World Bank Country Manager Urges Urgency, Focus, and Ambition | News

… as Ngafuan takes helm at Liberia’s Ministry of Finance and Development Planning

In a formal ceremony marking the transition of leadership at Liberia’s Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), World Bank Country Manager Georgia Wallen emphasized the importance of urgency, focus, and ambition as Liberia accelerates its journey toward achieving the Liberia Rising 2030 vision. The event welcomed newly appointed Minister of Finance, Augustine K. Ngafuan, into his role, which comes at a critical juncture for the country’s development aspirations.

Congratulating Minister Ngafuan, Wallen expressed her optimism for the future of Liberia’s economic growth under Ngafuan’s leadership. She noted the unique opportunity the minister has to drive key reforms and fast-track Liberia’s progress toward its long-term development goals.

“You are taking the reins of the Ministry at a uniquely strategic and decisive moment,” Wallen stated. “The next five years will define the achievement of Liberia Rising 2030, the long-term vision set out by the people of Liberia in 2012.”

Highlighting the urgency of the task at hand, Wallen pointed to recent advancements in Public Financial Management, Domestic Resource Mobilization, and macroeconomic stability, urging the new minister to capitalize on these gains and build on progress already underway.

Wallen also called for a focused approach, particularly as Liberia prepares to launch its forthcoming National Development Plan. The plan will be crucial for guiding the nation through the final phases of its ambitious 2030 agenda. “We look forward to working with you on a selective, prioritized program focused on reaching the poor and vulnerable in Liberia,” she remarked.

In addition to urgency and focus, Wallen stressed the need for ambition in policy-making. “Ambitious policy action – including reform – is essential for unlocking and driving change. This is not a time for patience with modest, incremental progress,” she asserted, encouraging the new leadership to push for transformative breakthroughs that will significantly impact the lives of Liberians.

In closing, Wallen thanked the outgoing Ministry of Finance and Development Planning team for their continuous collaboration with the World Bank, expressing her gratitude for their ongoing efforts to advance Liberia’s development goals.

As Minister Ngafuan steps into his new role, the World Bank reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with Liberia to ensure the nation’s continued development and to meet the aspirations of its people in line with the 2030 vision.

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