The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) have reaffirmed their mutual commitment to deepening collaboration in support of Liberia’s national development priorities. 

A strong focus is on domestic revenue mobilization, digital transformation, and institutional capacity building.

This commitment was underscored during a courtesy meeting at the headquarters of the LRA in Paynesville City held on May 5, 2025. The meeting brought together James Dorbor Jallah, Commissioner General of the LRA, and Mr. Aliou Dia, UNDP Resident Representative, alongside senior officials from both institutions.

The Resident Representative of UNDP, Aliou Dia, reaffirmed that support to the LRA remains a strategic priority for UNDP under its upcoming Country Programme Document (CPD).

Dia emphasized UNDP’s readiness to provide technical and resource assistance to advance the LRA’s digital transformation agenda. “We view the modernization of the LRA as central to improving domestic revenue generation and driving broader public financial reforms in Liberia,” he stated.

Dia also shared updates on UNDP’s regional and global efforts to strengthen digital capabilities in Liberia. He highlighted the upcoming launch of a master’s program in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity at the University of Liberia, a flagship initiative supported by UNDP in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

“This program represents a broader push to build national digital capacity, with long-term benefits for institutions such as the LRA,” he intimated.

James Dorbor Jallah welcomed the partnership and provided insights into the LRA’s current efforts to reform and modernize its operations. He outlined the Authority’s strategic investments in cloud-based systems to enhance data management, the introduction of electronic billing machines to combat under-declaration by businesses, and the deployment of 50 Starlink devices to boost connectivity between field offices and headquarters.

The Commissioner General also outlined several systemic challenges to effective revenue collection, including the absence of a robust National Civil Registry, a functional Address System, and a National Cadastral System. He called on development partners, including the UNDP, to support the development of these foundational national systems, which he described as critical to evidence-based policy decisions and sustainable development.

Commissioner Jallah lauded UNDP’s previous contributions, including support during his tenure at the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC). UNDP facilitated training for 42 procurement professionals through international partnerships.

He emphasized the need for continued catalytic support from the UNDP, focusing on initiatives that deliver multiplier effects for the country’s revenue systems.

During the meeting, both parties agreed on key action points to solidify the partnership moving forward. They include Commissioner General Jallah’s participation in an upcoming informal meeting with Ambassadors scheduled for May 16, 2025, to present perspectives on domestic resource mobilization, establishing a technical working group to identify priority areas of cooperation, and facilitating ongoing coordination between LRA and UNDP. 

Mr. Robert Kamie was appointed the focal point for future engagements by the Commissioner General of the LRA.

UNDP is committed to engaging development partners, including the European Union and the Swedish Embassy, to explore potential support for LRA-led reforms.

This high-level engagement represents a renewed commitment by both institutions to advance inclusive governance, economic resilience, and sustainable development in Liberia.