‘Take the Lead, Liberia’ -WB Director Excites LICPA at Maiden Graduation

MONROVIA – World Bank Country Manager, Georgia Wallen, has hailed the Certified Professional Public Sector Accountants on the occasion of the graduation of its first cohort, something she described as groundbreaking and a milestone celebration for the country, and in Africa.

In remarks at the first LICPA and API PPSA graduation ceremony July 4, 2025, the World Bank Country Manager said LICPA has risen to another level for breaking new ground by making Liberia the first country in Africa to graduate a cohort of certified Professional Public Sector Accountants (PPSAs) under the African Professionalization Initiative (API).

“The four-part partnership across the Ministry of Finance, the General Auditing Commission, LICPA, and the API is a model of institutional collaboration to build a sustainable and competent public sector accounting cadre,” she noted, adding that a bold vision has started in Liberia, “and we trust that countries across the continent will draw inspiration and follow suit.”

She recalled that the National Legislature established LICPA in 1933, nearly a hundred years later, and LICPA remains a pillar and a highly influential institution in Liberia. 

“Kudos for the introduction of Certified Professional Public Sector Accountants, and for doing this now. This achievement is especially timely because we are in a moment of significant change – for the world, for Liberia, and for the World Bank. 

World is changing

Madam Warren told the guests and graduates at the occasion that the world is witnessing the rapidly evolving context for global development, new opportunities in technology (for example, AI and machine learning), as well as intensified risks, including food security, climate change, and mounting debt. 

“As the demands increase, pressure on scarce public financing is also growing. This makes the role of LICPA’s graduates more critical than ever,” she said and urged the organization: “You are guardians of financial integrity in the public sector.  You play an essential role in supporting robust financial management; risk management; and informed decision-making.”

Liberia is changing

The World Bank official noted that in January, the Government of Liberia launched the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, which is aimed at transitioning Liberia from a low-income country to a lower middle-income country by 2029, something she indicated means boosting GDP per capita to US$1,050 and achieving growth of 5.9 percent among other targets, and it can’t happen without public sector accountants.

Public sector accountancy and auditing professionals play a vital role in achieving development results, Madam Warren further said. “Your diligence and commitment to integrity will help ensure that scarce public resources are used for the public interest.”

World Bank Group partnership with Liberia is also changing

The World Bank Country Manager further said: “A few weeks ago, we finalized a new WBG Country Partnership Framework with the Republic of Liberia.  It focuses supporting the AAID by building foundations for jobs – including four key outcomes: (i) ending learning poverty; (ii) expanding energy access; (iii) strengthening accountable and effective governance; and (iv) promoting private investment.”

She said the World Bank relies on LICPA-accredited certified professionals to provide assurance for World Bank-funded projects. 

“This is why the Bank has been a long-term partner with LICPA, including support for the LICPA curriculum and LICPA-run workshops in universities and colleges across the country,” she further emphasized, noting that “the partnership has been fruitful, including a significant increase in the number of internal audit staff holding professional certifications and qualifications, among other outcomes”.

With the first-ever graduation of PPSAs under the API, Warren said, “it is a shining example”, urging the organization to continue toexpand educational programs, build new partnerships, and invest in a pipeline of future public sector finance professionals – including women.” 

To the graduates, she said these words: “The hard work, dedication, skill and integrity that brought you to this day will continue to serve you well.  Your technical expertise is rare and valuable.  You are well equipped to make a difference in this time of rapid change.  We encourage you to embrace opportunities and lead with confidence.  Kudos for all you’ve achieved.  And the best is yet to come!”