Published: February 9, 2026
MONROVIA, Liberia — A high-level delegation from the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) is in Liberia to review ongoing development projects and consider financing for new priority infrastructure interventions, as Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan reaffirmed the government’s commitment to accelerating national infrastructure development.
The delegation, led by Abdulrahman Bin Ahujaa Al-Habri, Director of West Africa Operations of the Fund, paid a courtesy call on Minister Ngafuan at his office in Monrovia on Monday.
Government Pushes Renewed Infrastructure Partnerships
Ngafuan described the visit as part of the government’s broader strategy to mobilize international financing to fast-track roads, energy, and other growth-enabling investments nationwide.
He said the current administration inherited several stalled infrastructure projects due to the inability of the previous government to meet its financial obligations to development partners, including the Saudi Fund.
“It took deliberate engagement by this administration to rebuild confidence and reopen partnerships with Arab lenders,” Ngafuan said, citing outreach efforts aimed at restoring credibility with international financiers.
Road Financing Framework Nearing Completion
The finance minister disclosed that Liberia has already secured financing for key segments of the Gbarnga–Mendikorma Highway. Funding for the Salayea–Konia corridor has been obtained from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), while a concession agreement has been concluded with PAVIFORT for the Mendikorma–Voinjama corridor.
According to Ngafuan, ongoing discussions with the Saudi Fund for Development on financing the Konia–Voinjama segment would complete the funding framework for the entire highway.
“Our collective objective is to ensure the road reaches Voinjama,” he said. “The Saudi Fund is particularly interested in the Konia to Voinjama leg.”
Strategic Trade and Economic Importance
Ngafuan emphasized the highway’s strategic importance, noting that it connects agriculturally and mineral-rich counties to domestic markets and key cross-border trade routes.
“The corridor links Bong and Lofa counties—areas rich in agriculture, minerals, and trade potential—while strengthening Liberia’s economic ties with the Republic of Guinea,” he said.
He also disclosed that the Zorzor–Yeala Town road corridor, which hosts a major border immigration post, is under consideration for possible Saudi Fund financing.
Saudi Fund Signals Willingness to Support Priority Projects
For his part, Al-Habri conveyed greetings from the Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Fund for Development and highlighted the more than 48-year partnership between Liberia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
He praised the credibility of the current Liberian government, describing it as a key factor behind the Fund’s renewed engagement.
“The Fund remains open to reviewing proposals for priority development projects and providing financing where feasible,” Al-Habri said.
Roads and Power Extension Under Review
Among the projects identified for possible support are the paving of the Konia–Voinjama corridor along the Gbarnga–Mendikorma Highway and the extension of electricity from the Botota CLSG Sub-Station to communities along the corridor.
Al-Habri disclosed that a formal request for financing the electricity extension project has already been submitted by Liberia’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia on behalf of the Government of Liberia.
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