Liberia’s Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan emphasizes the urgent need to reprogram government projects to counter the impacts of reduced USAID funding. He announced the launch of the GREAT Project, aiming to improve digital services and government efficiency. A roundtable will be held in April to discuss challenges and solutions, reinforcing commitment to the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
On March 21, 2025, in Monrovia, Liberia, Minister of Finance Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan emphasized the need to reprogram projects to enhance development amid the temporary cessation of all USAID-funded initiatives. He highlighted the importance of modifying and redirecting projects that are underperforming, particularly due to the recent reduction in USAID support, stating, “We are facing a significant shock due to the USAID aid cut, and immediate measures are being taken to mitigate its impact.”
During the launch of the Governance Reform and Accountability Transformation (GREAT) Project on March 20, 2025, Minister Ngafuan indicated that discussions would soon commence with partners to reallocate resources to critical sectors affected by aid cuts. Acknowledging the economic hardships, he noted the necessity of engaging in essential conversations across the government: “Many Liberians have lost their jobs, interventions to vital sectors have been reduced, and it is essential for us to implement critical measures.”
Ngafuan announced plans for a roundtable scheduled for April, aimed at addressing emerging challenges and ensuring the uninterrupted execution of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development. He reassured the public of the government’s commitment to its developmental agenda launched earlier this year while describing the GREAT Project as a pivotal opportunity for Liberia’s ongoing progress.
The GREAT Project aims to enhance digital public services, improve tax revenues, bolster accountability and transparency, and provide capacity building and implementation support. Acting World Bank Country Manager Oyewole Afuye commended the Government of Liberia for the successful launch of the $30 million project, intended to modernize public administration and increase government efficiency.
This initiative, approved in June 2024, is set to run until November 30, 2030, benefiting multiple government institutions, including the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications and the Liberia Revenue Authority. The project seeks to address significant organizational weaknesses in service delivery due to limited resources and insufficient infrastructure.
In conclusion, Minister Ngafuan’s call for the reprogramming of projects is vital for mitigating the adverse effects of reduced USAID funding in Liberia. The launch of the GREAT Project represents a significant step towards enhancing public service delivery and government efficiency. With the support of the World Bank, the initiative aims to improve accountability and mobilize resources effectively, thereby benefiting all Liberians and serving as a foundation for implementing the ARREST Agenda. Continuous dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders will be essential for the project’s success and for addressing Liberia’s ongoing development challenges.
Original Source: thenewdawnliberia.com
