‘Collective Vision for Prosperous Liberia’ -Boakai Describes Development Agenda Midwifed Jan. 15

MONROVIA – With one year of its six-year tenure already bagged in history, the Unity Party administration has just pulled out of the shell its key development agenda tagged “ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID)” along with 15 County Development Agendas (CDAs). It was quite a colorful and moving occasion in the port city of Buchanan January 15, 2025, as flowery speeches conveyed the birth of the flagship agenda, one of which came from the man who is poised to make history in the next five years – whether the agenda will prove to be a mere bundle of rhetorical literatures soon to be shelved and brushed aside, or whether it would be one for which Liberians will look back and say, “Yes, AAID was worth it”. Visibly, the chief orator at the occasion, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, sounded firmly confidant that the country’s proper vision has just docked to move the country to inclusive and prosperous future for all. The Analyst reports.    

Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, vibrated with speeches and celebrations as the ruling Unity Party unveiled to public at large how it intends to fight poverty, crimes including corruption, and development the people and nation to nobler heights – launching the national development agenda called ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID).

The ARREST Agenda is Liberia’s fourth post-conflict National Development Plan, designed to advance the country toward achieving the Liberia 2030 Vision. It builds on the successes and lessons of previous initiatives, such as the Poverty Reduction Strategy, the Agenda for Transformation, and the Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development.

The Chief Coordinator of the development plan, President Boakai, in special remarks described the AAID as a representation of a collective vision for an inclusive, resilient, and prosperous Liberia.

“This plan is more than just a document,” the President said as if to preempt those who might take the agenda for a mere bluff. “It is a shared commitment to overcoming poverty, reducing inequality, and unlocking the full potential of every Liberian.”

The AAID came along with County Development Agendas – development plan for each of 15 counties – both reportedly developed through extensive consultations with stakeholders from all sectors of society, including farmers, entrepreneurs, youth, individuals with disabilities, and members of the diaspora. These frameworks prioritize inclusivity, sustainability, governance, and equality, addressing key national challenges such as unemployment, poor infrastructure, and limited access to education and healthcare.

Key priorities of the ARREST Agenda include Modernizing Infrastructure: Improving roads, energy, and technology access; fostering Good Governance: Ensuring transparency, accountability, and justice; Revitalizing the Economy: Leveraging natural resources, trade, and investment opportunities, and Empowering Citizens: Expanding education, healthcare, and opportunities for women and youth.

“Today, we embark on a new chapter in Liberia’s history—the launch of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), our fourth post-conflict National Development Plan, and the 15 County Development Agenda”.

Speaking at the launch in Buchanan Grand Bassa County, President BOAKAI said the moment represents not just a plan, but a shared vision, a bold commitment, and a renewed sense of purpose to secure continuous implementation of the Liberia 2030 Vision, leading to a brighter future for every Liberian.

According to him, the AAID serves as a roadmap to help elevate Liberia from its current challenges and guide it toward becoming a lower-middle-income country.

The Liberian leader noted that the plan builds upon the lessons learned and accomplishments of previous initiatives, including the Poverty Reduction Strategy, the Agenda for Transformation, and the Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development.

He added that AAID presents innovative solutions that prioritize inclusiveness, sustainability, justice, governance, and equality.

President Boakai further that Liberia is rich in resources, yet Liberians continue to face significant challenges such as high unemployment, low literacy rates, widespread poverty, poor infrastructure, and structural inequalities amongst others.

The President indicated that these issues have fueled instability and hindered our growth, noting we must together take deliberate actions to address these challenges effectively.

“The AAID and CDAs present strategies supported by ambitious programs aimed at addressing multidimensional poverty affecting a significant portion of our population”. Pres. Boakai averred.

The Liberia Chief Executive noted the AAID calls for a mindset shift that recognizes the potential within every Liberian to drive national development, with the support of our international development partners.

He said the transformation begins with each of Liberia, as it requires a collective effort to embrace good governance, revitalize our economy, modernize the country’s infrastructure, improve education and healthcare, and ensure that every voice is heard, including those of women, youth, and our most vulnerable citizens.

“Only through unity, inclusion, and ownership can we overcome the barriers of poverty and inequality,” the President further said, explain that the AAID is the outcome of extensive consultations across all 136 administrative districts, 15 counties, and 11 budget sectors which reflects the aspirations of Liberians from all walks of life farmers, entrepreneurs, youth, members of the diaspora, and individuals with disabilities.

“Their voices have shaped a plan that prioritizes peace and reconciliation, digital transformation, and the creation of opportunities for everyone. Our optimism is bolstered by the recognition of Liberia’s vast potential,” he added. “Our young and dynamic population provides a demographic dividend that, when effectively harnessed, can drive sustainable and inclusive growth.”

At the same time, Boakai noted that Liberia’s abundant natural resources, strategic location, and cultural heritage position us as a hub for trade, tourism, and investment. We must seize this opportunity.

He intimated that to fully capitalize on this potential, we must address the realities of corruption, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to education and healthcare. 

He said the AAID confronts these challenges directly, aligning with global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals, Africa’s Agenda 2063, and ECOWAS Vision 2050 to ensure a holistic, sustainable, and inclusive approach.

He named monitoring and evaluation as central to ensure transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement, indicating that it is in that context, Liberians must commit to mutual accountability to ensure that every dollar spent achieves the desired outcomes.

He encouraged Liberia’s development stakeholders to remain steadfast in their commitment, ensuring that their cooperation frameworks harmonize with our national development plan and the County Development Agendas.

Continuing is remarks, President Boakai reiterated the need for collective action, calling on government institutions, civil society, and international development partners to align their efforts with the goals outlined in the ARREST Agenda.

Accordingly, the implementation of the AAID will be overseen by a National Steering Committee chaired by the President, with robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure accountability, transparency, and measurable outcomes.

“This is our moment to transform Liberia,” the Chief Executive posited. “Together, we will turn this vision into reality and create a nation where no one is left behind.”

He urged all stakeholders to remain committed to the plan’s successful execution.

The ARREST Agenda also aligns with global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Africa’s Agenda 2063, and ECOWAS Vision 2050, ensuring that Liberia remains an active and engaged partner in regional and global development.

As Liberia embarks on this ambitious journey, the President encouraged citizens to unite under the shared commitment to THINK LIBERIA, LOVE LIBERIA, AND BUILD A GREAT LIBERIA.

The ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (2025-2029) is a comprehensive framework aimed at addressing Liberia’s development challenges and creating sustainable opportunities for growth. It reflects the voices of Liberians from all walks of life and is designed to achieve inclusive, equitable, and resilient progress for the nation.