Published: March 6, 2026
Monrovia — The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning has rolled out a sweeping five-year Strategic Plan (2026–2030), signaling what officials describe as a decisive shift toward tighter fiscal discipline, digital modernization, and measurable development outcomes.
The launch ceremony, held at the EJS Ministerial Complex, brought together cabinet ministers, lawmakers, diplomats, development partners, and private sector representatives, all converging around what the government says will be a transformative reform roadmap.
Minister Ngafuan: “Implementation Is the Real Test”
Addressing other government officials, diplomats and development partners, Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan described the strategy as a “working instrument for national renewal,” stressing that fiscal governance must move beyond promises to performance. He warned that Liberia’s development aspirations depend squarely on the Ministry’s ability to execute. “The credibility of government rests significantly on how responsibly public resources are managed,” Ngafuan stated, adding that financial stewardship is not a ceremonial duty but a daily obligation to the Liberian people.
The Minister emphasized that restoring confidence in public finance systems will require “discipline, transparency, and the courage to reform outdated structures.” He noted that the document sets clear benchmarks for revenue growth, expenditure control, and institutional efficiency.
Strengthening the Core of Government
Minister Ngafuan maintained that the Plan prioritizes modernization of public financial management systems, debt sustainability safeguards, and expansion of domestic resource mobilization. He said the Ministry will also pursue legal and structural reviews to enhance institutional independence and operational effectiveness. “Plans do not change countries; people implementing plans do,” he remarked, urging civil servants to embrace accountability as a culture rather than a slogan.
Legislative Backing Signals Political Will
At the ceremony, Senator Prince K. Moye, Chairman on ways Mains and Finance pledged the cooperation of the Legislature to ensure reforms translate into improved budget credibility and service delivery. He highlighted the importance of strengthening revenue streams to sustain investments in health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure.
UN Applauds Liberia’s Governance Trajectory
Officially launching the document, Christine N. Umutoni hailed the Plan as “a bridge between aspiration and measurable impact.” Making remarks on behalf of the United Nations, Umotoni described Liberia’s reform efforts as timely and globally relevant. She pointed to Liberia’s 23 years of sustained peace and its recent election to the United Nations Security Council as evidence of growing international confidence. “Stronger fiscal governance strengthens not only domestic stability but Liberia’s voice on the global stage,” she noted.
The UN senior official further emphasized that economic reform must keep pace with demographic realities, observing that nearly three-quarters of Liberia’s population is under 35. “Sound public finance is essential to unlocking opportunities for this generation,” she added.
Aligning Global Partnerships
The Resident Coordinator underscored that the United Nations Cooperation Framework (2026–2030) aligns closely with the Ministry’s priorities, including macroeconomic advisory services, digital governance, and strengthened monitoring systems. She assured that development partners stand ready to support implementation. “Development is not the responsibility of one institution,” Umutoni stressed. “It demands a whole-of-society and whole-of-partners approach.”
European Union Backs Reform Momentum
Representing the European Union, Dr. Anna Brzozowska described the strategy formulation process as inclusive and evidence-based. The head of the EU Delegation to Liberia commended the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning for engaging partners throughout consultations. Brzozowska reflected on progress she has observed over the past two years, particularly improvements in financial reporting compliance.
“Reforms that once seemed unattainable are now realities,” she said, citing reporting rates that have surged above 90 percent. She, however, cautioned that ambitious digitalization goals will require sustained investment in human capital. “Technology alone does not deliver reform—people trained to manage it do,” she emphasized.
Digital Transformation at the Center
Earlier, Deputy Minister for Administration Bill McGill Jones outlined the operational backbone of the Plan, highlighting expansion of the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS), payroll reforms, and harmonized reporting systems across government.
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