Liberia’s President George Manneh Weah has extended his appreciation to the African Development Bank (AfDB) for its pivotal role in fostering growth and development within the West African nation. President Weah’s sentiments were conveyed through Liberia’s Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, Willye Mai King, who emphasized the significant support provided by the Bank Group, headed by Dr. Akinwumi Adesina.
Ambassador King, during her working visit to the AfDB’s Abidjan headquarters, conveyed President Weah’s gratitude for the Bank’s critical contributions, including financing for the Harper-Fish Town highway project. The visit also aimed to strengthen the bilateral relationship between Liberia and the Bank, with discussions revolving around collaborative efforts to promote economic growth, social progress, and sustainable development in Liberia and across Africa.
Highlighting the historical partnership between Liberia and the AfDB, Ambassador King underscored the importance of sustained cooperation to bolster both the nation’s economic prospects and the broader African continent. This sentiment was echoed by Mr. Rufus N. Darkortey, the AfDB’s Executive Director representing The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Sudan. Mr. Darkortey, a Liberian national, commended President Weah’s commitment to implementing reforms and projects for sustainable development.
As the meeting concluded, both parties reaffirmed their dedication to advancing sustainable development in Liberia and the wider African context. The Ambassador’s visit signifies the deep-rooted partnership between Liberia and the AfDB, which originated in the 1960s when Liberia, under the guidance of Dr. Romeo Alexander Horton, Central Bank Governor at the time, played a pivotal role in establishing the African Development Bank.
In a display of tangible results, the AfDB has allocated substantial funding to Liberia over the years. Notably, in 2013, the Bank provided $55.91 million in mixed financing for the Fish Town-Harper Road Phase I project. As of 14th July 2023, the total loans and grants extended to Liberia by the AfDB amounted to an impressive $916.64 million. The current active portfolio in Liberia spans 16 operations, demonstrating a total commitment of $378.79 million across diverse sectors. Notably, the transport sector claims the largest share at 60.6% of total commitments, followed by Power (25.2%), agriculture (8.0%), multi-sector initiatives (4.8%), Finance (1%), and social development (0.4%).
The positive partnership between Liberia and the AfDB continues to flourish, with both parties united in their commitment to driving sustainable development in Liberia and the continent as a whole. The collaborative efforts showcased by this enduring relationship paint a promising picture for Liberia’s future growth and prosperity.
