Monrovia — Since taking workplace, the Joseph Boakai administration has pointed to efforts to revive fiscal self-discipline, strengthen home income assortment, and scale back waste in public spending. Authorities officers cite renewed engagement with worldwide monetary establishments and growth companions, in addition to measures geared toward stabilizing the Liberian greenback.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway, [email protected]
Nevertheless, for a lot of Liberians, these reported good points stay largely theoretical. Rising meals costs, excessive transportation prices, widespread unemployment—significantly amongst younger folks—and stagnant wages proceed to outline day by day life for many households.
Anticipation Builds Forward of Third SONA
Consistent with Article 58 of the 1986 Structure, which requires the President to report yearly to the Legislature on the fourth Monday of January, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai is scheduled to deal with lawmakers at this time, January 26, 2026.
The deal with will define the administration’s legislative agenda for the brand new session and supply a complete overview of the nation’s financial efficiency, together with revenues, expenditures, and coverage priorities.
Set for the normal 4:00 p.m. native time, the State of the Nation Handle (SONA) is anticipated to attract nationwide consideration, with Liberians tuning in by way of radio, tv, and on-line platforms to evaluate the path of the Unity Social gathering (UP)-led authorities.
Financial Entrance: Largest Nationwide Price range in Liberia’s Historical past
One of many main highlights anticipated within the President’s deal with is the passage of Liberia’s largest nationwide funds thus far—US$1.2 billion—marking a historic excessive in public spending.
Greater than 90 p.c of the funds is financed by means of home useful resource mobilization, with exterior financing accounting for less than a small portion.
Home income projections embrace US$726.97 million in tax income, US$83.92 million in non-tax income, US$200 million in Mittal Metal signing bonus, and US$28 million in contingent income.
The administration has described this milestone as proof of improved fiscal self-discipline and stronger income efficiency.
Income Era Positive factors
Over the previous two years, the Liberia Income Authority (LRA) has recorded historic good points in home income mobilization, attributed to improved compliance, enhanced enforcement, and institutional reforms.
Based on revealed information, home income rose from US$612 million in 2023 to US$699 million in 2024, a rise of US$87 million. In 2025, collections reportedly climbed to roughly US$825 million, representing an extra US$126 million enhance—the very best home income consumption in Liberia’s historical past.
Total, home income grew by US$213 million between 2023 and 2025, reflecting a 35 p.c enhance over two years. Broader tendencies present income rising from US$577 million in 2021 to US$825 million in 2025, underscoring a strengthening home income base regardless of capability constraints.
Launch and Implementation of US$8.38 Billion ARREST Agenda
In January 2025, the federal government formally launched the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Improvement (AAID)—a five-year, US$8.38 billion nationwide growth plan protecting 2025 to 2029.
Launched in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, the plan goals to transition Liberia to a lower-middle-income nation by specializing in poverty discount, job creation, and infrastructure growth throughout six strategic pillars.
Below the financing framework, 70 p.c (US$5.86 billion) is anticipated from growth companions, personal buyers, and the diaspora, whereas 30 p.c (US$2.52 billion) will likely be financed by the Liberian authorities.
The administration experiences progress in agriculture, highway connectivity, concession reform, schooling, sanitation, tourism, and know-how. In schooling, the World Financial institution authorized the US$88.7 million EXCEL Mission, whereas the Presidential Scholarship Program supported 455 underprivileged college students nationwide.
International Coverage Positive factors: Election to UN Safety Council
One of many administration’s most vital diplomatic achievements was Liberia’s election to the United Nations Safety Council (UNSC) as a Non-Everlasting Member for the 2026–2027 time period.
Liberia secured 181 of 188 votes, signaling renewed worldwide confidence and restoring the nation’s standing in international diplomacy.
The federal government credit in depth diplomatic engagements throughout Africa, Europe, the Center East, Asia, and the Americas for the success, alongside improved multilateral and financial diplomacy by means of the Ministry of International Affairs.
Infrastructure Improvement
Based on the Ministry of Public Works, the Boakai administration paved 121.87 kilometers of roads between January 2024 and December 2025, whereas sustaining 783 kilometers of main highway corridors nationwide.
Ongoing tasks embrace the RIA Street, Sanniquellie–Logatuo, Ganta–Saclepea, Saclepea–Tappita, and Kelipo–Fish City corridors, alongside newly initiated tasks such because the Tappita–Toe City Street and deliberate works extending to the Ivorian border.
Authorities officers say the enhancements have eased transport prices, stabilized commodity costs, and improved regional connectivity.
Agriculture and Vitality
Agriculture stays a key pillar of the AAID. The Ministry of Agriculture experiences that over 198,000 farmers benefited from authorities assist in 2025, with a further 35,000 farmers reached by means of donor-supported applications, together with ladies and youth.
Within the power sector, the Liberia Electrical energy Company (LEC) experiences expanded electrical energy entry from 33 p.c to 35 p.c, connection of over 63,000 new clients, improved technology reliability, and progress in renewable power and transmission tasks.
Social Welfare Measures
On the social entrance, the federal government launched the primary group medical insurance coverage scheme for civil servants inside the Workplace of the President, with the state protecting 60 p.c of premiums starting January 2026.
The administration has additionally emphasised youth growth, volunteerism, and group service as a part of its social coverage agenda.
Lingering Challenges: Price of Dwelling, Jobs, Corruption
Regardless of reported good points, financial hardship stays widespread. Rising meals costs, excessive transportation prices, and unemployment—particularly amongst younger folks—proceed to erode family incomes and gas public frustration.
President Boakai’s pledge of “no enterprise as normal,” made throughout his January 22, 2024, inaugural deal with, stays underneath scrutiny. Whereas a whole bunch of officers have been suspended for failing to declare property or for alleged corruption, many Liberians consider weak enforcement and fragile establishments proceed to undermine accountability.
As President Boakai delivers his third State of the Nation Handle, Liberians at residence and overseas will likely be listening carefully—not just for achievements, however for clear, sensible options to the challenges shaping their day by day lives.
