Top US lawmakers are traveling to Liberia to hold talks with leaders of the West African country on pressing global issues including the economy.
Senator Jack Reed and U.S. Rep Gabe Amo of Rhode Island will discuss issues like the global economy, security and humanitarian concerns.
The Trump administration’s pulling of funding for the U.S. Agency for International Development has badly impacted Liberia and Ghana.
Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Amo, Vice Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs will meet with government officials and NGOs to discuss future steps, according to US news agencies.
Liberia is amongst countries worst hit by US decision to freeze foreign aid.
The country’s economy is still recovery from back-to-back- public health pendemic and in recent months inflation has been on the rise impacting households and businesses.
The authorities have widened tax base and are seeking concessional loans to address the impact of the United States government aid freeze that have already weaken the nation’s economy.
USAID is second largest contributor of aid to Liberia, spending $961.8 million between 2014 and 2024. Until the shutdown, the agency operated 105 active projects focusing on health, education, agriculture and energy amongst others.
US funding has immensely helped to combat diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria and improve maternal health.
The authorities are worried reduction in aid will likely reverse some of the progress made in reducing these mortality rates, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare services is limited.
“Aid freeze will slow Liberia’s post COVID19 economic recovery and development, as the country stands the risk of losing funds for improving health and education,” it said.
“The agricultural sector will suffer, leading to a decrease in food security, increased food prices and limited opportunities for farmers to improve their livelihoods. USAID programs often provide grants, training, and financial support to small businesses. Their suspension will lead to less access to capital and growth opportunities, further reducing income for workers.”
In Jan. lawmakers and President Joseph Boakai approved $880 million for the 12-month spending period end Dec. 31. The authorities are anticipating revenue to dip through direct taxation on employees’ personal income taxes, procurements of goods and services, real property taxes, and indirectly through services sector.
