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ADNews-Monrovia: The European Union (EU) and the Government of Liberia (GoL) have signed two significant grants totaling US$21.3 million to promote national development, gender equality, and civil society engagement. This partnership highlights the EU’s continued commitment to fostering good governance and sustainable development in Liberia.
The agreements, part of the EU’s 2024 Annual Action Plan, include a US$7.3 million Support Measures Program and a US$13.6 million Spotlight Initiative. Both initiatives aim to strengthen institutional capacity, enhance social cohesion, and advance gender equity across the country.
During a ceremony on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, Liberia’s Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, expressed appreciation for the EU’s enduring support and underscored the transformative potential of the funding.
“This is a great day for us because we are in interesting times,” Ngafuan said. “The EU’s commitment is not just to the government but to the people of Liberia—especially those who have been left behind.”
The minister highlighted that the funding would empower civil society organizations (CSOs), enhance public discourse, and ensure that women and girls who experience violence or harmful practices have access to essential services and justice.
The US$7.3 million Support Measures Program, Ngafuan explained, focuses on two primary areas: Cooperation Facility and Capacity Building, and Civil Society Engagement. He clarified that the funds would not be directed to the government but rather to civil society organizations and the UN system to implement services that directly benefit vulnerable Liberians.
“The government is not only concerned about its employees but about all Liberians, especially those working with CSOs who have been impacted by economic challenges,” Ngafuan added. “This partnership with the EU ensures we leave no one behind.”
Ngafuan further elaborated on the US$13.6 million Spotlight Initiative, which is dedicated to combating gender-based violence and promoting the rights of women and girls. The initiative will be implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, as well as UN agencies such as UN Women, UNDP, and UNFPA.
In addition, Ngafuan outlined the government’s broader strategy to strengthen domestic resource mobilization. He pointed to the Liberia Revenue Authority’s (LRA) record-breaking US$700 million in domestic revenue for the previous year.
“We are working to increase our domestic resources while partnering with international institutions like the EU,” he said. “One key focus is transitioning from the Goods and Services Tax to a Value-Added
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