By Amos Harris
Minister of Finance and Development Planning Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan has called for a fundamental shift in development cooperation, insisting that Liberia’s national progress must be evaluated by the tangible impact on human lives rather than the monetary value of aid pledges.
Minister Ngafuan made the remarks while delivering the keynote address at the opening of the 10th Annual United Nations Country Team Retreat 2026, held under the theme, “Catalyzing Impact & Collective Action in a New Development Reality Through the UN Cooperation Framework 2026–2030.”
The Finance Minister commended the United Nations Country Team for its steadfast support during a period of operational uncertainty. He specifically praised the UN family for standing by Liberia following sudden funding reductions from the United States Agency for International Development, which coincided with the launch of the government’s five-year ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (2025–2029).
“The support, solidarity, and continued commitment of the United Nations family were instrumental in helping Liberia weather that difficult period,” Ngafuan stated, expressing deep gratitude for the enduring partnership. He also acknowledged the UN’s technical and financial contributions toward Liberia’s Voluntary National Review on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Ngafuan noted that evolving global dynamics require both recipient nations and international partners to rethink traditional aid models. With international development financing shifting toward trade, investment, innovation, and private-sector partnerships, he emphasized that vulnerable populations—particularly women, youth, and marginalized communities—must remain central to all development strategies.
Highlighting the country’s economic trajectory, the Minister reported that real GDP growth expanded from roughly four percent in 2024 to about 5.5 percent in 2026, keeping Liberia on track toward its medium-term target of six percent annual growth by 2029. He disclosed that nominal GDP has risen from US$4.8 billion to US$5.64 billion, driving GDP per capita up from US$861 to US$964.
Minister Ngafuan attributed these gains to disciplined fiscal management, stronger tax administration, and public financial management reforms supported by key institutions like the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
In a broader critique of global narrative trends, the Finance Minister challenged outdated perceptions that frame Africa solely around humanitarian need. He characterized the continent as a premier investment frontier rich in natural resources, youth energy, and innovative potential, urging international actors to view engagement with Africa as a strategic investment in mutual global prosperity.
Turning to institutional coordination, Ngafuan called on development partners supporting the ARREST Agenda to maintain full financial and operational transparency. He urged international entities to explicitly detail their financial commitments, targeted geographic areas, project timelines, and intended outcomes. Regular progress reporting, he argued, is vital for mutual accountability, avoiding duplicate efforts, and ensuring evidence-based policymaking.
“Development should never be measured by the amount of money committed, but by the number of lives transformed,” Ngafuan stressed, urging stakeholders to move beyond declarations and focus on measurable implementation that reduces poverty and improves daily living conditions across Liberia.
The UN Country Team Retreat serves as a key strategic forum bringing together UN agencies, government officials, and partners to align joint priorities under the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2026–2030 in direct alignment with Liberia’s national development agenda.