MONROVIA – The Government of Liberia, through MICAT, briefed the nation on several key developments and good news, showcasing the Boakai administration’s commitment to delivering on its campaign promises. Speaking on behalf of the government, the Deputy Minister of Information, Daniel Sando, highlighted significant milestones in education, financial management, investment climate, and international partnerships. With citizens holding high expectations for tangible improvements in their lives, these updates aim to demonstrate the government’s efforts in addressing pressing issues and fostering development. From major investments in education to progress in salary payments and enhanced global relations, the briefing underscored the administration’s focus on rescuing and empowering the Liberian people. The Analyst reports.
The Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) has announced during Tuesday MICAT Briefing that the World Bank has approved an $88.7 million initiative aimed at enhancing foundational learning in Liberia’s public schools, marking a significant advancement in the country’s education sector.
Speaking at the occasion, Deputy MICAT chief Daniel Sando, the agreement was signed between the Government of Liberia and the World Bank, the Excellence in Learning in Liberia (EXCEL) Project will support the construction of over 100 primary schools and rehabilitation classrooms across the country, train more than 6,500 teachers, and provide leadership development for over 4,500 school administrators.
“The EXCEL Project will reach 2,337 public primary schools and improve foundational literacy and numeracy for over 350,000 primary students through enhanced instructional materials and teaching methods,” the agreement stated.
An estimated 12,000 teachers and school leaders will receive specialized training to strengthen foundational learning outcomes and classroom effectiveness.
MDFP Reports Progress on Salary Payments
It was also announced at the MICAT Press Briefing that the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) has informed civil servants and other workers of government that significant progress has been made with the system upgrade at the data center to facilitate the start of disbursement of salary payments for employees from more than 31 GOL ministries and institutions.
“The MFDP is pleased to report that it has already disbursed to the commercial banks salary payments for employees of more than 31 GOL ministries, agencies, and commissions,” the Ministry stated.
The MFDP expects that most employees of the GOL would have fully received their salaries by the end of the month.
“The Government of Liberia remains committed to transparency and accountability in all financial matters,” the Ministry emphasized.
Another highlight of the Briefing was when MICAT Acknowledged what it called positive revelations in the US Embassy’s Investment Climate Statement for Liberia
The Government of Liberia welcomes the US Embassy’s Investment Climate Statement, which highlights the country’s progress in economic growth and development.
According to the Statement, the economy grew by 5.1 percent in 2024, driven mainly by expansion in mining, agriculture, fisheries, and services.
“The government is undertaking initiatives to improve infrastructure, reduce corruption, establish more predictable business policies, and improve the investment climate,” the statement noted.
The MICAT spokesman indicated that the Government of Liberia appreciates the recognition of its efforts to address corruption, including the establishment of the Office of Assets Recovery and the appointment of officials to improve oversight functions.
WFP Regional Director Visiting Liberia
The WFP Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Madam Margot Van Der Velden, is visiting Liberia to discuss a partnership with the Ministry of Education to boost Liberia’s School Feeding Program.
According to Education Minister Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah, “Children cannot learn effectively on an empty stomach, and we reaffirm the government’s dedication to ensuring that every Liberian child not only attends school but also receives a nutritious meal each day.”
The strengthened collaboration, she said, seeks to make the School Feeding Program more sustainable through policy reforms, local food sourcing, and the introduction of digital Meal Cards.
LACC Boss Election
Sando used the MICAT Press Briefing to, on behalf of the Government of Liberia, to congratulate the LACC for her election as Vice President for the Network of Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA).
According to the LACC, Cllr. Alexandra Zoe’s re-election reflects recognition of her outstanding leadership, integrity, and commitment to strengthening anti-corruption efforts and promoting cross-border collaboration across West Africa.
“The Assembly reaffirmed NACIWA’s dedication to the 2001 ECOWAS Protocol on the Fight Against Corruption, the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), and the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC),” the LACC stated. Cllr. Zoe’s re-election stands as a proud moment for Liberia and reaffirms the LACC’s growing influence in shaping regional anti-corruption policy and cooperation.