MONROVIA – The Government of Liberia (GoL), through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, has signed financing agreements totaling US$125 million with the World Bank to support three major national development initiatives.
The agreements will strengthen critical infrastructure, expand access to reliable energy, accelerate digital transformation, and deepen regional integration.
The financing packages include support for the Western Africa Regional Digital Integration Program (WARDIP 2), the Regional Emergency Solar Power Intervention Project (RESPITE), additional financing, and the Southeastern Corridor Road Asset Management Project (SECRAMP), second additional financing.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister of Finance and Development Planning Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan expressed the Government’s profound appreciation to the World Bank for its sustained partnership and unwavering support to Liberia’s development priorities.
He extended special recognition to World Bank Country Manager for Liberia, Ms. Georgia Wallen, for her leadership and commitment, noting that her stewardship was instrumental in securing financing for the three strategic projects.
“These investments reflect our shared vision of building a more resilient, connected, and prosperous Liberia. The Government of Liberia remains deeply appreciative of the World Bank’s enduring partnership and commitment to our national development agenda,” Minister Ngafuan stated.
Under WARDIP 2, Liberia has secured US$50 million to advance the country’s integration into the emerging regional digital economy.
The program will expand broadband access and digital connectivity nationwide, strengthen cybersecurity and digital governance systems, promote digital entrepreneurship, innovation, and e-commerce, support digital payment systems contribute to the establishment of a single digital market in West Africa.
Minister Ngafuan emphasized that the initiative marks a major step toward bridging the digital divide and unlocking new opportunities for young people, businesses, and public institutions.
The Government and the World Bank also finalized US$57 million in additional financing for RESPITE, a flagship regional initiative aimed at improving access to affordable and reliable electricity.
The financing will support expansion of the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant Scaling up solar power generation from 20MWp to 30MWp deployment of battery energy storage systems, strengthening of renewable energy infrastructure.
Minister Ngafuan noted that the investment will enhance energy security, improve service reliability for households and businesses, stimulate private sector growth and contribute significantly to national economic development.
The World Bank has further approved US$18 million in second additional financing for SECRAMP, which focuses on the strategic Ganta–Tappita Corridor—a vital transport link for southeastern Liberia.
The financing will also ensure uninterrupted completion of ongoing works
Address funding gaps related to counterpart financing, improve road connectivity and regional trade reduce travel time and transportation costs and enhance access to markets, healthcare, education and other essential services.
Minister Ngafuan underscored that the additional financing is essential to safeguarding the project’s development objectives and ensuring long-term sustainability of the corridor.
“Collectively, these three projects represent a strategic investment in Liberia’s future. They advance our commitment to expanding infrastructure, strengthening regional integration, accelerating digital transformation, increasing access to clean and affordable energy, and promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth,” Minister Ngafuan said.
The initiatives align directly with the Government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development and are expected to significantly enhance national resilience, economic competitiveness, and long-term prosperity.
For her part, World Bank Country Manager Georgia Wallen described the projects as major contributions to Liberia’s development agenda, emphasizing that improved energy access is essential for job creation, business growth, and improved livelihoods.
She noted that the RESPITE-supported solar expansion, from 20MWp to 30MWp, including battery storage, will strengthen electricity reliability and advance Liberia’s National Energy Compact, which aims to significantly increase nationwide access by 2030.
She further highlighted that RESPITE is part of a broader regional effort involving Liberia, Sierra Leone, Chad and Togo to accelerate renewable energy investments and improve energy access across West Africa.
