By George C Flomo
MONROIA – Liberia is set to host the 22nd General Assembly of the Africa Road Maintenance Funds Association (ARMFA), a continental gathering expected to bring together more than 200 international participants, including road fund executives, business leaders, academics, and civil society representatives, from November 17–21, 2025, in Monrovia.
Making the disclosure on Thursday at the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing, Mr. Albert K. Samukai, Chief Program Officer of the National Road Fund (NRF), said the upcoming event marks a milestone for Liberia and demonstrates the government’s unwavering commitment to infrastructure development.
Samukai disclosed that it would be big moment for the country, specifically for the National Road Fund, and for the government of Liberia.
According to him, the Africa Road Maintenance Funds Association is a conglomeration of more than 35 African Road Funds across the continent—a platform where members meet to share ideas, research findings, and knowledge on how to finance roads across Africa.
“We are very pleased that Liberia has found a strong voice in that body,” he said.
The Chief Program Officer represented Madam Joseta Nuefville Wento, Manager of the National Road Fund and Liberia’s representative on ARMFA’s Executive Committee, who is currently attending a preparatory meeting abroad.
Samukai said the conference will not only elevate Liberia’s profile in Africa’s infrastructure financing landscape but will also provide direct economic opportunities.
He further disclosed that this conference would invite more than 200 international guests to Liberia, and that beyond technical discussions, there will be a lot of opportunities for local businesses, especially construction companies, to network and explore partnerships with institutions from across Africa.
The Road Fund official emphasized that the gathering positions Liberia as a critical voice in infrastructure development and showcases the government’s commitment to the African Union’s Agenda 2063, particularly its goal of continental integration through infrastructure.
Diversifying Road Fund Revenues
Turning to domestic operations, Samukai highlighted reforms and innovations at the National Road Fund since its establishment in 2016 and operationalization in 2018.
The Fund, originally financed mainly through petroleum levies, is pursuing a Revenue Diversification Strategy to ensure sustainable financing, he stressed, adding, “We cannot solely rely on fees from petroleum imports. Therefore, we have developed a revenue diversification strategy that identifies new revenue streams, including vehicle registration, the Access Loan Program, and most importantly, tolls.”
These initiatives will expand the funds we generate for road maintenance and rehabilitation across Liberia, he said.
Toll Policy and Road Preservation
Samukai disclosed that Liberia, with support from the World Bank and in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works, is finalizing a National Toll Policy.
“By the end of this year, the policy will be completed and launched. Afterward, we will move into securing financing and partnerships for the building of toll roads across the country. The idea is not just to build roads and leave them in isolation, but to preserve and manage them as capital assets that can pay for themselves over time,” he noted.
The Fund is also rolling out its Access Road Program, which installs weighbridges to enforce axle load control. A weighbridge has already been installed at Clay Junction, and beginning at the end of October, penalties of $40 per violation will be imposed on overweight vehicles.
“We cannot build roads and then allow them to be destroyed by heavy vehicles. These enforcement measures will ensure that roads last longer and that the money invested is preserved,” Samukai explained.
Community-Based Approach
Another key program is the Community-Based Organization (CBO) initiative, a labor-based system designed to involve community dwellers, especially young people, in road maintenance.
“We have already supported the maintenance of 1,800 kilometers of roads through the CBO program, creating short-term jobs for over 2,000 rural youth. These young people handle vegetation control, drainage cleaning, and other maintenance tasks to ensure that roads remain safe and passable,” Samukai said.
The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the Ministries of Public Works and Internal Affairs, in line with the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
Strengthening Accountability
Addressing public concerns about transparency, Samukai emphasized that the Fund has strengthened its financial management and accountability mechanisms under its current leadership.
Continuing, Samukai said: “The National Road Fund is a public institution. The money we generate is from road users, so we owe them accountability and transparency. Under the leadership of our Fund Manager, we have instituted stronger internal controls and financial systems. Our audit scores have increased from 33% to 85%, and we expect them to exceed 90% in the coming weeks as reported by the GAC.”
He underscored the broader benefits of the upcoming ARMFA conference for Liberia, explaining that “this is an opportunity for Liberian businesses to explore partnerships, for our country to showcase its beautiful tourist attractions, and for us to position ourselves as a leader in infrastructure financing.
“We hope that some of the delegates visiting will find interest in investing in Liberia—not only in roads but in tourism and other sectors.”
With just two months to the opening of the conference, preparations are said to be in high gear as Liberia looks forward to hosting Africa’s road financing leaders on its shores.