By Amos Harris
Monrovia, Liberia – July 23, 2025 – In a landmark move poised to reshape Liberia’s educational landscape, the Government of Liberia and the World Bank today finalized a US$90 million financing agreement for the construction of 100 brand-new elementary schools across the nation. The historic deal was formalized during a high-level signing ceremony held at the Executive Mansion in Monrovia.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai hailed the project as one of the most significant and impactful education investments in recent memory. “I have never seen so many transformative activities unfolding one after the other in Liberia,” President Boakai stated, expressing profound gratitude to the World Bank for its “continued support and unwavering commitment to the development of Liberia.”
The ambitious initiative will see new schools erected in all fifteen counties, dramatically improving access to quality education, particularly for children in remote and underserved communities. This project is a cornerstone of the government’s comprehensive education reform strategy, designed to cultivate Liberia’s human capital.
President Boakai underscored his administration’s dedication to ensuring no child is left behind. “Under our leadership, education remains a top national priority. We want to give every Liberian child the opportunity to learn, thrive, and contribute meaningfully to the future of this nation,” he affirmed.
Finance and Development Planning Minister, Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, provided further details, explaining that the project extends beyond physical construction to include the installation of modern digital learning infrastructure, recruitment of qualified teachers, and improvement of learning materials.
“This is a historic agreement,” Minister Ngafuan noted. “The $90 million facility will directly support the construction of 100 elementary schools, but its impact will go far beyond that. It will build the backbone of a more inclusive, accessible, and tech-enabled education system in Liberia.”
Minister of Education, Prof. Jerso Jallah, also extended her appreciation to the World Bank, reaffirming the Ministry’s readiness to spearhead the project’s implementation. “This partnership reflects Liberia’s rising status as a development priority in Africa. We welcome the confidence the World Bank has in us, and we are committed to ensuring that every dollar is used to change the lives of our children,” she remarked. She further assured that strategic locations have already been identified across all fifteen counties, prioritizing communities most in need of basic school facilities.
World Bank President, Madam Georgia Wallen, joining virtually, commended the Liberian government’s vision and commitment to education. “Education is a powerful equalizer. With the right investment, Liberia can unlock the full potential of its youth. This project is about giving children, regardless of where they live, a fair chance at a better future,” Madam Wallen stated.
The 100 new schools will be equipped with digital learning tools, access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and accessible infrastructure for children with disabilities, aligning with global best practices for safe and inclusive learning environments.
President Boakai concluded the event with a passionate call to action, urging all stakeholders – from community leaders to international partners – to remain focused on the long-term vision of transforming Liberia’s education system. “Let this be the beginning of a new era in Liberian education. Our children deserve better, and today we are taking a giant leap toward delivering just that,” he affirmed.
Construction of the schools is anticipated to commence later this year, with phased implementation over the next three years. Once completed, the project is projected to benefit over 30,000 students nationwide and significantly contribute to Liberia’s efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 for Quality Education.
Comments are closed.