Liberian Delegation Holds High-Level Talks with World Bank and IFC on Expanding Support for Private Sector Investments

A high-powered Liberian government delegation, coordinated by Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, has held productive discussions with a World Bank delegation to TICAD, headed by Mr. Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank’s private sector arm. The Bank’s delegation also included Mr. Ethiopis Tafara, IFC Regional Vice President for Africa; Mr. Ousmane Diagana, World Bank Regional Vice President for Africa; along with other senior World Bank executives. Representing the Government of Liberia were Foreign Minister H.E. Sara Beysolow Nyanti; Minister of Education, Dr. Jarso Jallah; Chairman of the National Investment Commission, Jeff Blibo; Minister of Commerce, Madam Magdalene Dagoseh; Minister of Agriculture, Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah; Minister of Mines and Energy, Hon. Wilmot J. Paye; Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism, Hon. Jerolinmek M. Piah; Managing Director of the National Port Authority, Mr. Sekou Hussein Dukuly, among others. Discussions centered on IFC’s plans to scale up support for private sector investments in Liberia, including the possibility of IFC equity participation. Priority sectors identified include energy, agriculture, tourism, and financial services, among others, which are critical to Liberia’s sustainable economic growth. The two sides also reviewed the World Bank’s existing portfolio in Liberia, with net commitments now totaling nearly US$1 billion. The Liberian delegation welcomed the increase in disbursements to World Bank–financed projects, acknowledging this as a direct result of improved delivery. Both parties underscored the importance of accelerating project implementation to create the conditions for greater support to Liberia’s national development priorities, especially the ARRREST Agenda of the Government. The discussions underscored a shared commitment between Liberia and the World Bank Group to deepen collaboration, expand private sector opportunities, and accelerate inclusive growth that directly benefits the Liberian people.