Gov’t Projects Brighter Future -Amid Infrastructure Gains, Global Recognition and Fiscal Strategy

MONROVIA – The Government of Liberia says it is making strategic strides in infrastructure, international diplomacy, and domestic revenue mobilization, all aimed at securing a stable and self-reliant future for the country. At the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT) regular press briefing held Tuesday, Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah provided a sweeping update on key cabinet discussions and government-led developments.

Minister Piah began by recounting the recent participation of Liberia’s delegation, led by the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, at the Spring Meetings of the World Bank in Washington, D.C. According to him, the mission was not just ceremonial but strategic, aimed at securing partnerships and funding opportunities to drive critical national programs.

“The Finance Minister informed us that based on the engagements during the Spring Meetings, we can expect significant progress in our national infrastructure programs,” Minister Piah said, noting that this includes developments in roads, energy, ports, and structures in both the health and education sectors.

Among the most anticipated is the resumption of the long-stalled Lofa road project. “With the commitments secured, we can now assure the people of Lofa County that this government will deliver a paved road to their region before the end of its tenure,” he emphasized.

The Information Minister also highlighted Liberia’s growing international recognition and diplomatic engagements, particularly the country’s push to secure a seat as a Non-Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided a detailed briefing to the cabinet on how Liberia’s repositioning on the global stage is taking shape. Based on all calculations and efforts so far, the country is on the verge of being elected to serve on the UN Security Council,” he revealed.

Minister Piah expressed satisfaction over Liberia’s expanding bilateral and multilateral relationships, noting that the country’s foreign engagements have sparked increased international interest and support.

Turning to fiscal matters, Minister Piah described the presentation and endorsement of a new Domestic Resource Mobilization Strategy developed by the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) as one of the most important discussions at the recent cabinet meeting.

He explained that the strategy aims to reduce Liberia’s dependency on foreign aid and increase internal capacity to fund development.

“Yes, partners are helping us, but we’ve seen the risks of overreliance,” he said, citing the scaling back of U.S. support through USAID as a wake-up call. “This strategy provides a pathway for Liberia to generate up to 1.5 billion U.S. dollars in national revenue, which would empower the government to better fund hospitals, schools, and other critical social services.”

The plan, which was unanimously endorsed by the cabinet, comes with a five-year implementation cost of $36.53 million—an investment Minister Piah described as both logical and necessary.

Minister Piah also addressed reforms aimed at enhancing government performance and accountability. He disclosed that ministers and heads of agencies are now required to sign performance management contracts, a move designed to hold public servants accountable for the delivery of services.

“No longer will individuals operate solely based on the act that established their institution,” Piah said. “Under the Boakai administration, we are demanding results.”

The Director General of the Cabinet presented updates on the Performance Management Compliance System, outlining a two-phase approach. Phase one, already completed, included the development and publication of service delivery charters and the strengthening of internal controls. Phase two will require each institution to develop a strategic plan, implement service standards, identify resource leakages, improve internal resource mobilization, and build institutional capacity.

In a related development, Minister Piah revealed that the cabinet has endorsed a new concept for the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU)—a mechanism originally designed to troubleshoot implementation challenges in national development projects.

Drawing from lessons during the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf administration, Minister Piah, who once served as Press Secretary, emphasized the need for a strong PDU to support presidential oversight.

He explained that the previous administration rendered the PDU dormant, using it instead as a placement center for political appointees. However, under Minister Mamaka Bility, the current Minister of State Without Portfolio, a fresh vision for the PDU has been crafted.

“Minister Bility undertook a study tour in South Africa, which culminated in a new policy concept that has now been endorsed by the cabinet,” he disclosed. “We look forward to a robust and functional PDU that aligns with the government’s development agenda.”

The MICAT Press briefing service as a comprehensive update that painted a picture of a government striving to balance foreign support with internal strength, institutional accountability with innovation, and long-term development with immediate impact. From infrastructure and diplomacy to revenue generation and public service reform, Minister Piah emphasized that the Boakai administration is focused on delivery and transformation.

As Liberia positions itself on the international stage and builds domestic resilience, the Information Ministry’s briefing provided the clearest indication yet of a government steering toward tangible change.