Published: June 2, 2025
MONROVIA — The National Road Fund of Liberia has been selected to host the 22nd Annual General Assembly of the African Road Maintenance Funds Association (ARMFA), following a unanimous vote during ARMFA’s Executive Committee meeting held May 26 in Nairobi, Kenya.
The decision came after a compelling presentation by Joseta Neufville Wento, manager of the National Road Fund and a prominent figure in ARMFA’s West Africa chapter. ARMFA comprises CEOs of national road funds, policymakers, infrastructure financiers and transport ministers across Africa, and plays a key role in shaping policy on road maintenance financing and infrastructure development.
The General Assembly is scheduled to be held in Monrovia from Nov. 17 to 21, 2025, and is expected to attract more than 350 delegates from 35 African countries. It will be the first time in more than a decade that Liberia hosts an event of this magnitude.
“This is a proud moment for Liberia,” Wento told reporters after the announcement. “We made the case that our country is transitioning into a second-generation road fund model and that we are ready to showcase the progress we’ve made in sustainable road infrastructure financing and governance.”
The decision comes as Liberia continues to prioritize road infrastructure as a pillar of national development. The country’s post-war road network remains significantly underdeveloped, leaving many rural communities isolated during the rainy season. Independent analysts say hosting the assembly could help catalyze both infrastructure improvements and economic growth.
Beyond the policy and technical benefits, the event is expected to bring substantial economic benefits to the local economy, with millions of dollars anticipated to be spent on hotels, transportation, catering and tourism.
Joseta Neufville Wento, Managing Director, National Road Fund
“This isn’t just a conference—it’s an economic opportunity,” said Wento. “The influx of high-level delegates and industry players opens up Liberia’s road sector to foreign investment. It provides a live platform to pitch new projects, mobilize financing, and secure technical partnerships.”
“For me, this is more than just a general assembly,” she added. “It’s an opportunity to attract investment, stimulate growth in our economy, and reset global perceptions. We see this as a platform to further develop our economic corridors and create jobs, particularly for young people.”
Liberia’s hosting of the assembly aligns with President Joseph Boakai’s ARREST Agenda, which prioritizes infrastructure development, particularly road connectivity.
“The visibility that comes with hosting ARMFA is priceless,” said Emmett P. Coker, director of media and communications at the National Road Fund. “It sends a strong message that Liberia is not only open for business but is serious about long-term infrastructure development.”
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