MONROVIA – The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have signed a grant agreement worth US$114,488,125. The grant agreement encompasses amendments 14 and 15 to the Development Objective Grant Agreement (DOAG) No. 669-DOAG between the two parties.
Speaking at the signing ceremony on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, in Monrovia, Finance Minister Augustine K. Ngafuan explained that the grant agreement stems from a DOAG established with the Government of Liberia in May 2020. The objective of the agreement is to improve health, education, livelihoods, strengthen democratic governance, and promote prosperity.
“Today we have gathered to sign two amendments to this agreement. These amendments—Amendment 14 and Amendment 15—amount to a cumulative incremental total of $114,488,125,” Minister Ngafuan stated.
He added that these amendments are intended to incrementally fund and revise USAID’s total contribution to the Development Objective Grant, with a focus on accelerating reforms in health and education and providing essential services to Liberians.
The Finance Minister detailed that the grant supports three thematic areas: market-driven, inclusive economic growth with increased job creation; effective and inclusive governance catalyzed through reforms and accountability; and a strong foundation for growth through a healthy, productive, and educated population.
Ngafuan highlighted that the grant will support activities across various sectors, including agriculture, justice, education, and health. He noted that the health sector is the largest beneficiary, with a total of 55 ongoing projects across all counties. USAID provides technical and financial assistance through its health development program to implement the Ministry of Health’s Health Policy and Plan and the National Essential Package of Health Services.
Through this agreement, the capacity of community-based institutions, health workers, and volunteers will be strengthened to provide safe water, sanitation, maternal health, and child delivery support at selected health facilities. Family planning services and malaria protection initiatives will also be implemented across Liberia’s 15 counties.
Minister Ngafuan stated that the grant agreement further supports maternal and child health service delivery at selected facilities, along with family planning and anti-malaria interventions across the country.
United States Ambassador to Liberia, Mark Toner, remarked that the grant reflects the U.S. commitment to advancing Liberia’s development and strengthening cooperation between the two nations. Ambassador Toner described the agreement as a step forward in Liberia’s journey toward growth and prosperity, representing more than financial support—it reflects the U.S. commitment to Liberia’s future.
“This investment is designed to support government interventions in health, education, strategic reforms, and market-driven, inclusive economic growth,” Ambassador Toner said. “With these funds, USAID will provide training for teachers, health commodities, support to communities in need, and expanded economic opportunities in agriculture, among other areas.”
He emphasized that both the United States and Liberia are working together to ensure that every dollar is used to achieve sustainable, impactful outcomes for the Liberian people.
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