By By: Staff Writer
Monrovia, — The Government of Liberia has reaffirmed its commitment to fast-tracking national infrastructure development as a high-level delegation of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) arrives in the country to review ongoing projects and assess financing for new priority interventions, including the Konia–Voinjama road corridor and electricity expansion.
Liberia’s Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, made the disclosure on Monday during a courtesy visit by the Saudi delegation to his office in Monrovia. The delegation is headed by Mr. Abdulrahman Bin Ahujaa AlHabri, Director of West Africa Operations of the Saudi Fund for Development.
Minister Ngafuan said the visit aligns with the government’s broader strategy to mobilize international financing to accelerate infrastructure and other critical economic development projects across the country. He noted that several key interventions had stalled under the previous administration due to unmet financial obligations to development partners, including the Saudi Fund.
“It took the efforts of this administration to engage Arab lenders directly, including visits to Kuwait, to reassure them of our commitment and reopen these important partnerships,” Ngafuan said.
He disclosed that financing for the Salayea–Konia corridor has already been secured through the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), while a concession arrangement has been concluded with PAVIFORT for the Mendikorma–Voinjama corridor. According to him, ongoing discussions with the Saudi Fund for Development for the Konia–Voinjama segment would complete the financing framework for the entire Gbarnga–Mendikorma Highway.
“Our objective is to ensure the road reaches Voinjama. The Saudi Fund is primarily interested in the Konia–Voinjama leg,” the minister explained.
Ngafuan underscored the strategic importance of the highway, noting that it links agriculturally and mineral-rich counties to domestic markets and key cross-border trade routes, thereby strengthening trade, investment, and regional integration. He added that the corridor connects Bong and Lofa counties, both of which share borders with the Republic of Guinea and serve as major trade gateways.
The minister further revealed that the Zorzor–Yeala Town road corridor, home to a major immigration and border post, is also being considered for possible financing support from the Saudi Fund.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Mr. AlHabri conveyed greetings from the Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Fund for Development and reaffirmed the more than 48-year partnership between Liberia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He praised the credibility of the current Liberian government, describing it as a key factor in the Fund’s renewed engagement with the country.
Mr. AlHabri expressed the SFD’s readiness to review proposals for priority development projects and provide financing where feasible. Among the projects highlighted are the paving of the Konia–Voinjama corridor along the Gbarnga–Mendikorma Highway and the extension of electricity from the Botota CLSG Substation to communities along the corridor.
He disclosed that a formal request for financing the electricity extension project has already been submitted by Liberia’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on behalf of the Government of Liberia.
The Saudi Fund delegation’s visit is expected to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and support Liberia’s efforts to close critical infrastructure gaps essential for inclusive growth and national development.
