ArcelorMittal Liberia has officially launched the 2025 cycle of its Community Development Fund, a significant move towards empowering local communities.
This announcement follows the company’s ongoing commitments outlined in its Mineral Development Agreement with the Government of Liberia, and represents a continuous effort to foster sustainable development across the operational counties of Nimba, Grand Bassa, and Bong.
The formal launch event took place on May 23, 2025, in Buchanan, bringing together over 50 stakeholders, including AML representatives, local government officials, district lawmakers, civil society members, and community leaders.
The initiative is underpinned by a substantial investment: 20 percent of AML’s annual contribution of $3 million to the County Social Development Fund (CSDF), which amounts to $600,000 dedicated to community projects each year.
Since its establishment in August 2020, the CDF has prioritized development projects aligned with community needs, channeling 50 percent of its resources to Nimba County, 33.3 percent to Grand Bassa, and 16.7 percent to Bong County.
This targeted approach aims to address the specific challenges and priorities faced by each community within AML’s operational footprint.
At the launch event, stakeholders reviewed the implementation report from the 2024 funding cycle, engaging in meaningful discussions about ongoing and future projects. Proposed amendments to the CDF Management Guidelines were endorsed, emphasizing transparency and accountability in project selection, implementation, and monitoring. These guidelines are designed to ensure that the Fund operates efficiently and aligned with community development priorities.
“The CDF is not just a funding mechanism; it’s a promise to the people in our host communities that their voices matter in determining how resources are allocated,” said an AML representative at the event. “We remain committed to delivering tangible benefits that improve lives and promote community ownership of development projects.”
The impact of past CDF-supported initiatives was also highlighted, showcasing over 30 completed projects, including roads, bridges, schools, clinics, and community centers that have made a positive difference in the lives of residents across the three counties.
Local leaders and county authorities praised the CDF as a benchmark for successful concession-community partnerships, calling for ongoing collaboration to ensure the effective execution of projects in the 2025 cycle.
As the new funding cycle commences, implementation of selected projects is expected to begin shortly, drawing on insights from the previous year to foster improved governance, transparency, and impact.
