By Jamesetta D Williams
Monrovia-Nov. 14, 2025: Finance and Improvement Planning Minister, Augustine Okay. Ngafuan, has spoken positively of Liberia’s breakthrough because it pertains to passing the Millennium Problem Company (MCC) Fiscal Yr 2026 Scorecard, which marks a significant step towards securing a Second Compact from america Authorities.
Talking on the ELBC Tremendous Morning Present Thursday, Minister Ngafuan confirmed that the MCC group had despatched a confidential copy of the scorecard to the Liberian authorities forward of its official launch on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
“Passing is just not the top; it’s the starting. Even the place we handed, we should proceed to enhance. The place we didn’t do properly, we are going to take corrective motion,” he acknowledged, in an effort to alley apprehensions and relax excessive hopes that comply with the announcement.
Minister Ngarfuan defined that the scorecard exhibits that Liberia met and handed the minimal benchmark, together with the 2 essential “arduous indicators”—Management of Corruption and Democratic Rights—that are necessary for all qualifying nations.
“That is important as a result of if you happen to fail any of those two, you routinely fail, regardless of what number of different indicators you go,” he defined.
In accordance with the Minister, the MCC now makes use of 22 efficiency indicators, up from 20 in earlier years, and nations should go at the very least 11 indicators to stay eligible. Liberia’s efficiency, he stated, demonstrates the Boakai administration’s sturdy dedication to governance reforms, transparency, and accountability.
“That is vital as a result of to qualify for a Second Compact, a rustic should persistently go the MCC Scorecard,” Minister Ngafuan famous, including that Liberia’s latest progress retains it “firmly on monitor.”
Minister Ngafuan recounted that Liberia’s path towards the Second Compact has been marked by each progress and challenges. He referenced previous disruptions through the U.S. authorities transition that affected a number of MCC applications globally however stated Liberia maintained eligibility regardless of these difficulties.
He revealed that since December 2024, Liberia has been re-engaging the MCC, recruiting technical workers, and holding a number of bilateral conferences each in Monrovia and Washington to speed up preparations.
“President Boakai’s administration has labored intently with the MCC group to make sure Liberia’s readiness. We count on the MCC Board to fulfill in December 2025 to reaffirm Liberia’s eligibility and announce potential funding,” the Minister stated confidently.
Minister Ngafuan disclosed that the Cupboard will maintain discussions on every of the scorecard’s indicators to make sure continued progress.
He recognized Vitality and Infrastructure—notably highway growth—as Liberia’s two main constraints to financial development, as highlighted by MCC assessments. These sectors, he stated, will proceed to obtain prime precedence in authorities’s growth planning.
“Reasonably priced and dependable vitality is essential for companies to develop and create jobs. And as we at all times say, the event of a nation begins with the event of roads,” he emphasised.
Turning to the financial system, Minister Ngafuan stated Liberia’s 2025/2026 Nationwide Price range has been projected at US$1.211 billion, representing a 0.5 p.c enhance from the earlier fiscal yr.
He attributed the expansion to improved home income efficiency, citing the Liberia Income Authority (LRA)’s record-breaking US$700 million assortment in 2024—the best in Liberia’s historical past.
“We’re digitizing our tax system, closing loopholes, and strengthening compliance by means of digital fiscal gadgets. Commerce and financial actions are increasing; if you happen to go to the Freeport of Monrovia at night time, you’ll see vans lined up as a result of the financial system is rising,” Ngafuan defined.
He projected a 5.4 p.c GDP development price, noting that authorities income development is anticipated to proceed, even when the one-time US$200 million signature bonus from a pending oil transaction is excluded from subsequent yr’s income.
The Minister underscored that the nationwide finances represents a projection of revenues, not precise collections. He stated the federal government is dedicated to sustaining finances credibility by aligning spending with life like revenue expectations.
“The finances isn’t just about figures; it displays our collective perception that these are revenues we will increase and use successfully. We should make sure the credibility of each quantity we put ahead,” Ngafuan remarked.
He additionally predicted that, based mostly on historic traits, the Legislature could enhance the finances barely upon overview however assured the general public that the Ministry would preserve fiscal self-discipline and transparency.
Minister Ngafuan expressed optimism about Liberia’s financial future, citing the nation’s sturdy MCC efficiency, income development, and ongoing reforms as proof of stability and progress beneath President Boakai’s management.
“Our focus stays clear—to construct a stronger, extra resilient financial system for all Liberians,” he stated. “The federal government will proceed to prioritize vitality, infrastructure, and good governance so that each Liberian can really feel the impression of nationwide development.”
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