MONROVIA–The Government of Liberia has signed a US$30 million loan agreement with the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) to finance the pavement and upgrading of the Salayea–Konia Road, a key segment of the Gbarnga–Mendikorma Highway that links northwestern Liberia to major economic corridors.
The agreement was signed on Tuesday, June 23, on the sidelines of the OPEC Fund Development Forum and the institution’s 50th Anniversary celebrations in Vienna, Austria.
Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan signed on behalf of the Government of Liberia, while BADEA President Abdullah Almusabeeh signed on behalf of the Arab development institution.
The US$30 million financing package will support the construction and upgrading of the Salayea–Konia corridor, a strategic road project expected to improve transportation links between Bong and Lofa Counties, lower transportation costs, facilitate trade, and improve access to social services for rural communities.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Ngafuan described the agreement as a major milestone in Liberia’s infrastructure development efforts and thanked BADEA for its continued partnership and support.
“On behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and the Government and people of Liberia, I extend sincere appreciation to BADEA for this significant investment in our nation’s infrastructure. This financing demonstrates confidence in Liberia’s development trajectory and will have a transformative impact on communities across Bong and Lofa Counties,” Ngafuan said.
According to the Finance Minister, the Salayea–Konia Road forms part of the government’s broader strategy to modernize transportation infrastructure and unlock economic opportunities throughout northwestern Liberia.
He noted that the project complements ongoing support from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), and the OPEC Fund, making it one of the largest road infrastructure initiatives currently underway in the region.
Government officials believe the project will stimulate economic growth by improving the movement of agricultural products from key farming communities, attracting private sector investment, creating jobs, and strengthening cross-border trade with neighboring Sierra Leone and Guinea under the framework of the Mano River Union.
Ngafuan reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the timely ratification and implementation of the agreement, emphasizing that authorities are prepared to move swiftly from financing arrangements to construction activities.
Beyond road infrastructure, BADEA is also exploring opportunities to support several priority development projects in Liberia, including rural electrification, water supply systems, sanitation improvements, and health sector initiatives.
Projects currently under discussion include the proposed Botota–Mendikorma Electrification Project, water supply systems for Ganta, Buchanan and Kakata, as well as sewage rehabilitation works in Montserrado County.
During discussions preceding the signing ceremony, Minister Ngafuan followed up on an invitation extended by President Joseph Boakai to BADEA President Abdullah Almusabeeh and other Arab development partners to visit Liberia during the country’s 179th Independence Anniversary celebrations in July.
The visit is expected to coincide with the official dedication of the completed 81-kilometer Gbarnga–Salayea Road, which was jointly financed by BADEA and other Arab lenders, and the launch of the Salayea–Konia–Voinjama phase of the highway project.
Responding to the invitation, BADEA President Almusabeeh expressed appreciation to President Boakai and confirmed that plans are underway for his visit to Liberia in July to participate in the road dedication ceremony and launch activities.
The Salayea–Konia–Voinjama corridor is widely viewed as a critical infrastructure investment that could significantly improve regional connectivity, support economic development, and strengthen trade links between Liberia and its neighboring countries.
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