Liberia’s Road Fund Breaks Barriers Under Joseta Wento’s Transformative Leadership
The National Road Fund (NRF), established in 2016, was created to provide sustainable financing for road maintenance and rehabilitation through fuel levies and other road-user charges. For years, Liberia’s road network suffered from chronic underfunding, technical constraints, and seasonal disruptions. The NRF was envisioned as a mechanism to tackle these persistent challenges, yet early progress was modest and inconsistent. That trajectory shifted in 2024 when Madam Joseta Neufville Wento assumed leadership of the Fund. Appointed by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, her selection was historic: she became the youngest and first female head of the National Road Fund in Liberia—and the youngest Road Fund leader anywhere on the African continent.
The appointment was widely hailed as a bold statement of President Boakai’s commitment to empowering young professionals and women in leadership, in line with the ARREST Agenda, which places infrastructure development at the center of national transformation. Leadership, Oversight, and National Coordination Madam Wento’s work is guided by the fiscal oversight of Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, her direct supervisor. Under his stewardship, NRF financing mechanisms have remained transparent, accountable, and aligned with national fiscal priorities. Through coordinated efforts with the Ministry of Public Works and the Office of the President, Minister Ngafuan has ensured that road investments across the country are both sustainable and strategically integrated into Liberia’s development agenda.
The Minister of Public Works continues to play a critical role in maintaining technical standards, managing contracts, and ensuring timely delivery of road projects. Over 1,000 Kilometers of Roads Rehabilitated and Maintained In less than two years, Madam Wento has overseen the rehabilitation and maintenance of more than 1,000 kilometers of roads nationwide, spanning strategic corridors in Montserrado, Bong, Grand Bassa, Nimba, Lofa, and the southeastern counties—including Grand Kru, River Gee, Maryland, Sinoe, and Grand Gedeh. Key achievements include: Montserrado County: Rehabilitation of major urban corridors in Paynesville and Brewerville, reducing traffic congestion and improving access to schools, hospitals, and markets. Brewerville–Bopolu Road (90 km): Made fully passable and maintained in 2024–2025, enhancing trade for farmers and local businesses.
Bong County: Improved roads linking Bong to Montserrado, cutting travel time and reducing post-harvest losses for farmers. Grand Bassa County: New contracts with Sidani Company for paving works connecting Buchanan to Monrovia, boosting coastal trade and industrial growth. Nimba County: Rehabilitation of the approximately 100-km Ganta–Tappita corridor, slated for completion during the 2025 dry season. Lofa County: Rehabilitation of the Voinjama–Foya road and regular maintenance of the Foya–Mendikorma route to support cross-border trade with Sierra Leone.
Grand Gedeh & Southeast: Upgrades to the Zwedru–Kanweaken road, providing year-round access to communities previously cut off during the rainy season. Out of Liberia’s estimated 13,000 kilometers of roads, only 1,600 kilometers are paved. Under President Boakai’s ARREST Agenda, 783 kilometers of major roads were maintained in 2024–2025. Madam Wento’s leadership added more than 1,000 kilometers of rehabilitated and maintained roads, combining critical urban corridors with vital rural feeder routes.
Impact on Communities and the Economy The benefits of these improvements have been immediate and far-reaching: Farmers in Bong, Nimba, and Grand Bassa now transport goods more efficiently, reducing spoilage and increasing income. Students and teachers in Lofa and the southeast are reaching schools with greater ease. Health workers can now access remote communities more reliably. Roads like Voinjama–Foya and Zwedru–Kanweaken have strengthened regional and cross-border trade, advancing economic integration. Extending road access into the southeast—Liberia’s most underserved region—is transforming mobility, expanding markets, and strengthening national unity. Regional Leadership and International Recognition Madam Wento’s leadership has extended beyond Liberia.
In 2024, she was elected Chairperson of the Executive Board Committee for the West Africa Group during the 21st ARMFA General Assembly in Ivory Coast. This elevated Liberia to a position of influence in regional infrastructure policy. Liberia subsequently hosted the 22nd ARMFA Annual General Meeting in Monrovia, attracting over 300 delegates including policymakers, transport ministers, and infrastructure financiers. Held at the EJS Ministerial Complex, the event featured a keynote address by President Boakai, who emphasized the need for collaborative investment in Africa’s road infrastructure. Liberia impressed partners by showcasing reforms under Madam Wento’s tenure, including enhancements in transparency, accountability, and efficient maintenance planning.
Technical Expertise and Institutional Strengthening Madam Wento’s technical background has been central to her success. She trained in Italy as a certified bridge inspector and completed advanced studies in energy economics at the Colorado School of Mines. This combination of hands-on engineering expertise and policy training has reinforced her credibility and strengthened the NRF’s institutional capacity. New training programs and collaborations with regional institutions have positioned the NRF for stronger operational performance and long-term sustainability. International partners have praised Liberia’s progress, citing improved road networks as a catalyst for reducing transportation costs, stimulating agricultural productivity, and expanding social mobility.
A New Era for Road Infrastructure in Liberia Madam Joseta Wento’s tenure represents a turning point for Liberia’s road sector. Her blend of technical proficiency, strategic leadership, and collaborative governance—supported by Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafua’s fiscal oversight and the Ministry of Public Works’ technical stewardship—has reshaped the country’s infrastructure landscape. Her achievements underscore the transformative power of inclusive, results-oriented leadership and reaffirm the critical role of road infrastructure in driving Liberia’s development agenda. Under President Boakai’s vision, Liberia’s roads are increasingly becoming pathways to prosperity, national unity, and sustainable growth.
Author: Saywhar Nana Gbaa, Contributing Writer
