— As Saudi Fund for Development Arrives to Review Financing for New Priority Interventions
Monrovia- Liberia’s Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, on Monday reaffirmed the Government of Liberia’s commitment to accelerating national infrastructure development, as a delegation of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) visits the country to review ongoing projects and assess financing for new priority interventions.
Minister Ngafuan made the remarks during a courtesy call by the Saudi delegation at his office in Monrovia.
The delegation is headed by Mr. Abdulrahman Bin Ahujaa AlHabri, Director of West Africa Operations of the Saudi Fund for Development.
The minister said the visit forms part of the government’s broader strategy to mobilize international financing to fast track infrastructure and other critical economic development projects nationwide.
Minister Ngafuan noted that before the assumption of office by the current administration, several infrastructure interventions were stalled due to the inability of the previous government to meet its financial commitments to development partners, including the Saudi Fund.
“It took the efforts of this administration to visit Kuwait to meet the Arab Lenders, and reassured them of our willingness to reopen the partnership,” Ngafuan said.
He disclosed that the Government of Liberia has already secured financing commitments for the Salayea–Konia corridor from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) and entered into a concession arrangement with PAVIFORT for the Mendikorma–Voinjama corridor.
According to him, ongoing discussions with the Saudi Fund for Development for the Konia–Voinjama corridor would complete the financing framework for the entire Gbarnga–Mendikorma Highway.
“What we are doing with our colleagues is to ensure that the road reaches Voinjama. The Saudi Fund is primarily interested in the leg from Konia to Voinjama,” Minister Ngafuan said.
He emphasized the strategic importance of the highway, noting that it connects agricultural and mineral rich counties to domestic markets and key cross-border trade posts, thereby boosting trade, investment, and regional integration.
“The road connects not only Lofa but also Bong County, which are rich in agriculture, minerals, and trade opportunities because of their borders with the Republic of Guinea,” he added.
Minister Ngafuan further announced that the Zorzor–Yeala Town road corridor, which hosts a major border immigration post, is also under consideration for possible financing by the Saudi Fund.
For his part, Mr. AlHabri conveyed warm greetings from the Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Fund for Development and reaffirmed the more than 48 years partnership between the Republic of Liberia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
He commended the credibility of the current government, describing it as a key factor in the Fund’s renewed engagement with the country.
Mr. AlHabri expressed the SFD’s willingness to review proposals for priority development projects and provide financing where feasible.
Among the projects highlighted for consideration are the paving of the Konia–Voinjama corridor along the ongoing Gbarnga–Mendikorma Highway, as well as the extension of electricity from the Botota CLSG SubStation to communities along the corridor.
Mr. AlHabri disclosed that a formal request for financing of the electricity extension project has already been submitted by Liberia’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on behalf of the Government of Liberia.
