Kuwait City — April 13, 2025: In a significant boost to infrastructure development in Liberia, the Liberian Government, led by Finance & Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, has successfully secured the commitment of the Kuwaiti Fund for Arab Economic Development to spearhead resource mobilization efforts for the Salayea to Voinjama stretch of the Gbarnga-Mendikorma Highway Project. This pivotal agreement marks a crucial step forward in enhancing road connectivity within the country.
During productive discussions held in Kuwait City with Waleed S. Al-Bahar, Acting Executive Director General of the Kuwaiti Fund, and his team, it was announced that a consortium of prominent Arab lenders, including the Saudi Fund for Development, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID), and the Abu Dhabi Fund, will collaborate in financing this vital infrastructure project.
The meeting included a high-powered delegation from the Liberian Government, which featured key officials such as Public Works Minister Hon. Roland Giddings, Deputy Minister for International Cooperation and Economic Integration Dr. Ibrahim Al-Bakri Nyei, Deputy Minister for Economic Management Hon. Dehpue Zuo, and Managing Director of the National Port Authority Hon. Sekou H. Dukuly. Their participation underscores the Liberian Government’s commitment to advancing national infrastructure projects.
A noteworthy aspect of the discussions was the signing of an agreement to restructure Liberia’s outstanding debt obligation of $6.7 million to the Kuwaiti Fund. This agreement not only lifts a previous suspension on disbursements related to the highway project but also enables the Kuwaiti Fund to release previously withheld funds to contractors, expediting work on the Gbarnga-Salayea Highway.
The Kuwaiti Fund’s commitment to lead the resource mobilization for the Salayea-Voinjama segment of the highway comes at a critical time. It was emphasized during the discussions that priority will be given to mobilizing $76 million for the pavement of a 50 km stretch of road between Konia and Voinjama, with an estimated cost of $65 million. Additionally, an extra layer of asphalt will be added to an 81 km section at an approximate cost of $11 million.
Further collaboration is anticipated, with a meeting scheduled next week between the Liberian Government and the Arab lenders at the IMF/World Bank Spring Meeting in Washington D.C. This meeting will provide an opportunity to solidify financing arrangements and enhance cooperation.
Earlier this year, the Government of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai had already secured funding commitments from the African Development Bank for the Voinjama-Mendikorma stretch of the highway, highlighting a growing momentum in infrastructure development in Liberia.
Beyond road infrastructure, the Liberian delegation also aims to engage with Kuwaiti port authorities and government officials to reinforce bilateral relations. The Kuwaiti Fund previously played a pivotal role in mobilizing resources for the Gbarnga-Salayea Highway in 2016, demonstrating a long-standing partnership in supporting Liberia’s developmental needs.
In expressing sincere gratitude to the Government and people of Kuwait, the Liberian delegation acknowledged their invaluable contribution to advancing Liberia’s infrastructure, particularly in improving road connectivity. Furthermore, the Liberian Government took the opportunity to seek Kuwait’s support for Liberia’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, aiming to enhance Liberia’s standing on the international stage.
This collaboration not only represents a significant investment in Liberia’s infrastructure but also reflects the strengthening ties between Liberia and Kuwait, paving the way for further development initiatives in the future.
Comments are closed.