By: S.Y. Kokolee
The United States Agency for International Development, also known as USAID, and the Government of Liberia, represented by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, signed the $114 million Development Objectives Agreement (DOAG) on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. The agreement is a grant from the American people.
The signing is based on the 14th and 15th amendments to the current DOAG, signed in May 2020 between the US Government through USAID and the Government of Liberia.
In his special remarks, US Ambassador to Liberia Mark Toner said the signing is an expression of the US Government’s commitment to promote Liberia’s development.
“The signing of the $114 million Development Objectives Agreement reflects the shared commitment of the United States to promote Liberia’s development and strengthen the bonds of cooperation between our two countries.”
Ambassador Toner stated: “Since the one-year agreement on development goals was signed in May 2020, our two countries have made great progress together, and today’s signing brings the total to $489 million, marking another step in Liberia’s pursuit of growth and prosperity.
This funding is more than just financial assistance; it reflects the U.S.’s unwavering commitment and investment in Liberia’s future.
Ambassador Toner said: “The institutional investment is intended to support government interventions in health and education policies, as well as strategic reforms and market-oriented inclusive economic growth. With these funds, USAID will, among other things, train teachers, deliver medical supplies to areas in need, and expand economic activity in agriculture. ”
Toner explained that by working together, the U.S. government and Liberia aim to ensure that every dollar gets results. Contributes to sustainable and positive outcomes for the Liberian people.
“As we embark on this new chapter, we must also recognize that challenges exist, such as corruption and capacity constraints. Together, we must strengthen the existing structures necessary to address these issues. We look forward to working with the Ministry and the Government of Liberia to support these important efforts.”
Toner said that together, the United States and Liberia are laying the foundation for a bright future that will bring hope, opportunity, and growth to Liberia. “We look forward to strengthening the relationship between our two countries.
Meanwhile, Liberia’s Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan said: “Today marks a great opportunity for us at MFDP, and for the Liberian government and people to strengthen our historic and bilateral relationship with the United States.
Minister Ngafuan expressed optimism that there will be many more agreements signed with multilateral and bilateral partners in the coming months and years as the country tackles the serious development challenges facing our country.
“We expect there will be many more agreements signed with multilateral and bilateral partners in the coming months and years as the country tackles the serious development challenges facing our country. The Liberian finance minister said the United States, through USAID, remains a loyal and trusted partner of the Liberian government and people, supporting many aspects of the country’s national development efforts.
“The United States Government, through USAID, remains a steadfast and reliable partner to the Liberian government and people, and continues to support many aspects of our country’s national development efforts,” he said. “As our largest development partner, the Liberian government signed the agreement.” DOAG worked with USAID in May 2020 to contribute a total of $640 million to improve health, education, and livelihoods, strengthen democratic governance, and promote prosperity. “
He noted that the 14th and 15th amendments are aimed at implementing reforms to increase USAID’s overall contribution to revised development goals and provide necessary services to Liberians.
He added that this is to support the creation of more jobs and effective and inclusive governance through reforms with greater accountability, as well as growth through the health, productivity, and education of the Liberian people.
Minister Ngafuan explained that the funds cover several sectors of the Liberian government, including agriculture, justice, education, health, etc.
He revealed that health is the largest sector with over 55 ongoing projects across the country and USAID is providing technical and financial support to the Ministry of Health and the implementation of the Ministry of Health’s health policy and health plan through the Health Development Program and the National Basic Health Services Package.
“Under this agreement, the capacity of local institutions, health workers, and volunteers will be strengthened to provide safe water and sanitation to communities in the area of maternal and child health. In addition, support during childbirth is also provided in some facilities in the country.
However, Finance Minister Ngafuan noted that family planning and malaria protection are part of this agreement, stressing that USAID will continue to work with the Government of Liberia to support the Ministry of Health’s 10-year plan and will further collaborate through the next strategy of the Global Health Initiative to ensure country ownership and integrated health systems to deliver sustainable impact.
Minister Ngafuan said: “For a sustainable approach to development, it is crucial to invest in sectors of the domestic economy, particularly the private sector, which can realize their greatest potential for creating jobs for our people.” This must be done simultaneously with efforts to promote accountability in public institutions and ensure that resources are well managed for the benefit of our people. “This includes market-driven, inclusive economic growth that ensures the expansion of the private sector economy to generate income for employment and revenue generation.
He said the funds will also be dedicated to effective and inclusive governance and accountability, so there will be a focus on public sector reform, government reform, rule of law, and accountability, as these are important in strengthening the public sector responsible for overseeing economic growth.
Deputy Minister Myers said there will also be an emphasis on promoting social development and human capacity building in the areas of health and education, adding that human capital development, education, health, and a productive workforce are important for the country’s long-term growth.
