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ADNews—Grand Bassa County: The Government of Liberia officially launched the US$8.4 billion, five-year National Development Plan, known as the “ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development” (AAID), on Wednesday, January 15, 2024, in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County. The plan, which also includes the Counties’ Development Agendas (CDAs), aims to foster an integrated approach to development, focusing on key priorities such as Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation & Health, and Tourism. The initiative aims to uplift all Liberians, with particular attention to the most marginalized and vulnerable communities.
The launch ceremony brought together heads of various government ministries, agencies, commissions, Development Partners, and members of the Diplomatic Corps.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, emphasized that the AAID is not just a document but a concrete action plan. He called on every committed Liberian to join the government in implementing and realizing the objectives of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.

“The AAID represents Liberia’s fourth post-conflict National Development Plan, spanning from 2025 to 2029. It is complemented by the County Development Agendas (CDAs), which outline development goals for each of the country’s 15 political subdivisions,” Ngafuan explained. “Successful implementation of this ambitious plan will require an estimated US$8.38 billion.”
The Finance Minister highlighted six key pillars that will serve as the foundation for Liberia’s development agenda: Economic Transformation, Infrastructure Development, Rule of Law, Governance and Anti-Corruption, Environmental Sustainability, and Human Capital Development.
In a special remark, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Characterized the moment as not just a plan, but a shared vision, a bold commitment, and a renewed sense of purpose to secure continuous implementation of the Liberia 2030 Vision leading to a brighter future for every Liberian.
Below is President Boakai’s full statement:

The AAID serves as a roadmap to help elevate Liberia from its current challenges and guide it toward becoming a lower-middle-income country.
This plan builds upon the lessons learned and accomplishments of previous initiatives, including the Poverty Reduction Strategy, the Agenda for Transformation, and the Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development. It presents innovative solutions that prioritize inclusiveness, sustainability, justice, governance, and equality.
Our nation is rich in resources, yet we continue to face significant challenges such as high unemployment, low literacy rates, widespread poverty, poor infrastructure, and structural inequalities.
These issues have fueled instability and hindered our growth. We must together take deliberate actions to address these challenges effectively.
The AAID and CDAs present strategies supported by ambitious programs aimed at addressing multidimensional poverty affecting a significant portion of our population. The AAID calls for a mindset shift that recognizes the potential within every Liberian to drive national development, with the support of our international development partners.
This transformation begins with each of us. It requires a collective effort to embrace good governance, revitalize our economy, modernize our infrastructure, improve education and healthcare, and ensure that every voice is heard, including those of women, youth, and our most vulnerable citizens. Only through unity, inclusion, and ownership can we overcome the barriers of poverty and inequality.
The AAID is the outcome of extensive consultations across all 136 administrative districts, 15 counties, and 11 budget sectors. It reflects the aspirations of Liberians from all walks of life—farmers, entrepreneurs, youth, members of the diaspora, and individuals with disabilities. Their voices have shaped a plan that prioritizes peace and reconciliation, digital transformation, and the creation of opportunities for everyone. Our optimism is bolstered by the recognition of Liberia’s vast potential.
Our young and dynamic population provides a demographic dividend that, when effectively harnessed, can drive sustainable and inclusive growth.
Our abundant natural resources, strategic location, and cultural heritage position us as a hub for trade, tourism, and investment. We must seize this opportunity.
To fully capitalize on this potential, we must address the realities of corruption, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to education and healthcare.
The AAID confronts these challenges directly, aligning with global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals, Africa’s Agenda 2063, and ECOWAS Vision 2050 to ensure a holistic, sustainable, and inclusive approach.
Success demands action.
The AAID lays out a robust implementation framework led by a National Steering Committee under my leadership, supported by the UN country team and dedicated technical and coordination teams at all levels.
Monitoring and evaluation will be central to ensure transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement. In this context, we must commit to mutual accountability to ensure that every dollar spent achieves the desired outcomes.
Fellow Liberians and our development partners, this is our moment. The AAID is more than just a plan; it is an agreement with the Liberian people and our development partners. It reflects our collective resolve to build an inclusive, resilient, and prosperous nation. Let us seize this opportunity with courage, determination, and unity.
Fellow Liberians, officials of Government, and especially our esteemed development partners, civil society, private sector representatives, and all stakeholders;
We are deeply grateful for your unwavering support in advancing our development agenda. As we embark on the implementation phase, it is essential for all government institutions to realign their plans and operational frameworks to ensure their budgets reflect the goals of the ARREST Agenda.
We encourage our development stakeholders to remain steadfast in their commitment, ensuring that their cooperation frameworks harmonize with our national development plan and the County Development Agendas.
Your ongoing collaboration will be vital in achieving our shared goals. Together, we can transform the aspirations of the AAID into reality and build a brighter, more inclusive future for all Liberians.
As I stated during the National Steering Committee Meeting, the AAID and CDAs are dynamic frameworks that will evolve with our needs. We are committed to ensuring their execution is flexible and adaptive to new challenges and opportunities, allowing us to rise together.
Let us move forward with hope, purpose, and the unyielding belief that Liberia’s best days lie ahead.
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