African Development Bank (AfDB) Executive Director Rufus N. Darkortey wrapped up a five-day visit to Liberia, engaging in high-level discussions with key stakeholders, including President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
During his July 8-12 mission, Darkortey, who represents Liberia, The Gambia, Ghana, Sudan, and Sierra Leone at the AfDB, met with Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Speaker of Parliament Jonathan Fonati Koffa, and various ministers and agency heads. This visit marked his first official engagement with Liberia since President Boakai’s election, focusing on aligning the Bank’s support with Liberia’s development goals, such as sustainable and inclusive growth.
President Boakai praised the AfDB under Dr. Akinwumi Adesina’s leadership for its substantial support and committed to implementing reforms to expedite Liberia’s development. Key discussion areas included infrastructure, SME-led private sector growth, domestic resource mobilization, and agricultural productivity.
Darkortey emphasized the AfDB’s current investments in Liberia: 56% in transport, 28% in energy, and 8% in agriculture. Significant projects include the Fish Town-Harper highway and a high-voltage transmission line linking Liberia with Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, and Guinea.
The Executive Director reiterated the Bank’s commitment to supporting Liberia under President Boakai’s leadership. They also discussed the Bank’s Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank initiative, which approved $16 million in 2023 to support over 30,000 youth-led enterprises in agribusiness and related sectors.
At the AfDB’s 2024 Annual Meetings in Nairobi, Kenya, Dr. Adesina announced plans to mobilize $3.5 billion to $5 billion for the Liberty corridor project, featuring a world-class rail system connecting Liberia’s Didia port to Guinea. This aligns with President Boakai’s ARREST Agenda, focusing on agriculture, roads, rule of law, education, sanitation, and tourism to foster inclusive development.
The African Development Bank has been a steadfast supporter of Liberia and the Mano River Union, aiming to unlock the region’s agricultural potential, create jobs, and address fragility.
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