In a strategic move to accelerate Liberia’s decentralization agenda, the Ministry of Local Government (MLG), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the Liberia Decentralization Support Programme (LDSP), has received a consignment of assorted ICT equipment aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and enhancing operational efficiency within County Development Planning Units.

The equipment, which will benefit five counties - Grand Gedeh, River Gee, Maryland, Grand Kru, and Sinoe includes desktop computers, laptops, printers, air conditioners, and Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) units. This targeted investment in digital infrastructure is intended to improve integrated data management, real-time reporting, and coordination across local governance structures, thereby enhancing evidence-based planning and service delivery at the county level.

Delivering remarks at the handover ceremony, Hon. Edward Mulbah, Deputy Minister Designate for Local Government and Decentralization, emphasized that decentralization remains a critical pillar for inclusive governance and sustainable development. He noted that, historically, decision-making processes were centralized, limiting citizens’ participation in development initiatives affecting their communities. The decentralization framework, he explained, seeks to empower citizens to become champions of their own development by placing them at the center of planning and implementation.

Hon. Mulbah highlighted that the establishment of County Development Planning Units is grounded in the Local Government Act of 2018 and supported by the Revenue Sharing Law of 2022. These frameworks provide the legal basis for strengthening subnational governance and improving development planning processes. He added that the Ministry of Local Government is mandated to provide executive oversight for the implementation of these instruments, with support from development partners.

“With support from UNDP and other partners, fifteen County Development Planning Units have been established nationwide. Today’s handover will equip five of those counties, bringing the total number of counties supported with ICT tools to nine. The remaining six counties Bong, Nimba, Lofa, Grand Bassa, Bomi, and Gbarpolu will be equipped as resources become available,” Hon. Mulbah stated.

He further explained that the County Development Planning Units, established under Chapter 5 of the Local Government Act, play a critical role in coordinating development planning processes at the county level. Their responsibilities include resource mobilization through proposal development, monitoring and evaluation, data collection, reporting, and coordination of County Development Agendas. The Deputy Minister emphasized that equipping these units is essential to ensuring they function effectively and deliver on their mandate.

The UNDP Team Leader for the Inclusive Governance and Public Institutions Pillar, Mr. Stanley Kamara reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s decentralization and governance reforms. He noted that strengthening ICT systems is vital for improving institutional performance, enhancing intergovernmental coordination, and advancing transparency, accountability, and data-driven decision-making at subnational levels.

“This support reflects UNDP’s continued partnership with the Government of Liberia to strengthen inclusive governance and improve service delivery. By enhancing digital capacity at the county level, we are helping to create more responsive institutions that place citizens at the center of development,” Kamara said.

The Ministry also acknowledged the contributions of UN Women and other partners, as well as financial support from the Government of Sweden to the Liberia Decentralization Support Programme, which facilitated the procurement and delivery of the equipment.

The Ministry of Local Government emphasized that the equipment will be dedicated exclusively to the County Development Planning Units to support planning, coordination, and reporting functions. The intervention forms part of broader efforts to modernize public sector systems, strengthen accountability frameworks, and promote inclusive local governance across Liberia.

The handover marks another milestone in the Government of Liberia–UNDP partnership, reinforcing a shared commitment to building resilient institutions and advancing inclusive, accountable, and results-oriented governance nationwide.

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