Published: June 26, 2024
MONROVIA — The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), has signed an agreement with two indigenous Liberian institutions, Subah-Belleh Associates (SBA) and Africa Development Management Associates (ADMA). These institutions will help formulate the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), the Public Sector Investment Plan (PSIP), and 15 County Development Agendas (CDAs).
Both firms will develop the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, the Public Investment Program, and the development agendas for the fifteen counties. They were selected through a competitive process in line with the Public Procurement and Concession Law. In recent weeks, pre-contract negotiations finalized the terms and conditions for drafting the national development plan.
At the signing ceremony on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, Deputy Minister for Budget & Development Planning, Tanneh G. Brunson, emphasized the importance of the plan, especially for decentralizing development. She noted that all teams involved in crafting the national development agenda must collaborate to ensure everyone works concurrently. She stressed the necessity of experienced local think tanks to create effective development strategies for the benefit of the Liberian people.
Deputy Minister for Administration, Bill McGill Jones, remarked that the contracts’ signing marks the beginning of the President’s commitment to including the views and aspirations of the Liberian people in his development agenda. He highlighted that the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development focuses on the people, and their voices are fundamental to the agenda’s formulation and the country’s growth.
Sidiki Quisia, a representative of the United Nations in Liberia, expressed satisfaction with the decision to engage Liberian consultancy firms in crafting the country’s development agenda. He emphasized that successful development partnerships require active participation from local stakeholders. By involving Liberian firms, the country enhances the relevance and effectiveness of its development agenda while empowering local professionals and institutions.
Ounzuba Kemah-Guma, the Engagement Manager of Subah-Belleh, and B. Ellias Shoniyin, the Managing Director of Africa Development Management Associates (ADMA), both stated that their hiring provides them a direct opportunity to contribute to the country’s development agenda and work towards ending poverty.
Deputy Minister Jones signed on behalf of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, while Kemah-Guma and Shoniyin signed for their respective institutions.
Discussion about this post