The Government of Liberia, in partnership with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has launched a three-day validation workshop on the country’s National Human Capital Development Strategy, a key initiative aimed at strengthening institutional capacity, improving workforce development, and aligning national priorities with regional development goals.
The workshop, taking place from October 14 to 16 in Kakata, Margibi County, is being organized through the ECOWAS National Office at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) in collaboration with the Liberian government.
Held under the theme, “Validating Liberia’s National Human Capital Development Strategy: Aligning National Priorities, Regional Commitments, and Implementation Frameworks,” the gathering seeks to ensure that the proposed strategy effectively addresses Liberia’s development challenges while supporting the implementation of the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID).
Opening the workshop, Assistant Minister for Development Planning at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, J. Wellington Barchue I, described human capital development as a critical pillar for effective governance, sustainable economic growth, and improved public service delivery.
He emphasized that capacity development should be viewed not merely as a technical exercise for public institutions and training centers, but as a long-term investment in people, systems, and national development.
According to Minister Barchue, achieving Liberia’s development aspirations depends on equipping young graduates with relevant skills, enhancing the capabilities of public servants, and ensuring that government institutions are responsive to the needs of citizens.
“Ultimately, it is about making government work better for the people we serve,” he said, stressing that Liberia and other West African nations must invest in the knowledge, skills, systems, and institutions necessary to transform development goals into tangible outcomes.
Barchue noted that while Liberia has ambitious development objectives, their realization requires more than well-crafted policies and strategic plans. He said meaningful progress depends on competent human resources, strong institutions, responsible leadership, and a sustained commitment to implementation.
The Assistant Minister also highlighted the importance of strengthening institutional capacity in public financial management to ensure efficient utilization of scarce public resources.
He argued that strategic investments in human capital could improve domestic revenue mobilization, strengthen budget planning, enhance expenditure management, reduce waste, and increase investments in priority sectors and vulnerable communities.
“Every dollar collected, spent, or invested by government should contribute to measurable development outcomes and improve the lives of citizens,” he said.
He further underscored the value of regional cooperation, noting that ECOWAS member states face many common development challenges and can benefit from shared knowledge, technical expertise, and institutional best practices.
Barchue called on participants to ensure that the strategy document includes clear priorities, realistic implementation timelines, measurable targets, and sustainable financing mechanisms.
He warned that many development initiatives fail not because of a lack of ideas but due to inadequate resources, weak coordination, unclear roles and responsibilities, and poor follow-through.
He stressed that capacity-building programs should be assessed based on their impact on institutional performance rather than the number of workshops conducted or certificates awarded.
The Assistant Minister also advocated for a stronger focus on evidence-based policymaking, digital innovation, performance-driven public administration, and institutional accountability. He said training programs should equip public servants with practical skills to improve service delivery, solve problems, and strengthen organizational effectiveness.
In addition, he urged ECOWAS institutions, member states, and development partners to deepen strategic collaboration, mobilize predictable funding, avoid duplication of interventions, and establish robust monitoring and evaluation systems.
“The proposed strategy should promote national ownership, regional solidarity, policy coordination, continuous learning, and local expertise while expanding opportunities for young professionals and strengthening women’s participation in leadership,” he said.
Barchue noted that these priorities are closely aligned with Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, which focuses on strengthening institutions, improving economic governance, enhancing public expenditure efficiency, and maximizing the impact of public resources.
Reaffirming Liberia’s commitment to capacity development, he said the government remains dedicated to integrating human capital investments into national planning and budgeting processes while improving accountability and public service delivery, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable populations.
He challenged participants to approach the validation process with a practical, results-oriented mindset and called for the development of institutions capable of addressing current challenges while preparing for future economic, technological, and governance demands.
Participants at the workshop include representatives from government ministries and agencies, the Liberia Marketing Association, ECOWAS-sponsored students, and local civil society organizations.
The validation exercise is expected to produce a finalized strategy that will guide Liberia’s human capital development efforts and strengthen regional cooperation in capacity building across West Africa.
