President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Wednesday officially launched the Arrest Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), a comprehensive five-year National Development Plan poised to transform Liberia’s socio-economic landscape.
The agenda aims to mobilize US$8.38 billion, with 30% funded by the Government of Liberia and the remaining 70% sourced from development partners, private investors, and other financial avenues.
The launch gathered key stakeholders from various sectors, including government officials, development partners, and members of the private sector, signaling a unified commitment to reinvigorate Liberia’s economy and improve the quality of life for its citizens.
In his address, President Boakai highlighted that the AAID is designed to impact all 15 counties, representing a shared vision for the country’s holistic development.
“The agenda will confront challenges such as unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, and poor governance,” the President said.
“It is a direct response to the needs articulated by Liberians from all walks of life and aims to ensure that our natural resources serve the citizens effectively while combating corruption.”
The AAID is built on six key pillars: Economic Transformation, Infrastructure Development, Rule of Law, Governance and Anti-Corruption, Environmental Sustainability, and Human Capital Development, all of which are critical elements for fostering sustainable growth.
Plan Details and Economic Goals
During the launch, Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan elaborated on the framework of the AAID, emphasizing its role in driving economic growth and promoting inclusive development. The plan aims to increase Liberia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 37%, growing it from US$4.75 billion to US$6.5 billion, while raising per capita GDP from approximately US$850 to US$1,050. Notably, it also seeks to create new jobs, reduce the maternal mortality rate, and decrease poverty levels significantly.
“With the AAID and the County Development Agendas (CDAs), we are addressing the root causes of stagnation,” Ngafuan said.
“The collaborative nature of this plan—drawing input from civil society, private sector leaders, and citizens across the country—reflects our committed approach to development.”
Strategic Framework for Success
The successful implementation of the AAID will rely on close coordination among stakeholders and a transparent monitoring system. A multi-tiered framework has been established to oversee its execution, including a National Steering Committee for oversight, a National Coordination Committee for management, and a Technical Committee for monitoring. Minister Ngafuan underscored the importance of accountability by stressing that the AAID is not merely a document but a call to collective action.
“Together, we can transform Liberia into a lower-middle-income country by 2030,” Ngafuan added. “Let us work hand in hand to remove barriers to development and unlock the full potential of our nation.”
The launch of the AAID marks a pivotal moment for Liberia as it embarks on an inclusive journey towards economic revitalization and social progress. The government expresses confidence that through unified efforts, Liberia can achieve significant development milestones and foster an environment of hope, opportunity, and dignity for all its citizens.
