Published: November 17, 2025
NRF Manager Joseta Neufville-Wento said Liberia remains the only ARMFA member still operating a first-generation road fund
MONROVIA — Liberia will open the inaugural African Road Maintenance Funds Association (ARMFA) General Assembly on Monday, marking a significant milestone that the National Road Fund (NRF) states aim to boost their efforts to become autonomous, second-generation road funds.
The high-level gathering, taking place from November 17 to 21 at the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, brings together more than 400 delegates, including government officials, development partners, and road-sector experts from across the continent.
Liberia Eyes Major Governance Shift for Road Fund
NRF Manager Joseta Neufville-Wento said Liberia remains the only ARMFA member still operating a first-generation road fund—one controlled entirely by government ministries—placing it far behind its regional peers, which manage their own revenue streams under hybrid oversight structures.
“The Road Fund is currently a first-generation fund, and Liberia is the only country still operating that model,” Wento said at a joint press briefing Sunday. “We expect that through engagements with ARMFA leadership, the Executive, and the Legislature, the experiences shared here will inform amendments to the Road Fund Act, granting us autonomous status.”
She argued that autonomy would enhance financial management, improve transparency, attract private-sector financing, and speed up national road construction and maintenance.
Wento added that the weeklong assembly will help Liberia learn from advanced ARMFA member states that deploy modern technologies, innovative financing tools, and stronger technical capacities.
“This event is an opportunity for us to share knowledge, cultivate innovative strategies, and understand the challenges so we can find solutions,” she said.
ARMFA Hails Liberia’s Leadership Role
ARMFA President Essaie Moussa Aubin praised Liberia for hosting the General Assembly, describing the event as essential to improving Africa’s road maintenance systems amid growing climate-related pressures.
He said the conference—supported by the World Bank, European Union and African Development Bank—focuses heavily on strengthening road resilience in the face of climate change.
“The road maintenance fund is important, especially at a time when climate change is damaging road infrastructure,” Aubin said. “Capacity building is also key, because trained actors deliver better results.”
He reminded member states of their obligations, including annual dues of US$10,000 and active participation in ARMFA programs.
Push for Sustainable and Transparent Road Financing
Wento reiterated that shifting to a second-generation model would establish a governance structure combining the government, civil society and technical experts—allowing the Fund to collect and manage its own resources under strong oversight and independent audits.
“The second-generation model gives the Fund the opportunity to collect and manage its own resources while its board provides oversight,” she said.
ARMFA’s mission is to support transparent, well-performing, financially sustainable road maintenance funds across Africa, anchored in professionalism, partnership and innovation.
As Liberia hosts the continent’s top road-sector leaders, officials hope this year’s assembly will lay the groundwork for a stronger, more independent National Road Fund capable of driving long-term infrastructure development nationwide.
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