need for regular reporting on progress, challenges, and measurable outcomes to ensure greater accountability.
“Development is not measured by the amount of money committed, but by the lives that are transformed,” he said.
He concluded by urging development partners to demonstrate that meaningful collaboration remains possible despite growing global challenges.
“History will not remember how many meetings we convened or strategies we endorsed. It will remember whether we changed lives, expanded opportunities, reduced poverty, and gave hope to future generations,” Ngafuan said.
The annual retreat brings together members of the United Nations Country Team and government officials to strengthen collaboration under the UN Cooperation Framework 2026–2030 and align international support with Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
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