Liberia’s development partnership with the African Development Bank appears poised for renewed momentum following the arrival of the institution’s new Country Manager, Rees Mwasambili. His engagement with senior government officials is being viewed as part of broader efforts to strengthen coordination around Liberia’s development priorities and infrastructure agenda.
On March 12, 2026, Mwasambili paid a courtesy visit to Liberia’s Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan. He was accompanied by Principal Country Program Officer John Baslo Bukenya and Senior Country Economist Yusuf Bob Foday.
During the meeting, Minister Ngafuan welcomed the delegation and emphasized the importance of sustained engagement between Liberia and the African Development Bank, particularly as the government seeks to accelerate the implementation of national development programs. According to the Minister, the presence of a fully represented country office enhances Liberia’s ability to coordinate development financing and improve the execution of key projects.
From a policy perspective, the strengthened presence of the Bank’s leadership in Liberia is significant. The African Development Bank has long been a critical partner in Liberia’s infrastructure development—especially in the road sector—where investment continues to play a central role in improving economic connectivity and facilitating national growth.
Minister Ngafuan described the AfDB as one of Liberia’s most dependable development partners, noting the Bank’s longstanding contributions to the country’s reconstruction and economic recovery. He also encouraged the institution to continue supporting government efforts to address implementation delays affecting some ongoing development projects.
For his part, Mwasambili reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to Liberia’s development agenda. He expressed appreciation for the continued collaboration between the Bank and the Government of Liberia, while noting that his return to the country carries personal significance, as he had previously served in Liberia in another professional capacity.
Analysts suggest that stronger engagement between Liberia’s economic management team and multilateral financial institutions will be essential as the government seeks to expand infrastructure investment, strengthen public sector delivery, and sustain economic growth.
The meeting reflects a broader alignment between Liberia’s development strategy and the African Development Bank’s mandate to support sustainable growth and infrastructure transformation across Africa.
