African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) Executive Director Rufus N. Darkortey recently completed a five-day working visit to Liberia, where he engaged in high-level discussions with key stakeholders, including President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
Representing Liberia, The Gambia, Ghana, Sudan, and Sierra Leone at the Bank, Darkortey also met with Liberian Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Speaker of Parliament Jonathan Fonati Koffa, and various ministers and agency heads.
During the mission from July 8-12, Darkortey’s primary focus was aligning the Bank’s support with Liberia’s development priorities, specifically promoting sustainable and inclusive growth.
President Boakai praised the African Development Bank Group’s support under Dr. Akinwumi Adesina’s leadership and committed to implementing necessary reforms to advance development in Liberia. Discussions centered on infrastructure development, SME-led private sector growth, domestic resource mobilization, and agricultural productivity.
Darkortey highlighted the Bank’s current investments in Liberia, with significant allocations towards transport, energy, and agriculture projects. Noteworthy initiatives include the Fish Town-Harper highway and a cross-border high-voltage transmission line linking Liberia with neighboring countries.
The Executive Director reiterated the Bank’s dedication to supporting Liberia’s development under President Boakai’s leadership. Talks also touched on the Bank’s Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank initiative and recent funding approved for youth-led enterprises in agribusiness and related sectors.
At the Bank’s 2024 Annual Meetings in Nairobi, Adesina announced plans to secure funding for the Liberty corridor project, which involves constructing a rail system to connect Liberia’s port to Guinea. This initiative aligns with President Boakai’s ARREST Agenda, emphasizing agriculture, roads, rule of law, education, sanitation, and tourism for inclusive development.
The African Development Bank continues to support not only Liberia but also the Mano River Union, promoting regional agricultural potential, addressing youth unemployment, and addressing fragility.
Contact:
Kwasi Kpodo
Communication and External Relations
media@afdb.org
About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is the leading multilateral financing institution dedicated to Africa’s development. It consists of three entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF), and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NSF). With a presence in 41 African countries and an external office in Japan, the AfDB works towards the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org