The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning through the Department of Economic Management along with development partners is holding a four-day National Joint Sectorial Portfolio Performance Review across all sectors including various Ministries and Agencies of Government. 

The aim is to strengthen National Development and Aid Coordination across government entities meant to re-engage and review development financing across all sectors by setting the tone for effective aid dialogue, coordination, management, and leadership.

The four-day event which runs from April 8-11, 2024, at the Bella Casa Hotel in Monrovia, is supported by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Liberia’s Deputy Minister for Economic Management at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Hon. Dehpue Y. Zuo, reaffirmed President Boakai’s steady commitment to set a constructive example for national development across the country.

Deputy Minister Zuo said President Boakai’s vision for a new Liberia is outlined in the ARREST agenda platform which will not be achieved without strong commitment from development partners, key sector heads as well as civil society and private sector actors.

He noted that the portfolio review provides an opportunity to launch an acquaintance with all Ministers and Development Partners to ensure the agenda platform is understandable and ensure cooperation in all policy documents going forward to 2030.

“We are going to assess where we are, review recommendations and the existing portfolio to help craft a new development plan for Liberia’’ Mr. Zuo added, expressing appreciation to all development partners for supporting Liberia’s development drive and commitment toward strong coordination and partnership.

For her part, the World Bank Country Manager, Ms. Georgia Wallen said the Government of Liberia should focus on the value for money and maximize the use of skills and concessional results.

“Going forward let us keep the people of Liberia first during our discussions and measure the impact of growth by thinking together on how we can move from business as usual to upscaling opportunities and maximizing the taxpayers’ dollars for development purposes,’’ Wallen asserted.

The African Development Bank Country Manager to Liberia, Benedict Kanu, said the event enables all partners to exchange ideas and understand the development gaps across the country.

He admonished the government to focus on foreign direct investment.

“The government needs to lead the development process, emphasizing private investment to realign with official development assistance,’’ Mr. Kanu suggested.

United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Country Representative, Mr. James Wright urged the Liberian government to implement anti-corruption policies to prosecute those responsible for corruption.

“USAID will undertake extensive consultations with our government counterparts at the national, county, and district levels with civil society, private sector organizations, and other development partners,” Kanu noted.