By By: Staff Writer
The Government of Liberia, in collaboration with the World Bank Group, has launched a new Country Partnership Framework, CPF, that will guide development efforts from 2025 to 2030. The framework, introduced during a ceremony at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, outlines a strategic plan aimed at expanding employment opportunities and stimulating long-term national growth.
According to the World Bank Group, the CPF is built around four priority areas regarded as crucial to improving Liberia’s economic prospects. These include upgrading basic education, expanding access to modern energy, promoting transparent and accountable governance and encouraging greater private investment, particularly in agriculture-related industries and the forest economy.
World Bank Liberia Country Manager Georgia Wallen said the CPF marks an important moment in Liberia’s pursuit of inclusive development. She emphasized that the plan is centered on job creation, which she described as essential for lifting citizens out of poverty and advancing the country’s development goals. Wallen explained that improvements in education, energy, governance and business conditions must work together to unlock opportunities for Liberia’s growing population.
IFC Division Director Nathalie Kouassi Akon noted that the launch signals renewed confidence in Liberia’s potential. She said the CPF is designed to help the country tackle urgent challenges, including limited access to economic opportunities for women, youth and small businesses. Akon underscored the importance of strengthening the private sector, which she described as the primary source of employment across Africa.
Speaking on behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Senior Presidential Advisor Dr. Augustine Konneh described the framework as a welcome reaffirmation of international support for Liberia’s development agenda. Dr. Konneh said the government views the CPF as an opportunity to address the high unemployment rate among young people, stressing the need for projects that produce real and immediate economic benefits. He urged development partners to work with the government to deliver initiatives that expand meaningful work opportunities throughout the country.
Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan also praised the World Bank Group for its continued assistance. He noted that despite global shifts in donor support, the World Bank has remained a dependable partner during a particularly challenging year for Liberia. Minister Ngafuan highlighted the government’s intention to prioritize energy, infrastructure and private-sector growth, stating that these areas form the backbone of job creation and economic stability.
He pointed out that improving the pace of project implementation will be a major focus, as several important initiatives have suffered delays in recent years. According to him, development commitments must translate into timely, visible improvements in communities across the country. He further emphasized Liberia’s commitment to fulfilling its debt obligations to maintain confidence among international partners.
UNDP Resident Representative Aliou Mamadou Dia welcomed the World Bank’s renewed engagement with Liberia, saying the CPF aligns closely with national priorities and the UN’s upcoming cooperation framework. Dia said the CPF has the potential to support major progress in areas such as education, governance, human capital development and resilience against economic and climate shocks. He pledged the UN’s support for policy reform, institutional strengthening and data-driven planning.
The CPF seeks to assist Liberia in moving away from a concession-dependent model and toward a more diversified and inclusive economy. The plan supports investments in skills development, women’s economic participation, agricultural modernization, digital services and improved public sector efficiency. It emphasizes collaborative implementation and regular engagement with civil society, the private sector and development partners.
As the event concluded, Dr. Konneh reiterated the government’s full commitment to carrying out the CPF’s objectives. He said Liberia remains determined to pursue progress that citizens can feel in their daily lives, adding that national unity and consistent delivery will be central to achieving the country’s Vision 2030 targets.
