By: Trokon Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmil.com
WASHINGTON DC – On July 10, 2025, Liberia’s Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, held a high-level meeting with Mr. Bo Li, Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), at IMF headquarters in Washington, D.C.
The meeting focused on Liberia’s progress under the ongoing Extended Credit Facility (ECF) program.
Mr. Li commended Liberia for reducing its fiscal deficit, strengthening public financial management (PFM), improving governance, and supporting private sector development. He also praised President Joseph Boakai for his leadership and reform efforts under the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), urging Minister Ngafuan to convey the IMF’s appreciation.
Li disclosed that the IMF Board is finalizing reports on Liberia’s 2nd ECF review and Article IV consultations. These steps are expected to pave the way for Liberia’s enrollment into the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF), which would provide significant funding for climate adaptation.
He also announced a forthcoming climate public investment management assessment (c-PIMA) mission to identify key interventions to boost climate resilience.
Post-RSF qualification—possibly in 2026—the IMF plans to organize a donor roundtable to mobilize additional support for Liberia’s climate-resilient infrastructure and AAID priorities.
In response, Minister Ngafuan conveyed President Boakai’s appreciation for the IMF’s continued support, emphasizing that it has enabled Liberia to make tangible progress.
He highlighted Liberia’s recent election to a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council (2026–2027) and the strengthening of U.S.–Liberia ties, marked by President Boakai’s visit to the White House at the invitation of President Donald Trump.
Ngafuan reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to responsible fiscal management and deepening collaboration with the IMF.
Minister Ngafuan also held a series of strategic meetings with key U.S. institutions to bolster support for Liberia’s development:
Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC)
On July 9, Ngafuan and Deputy Finance Minister Dehpue Zuo met senior MCC officials, including Alicia Robinson-Morgan, to discuss Liberia’s eligibility for a second MCC Compact.
Ngafuan expressed gratitude for MCC’s past support—particularly the rehabilitation of Mt. Coffee Hydropower Plant—and emphasized the importance of infrastructure and energy access to drive trade and investment.
He also highlighted Liberia’s growing economic diplomacy efforts, linked to its UN Security Council seat.
Dr. Sohan Dasgupta, representing MCC’s leadership, reaffirmed U.S.–Liberia ties and acknowledged Liberia’s developmental vision.
He clarified that Liberia’s Compact is under review by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and that Ngafuan’s insights would be relayed to aid decision-making.
U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)
On July 8, Minister Ngafuan, Ambassador Alhassan Conteh, and Deputy Minister Zuo met DFC executives led by Senior Vice President Mateo Goldman.
The DFC expressed strong interest in expanding support for Liberia, particularly in energy, agriculture, and financial services.
