[Georgia Wallen]
Liberia Takes the Lead: 1st Country in Africa to deliver certified Professional Public Sector Accountants
Remarks First LICPA and API PPSA Graduation Ceremony:
World Bank Country Manager, Georgia Wallen
July 4, 2025
Honorable Speaker of the House of Representatives Richard Koon; Honorable Auditor General Jackson; Honorable Deputy Minister of Finance and Development Planning Myers; Honorable Government Officials; Honorable Auditor General of the Gambia; leadership of the Liberia Institute of Certified Public Accountants; ladies, gentlemen – and most especially, Graduates:
Thank you for the opportunity to join today’s historic commencement! On behalf of the World Bank, I want to express hearty congratulations to the graduates; to LICPA; and to Liberia. This is a milestone celebration. The national legislature established LICPA in 1933. Nearly a hundred years later, LICPA remains a pillar and a highly influential institution in Liberia.
Today, you have taken LICPA to another level – breaking new ground by making Liberia the first country in Africa to graduate a cohort of certified Professional Public Sector Accountants (PPSAs) under the African Professionalization Initiative (API). The four-part partnership across the Ministry of Finance, the General Auditing Commission, LICPA, and the API is a model of institutional collaboration to build a sustainable and competent public sector accounting cadre. While this bold vision starts today in Liberia – and we trust that countries across the continent will draw inspiration and follow suit.
Kudos for the introduction of Certified Professional Public Sector Accountants, and for doing this NOW. This achievement is especially timely because we are in a moment of significant change – for the world, for Liberia, and for the World Bank.
Let me explain:
* First, the world is changing. We are all witnessing the rapidly evolving context for global development. There are new opportunities in technology (for example, AI and machine learning), as well as intensified risks – including food security, climate change, and mounting debt. As the demands increase, pressure on scarce public financing is also growing. This makes the role of LICPA’s graduates more critical than ever. You are guardians of financial integrity in the public sector. You play an essential role in supporting robust financial management; risk management; and informed decision-making.
* Second, Liberia is changing. In January, the Government of Liberia launched the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development. It aims to transition Liberia from a low-income country to a lower middle-income country by 2029. This means boosting GDP per capita to US$1,050 and achieving growth of 5.9 percent among other targets. This can’t happen without you! Public sector accountancy and auditing professionals play a vital role in achieving development results. Your diligence and commitment to integrity will help ensure that scarce public resources are used for the public interest.
* Finally, World Bank Group partnership with Liberia is also changing. A few weeks ago, we finalized a new WBG Country Partnership Framework with the Republic of Liberia. It focuses supporting the AAID by building foundations for jobs – including four key outcomes: (i) ending learning poverty; (ii) expanding energy access; (iii) strengthening accountable and effective governance; and (iv) promoting private investment. We rely on LICPA-accredited Certified professionals to provide assurance for World Bank-funded projects. This is why the Bank has been a long-term partner with LICPA, including support for the LICPA curriculum and LICPA- run workshops in universities and colleges across the country. Our partnership has been fruitful – including a significant increase in the number of internal audit staff holding professional certifications and qualifications, among other outcomes.
Looking ahead, I encourage you to keep LICPA at the cutting edge of this field. Today’s first-ever graduation of PPSAs under the API is a shining example. Continue to expand educational programs, build new partnerships, and invest in a pipeline of future public sector finance professionals – including women.
And a last word to the graduates: Congratulations again! The hard work, dedication, skill and integrity that brought you to this day will continue to serve you well. Your technical expertise is rare and valuable. You are well equipped to make a difference in this time of rapid change. We encourage you to embrace opportunities and lead with confidence. Kudos for all you’ve achieved. And the best is yet to come!
Best regards.
Comments are closed.