By Jamesetta D Williams
MONROVIA–Finance and Improvement Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan has hailed the European Union (EU) as a “true companion” following the disbursement of €21 million (roughly US$24.6 million) in direct funds assist to the Authorities of Liberia.
The funding represents the primary tranche of a three-year €56 million (US$65.8 million) EU funds assist program, offered solely as a grant and launched strictly based mostly on Liberia’s efficiency and the profitable implementation of agreed reforms.
Talking Friday at a joint press convention in Monrovia in the course of the official disbursement ceremony, Minister Ngafuan stated the cost demonstrates the EU’s credibility and dedication to honoring its guarantees.
“This isn’t about signing an settlement right now. That is about supply,” Ngafuan stated.
“What we projected within the nationwide funds has now been actualized. The cash has hit our account on the Central Financial institution of Liberia.”
The finance minister defined that the disbursement was not computerized, however relied on Liberia assembly a sequence of stringent reform indicators collectively agreed upon with the EU.
“Once I first noticed the variety of triggers we needed to meet, I nearly gave up,” he admitted.
“However we assembled our staff, labored time beyond regulation, and delivered. As we speak’s disbursement is the results of that onerous work.”
Ngafuan recommended workers of the Ministry of Finance and Improvement Planning, significantly the Division of Financial Administration, the Finances Division, and groups overseeing exterior sources, for making certain the nation met all required benchmarks.
He emphasised that the funds should not extra cash, however sources already embedded within the accepted 2025 nationwide funds, noting that the assist has helped stabilize authorities financing and stop potential fiscal shortfalls, together with for important safety establishments.
Earlier, European Union Head of Delegation to Liberia, Ambassador Nora Deprez, introduced that Liberia efficiently secured the complete quantity allotted for 2025, citing robust efficiency in public monetary administration, oversight, and pure sources governance.
“This excessive disbursement displays Liberia’s dedication to reforms and outcomes,” Ambassador Deprez stated.
“It’s a clear sign of confidence within the Authorities’s reform agenda and within the energy of our partnership.”
She defined that EU funds assist is launched solely after nations meet common eligibility situations, together with the existence of a reputable nationwide growth plan Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Improvement macroeconomic stability, clear funds processes, and particular disbursement-linked indicators.
In keeping with the EU, this system helps reforms in a number of precedence areas, together with strengthening public monetary administration and oversight programs, enhancing home income mobilization, significantly from pure sources, enhancing transparency and accountability, supporting native rice worth chains, and reinforcing Liberia’s protected areas community.
Among the many notable achievements cited was progress in funds preparation, with on-time submission of labor plans by Ministries, Businesses, and Commissions growing from 50 % to 75 % by the third quarter of 2025.
The EU additionally highlighted enhancements in forestry sector transparency, together with the publication of key forest information on the Forestry Improvement Authority’s web site, in addition to strengthened oversight of state-owned enterprises via the institution of the State Enterprises Authority of Liberia.
The European Union reaffirmed its dedication to supporting Liberia’s nationwide growth agenda and strengthening bilateral cooperation within the pursuit of fine governance, transparency, and sustainable growth.
Alphonso Toweh
Has been within the occupation for over twenty years. He has labored for a lot of worldwide media retailers together with: West Africa Journal, Africa Week Journal, African Observer and did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Instances, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He’s the present correspondent for Reuters
He holds first MA with honors in Worldwide Relations and a candidate for second grasp in Worldwide Peace research and Battle Decision from the College of Liberia.
