GBARNGA, LIBERIA — Under the distinguished patronage and presence of His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, President of the Republic of Liberia, the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) joined the Liberian Chief Executive on July 29, 2026, to officially inaugurate the Gbarnga–Salayea Road Project. The ceremony marks a major milestone in the long-standing development partnership between Liberia and the Saudi Fund.
President Boakai led the official ribbon-cutting alongside His Excellency Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development, symbolizing a joint commitment to driving Liberia’s infrastructure and economic progress. The project was co-financed through a 20 million USD concessional loan from the SFD, alongside funding from fellow Arab Coordination Group member institutions including BADEA, the OPEC Fund, and KFAED, and the Government of Liberia.
The newly completed 81-kilometer paved highway connects Gbarnga in Bong County to Salayea in Lofa County, significantly improving daily life and mobility for thousands of residents. By replacing a once-challenging corridor with a safe and reliable transit route, the highway is already easing access to schools for children, expanding healthcare reach for families, and opening crucial market channels for local agricultural producers and entrepreneurs. Beyond localized benefits, the road is projected to stimulate regional trade, deepen community integration, and spur inclusive economic growth across central and northern Liberia.
Speaking at the inauguration, SFD CEO Sultan Al-Marshad emphasized the human and economic significance of the completed project. He stated that the Gbarnga–Salayea Road stands as a clear demonstration of what a genuine, long-term development partnership can achieve. He noted that since 1978, the Saudi Fund for Development has remained committed to Liberia’s growth, adding that this commitment comes to life in every kilometer of the new highway by connecting communities, expanding economic opportunities, and improving lives. He affirmed that for the SFD, development is measured by lasting community impact, expressing enthusiasm for deepening the bilateral relationship in the years ahead.
The inauguration represents the fourth major development project backed by the SFD in Liberia, building on nearly five decades of institutional cooperation. Previous joint initiatives include the Tubman Bridge–Bomi Hills Road, the Bushrod Thermal Power Station Expansion, and the Roberts International Airport Rehabilitation. Across these four key interventions in the transport and energy sectors, the Saudi Fund for Development has contributed approximately 58.8 million USD toward Liberia’s national development objectives.
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