Monrovia, Liberia – April 17, 2025
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has called for deeper collaboration between the Government of Liberia and its development partners. This is vital to ensure the effective implementation of the country’s national development plan – the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID).
Delivering the keynote address at the Government and Development Partners’ Retreat held at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Oldest Congo Town, President Boakai underscored the urgent need to confront Liberia’s multi-faceted challenges. These include high youth unemployment, drug abuse, lack of access to education, and gender disparities. He noted these problems are exacerbated by institutional weaknesses. Additionally, there is an uncertain global funding environment.
The ARREST Agenda – which stands for Agriculture, Roads (Infrastructure), Rule of Law and Governance, Education, Sanitation and Health, and Tourism – is the Boakai administration’s roadmap for national transformation. With a projected cost of nearly $8.4 billion over the next five years, President Boakai emphasized the need for strong partnerships. This is essential for successful execution.
“While the government holds primary responsibility for implementing the plan, its ultimate success depends on inclusive collaboration across sectors,” the President noted. He called on the private sector, civil society, the diaspora, and international partners to align efforts and share responsibilities. Importantly, they should embrace innovation to deliver real results.
President Boakai stressed the importance of transparency and accountability. These are crucial both to rebuild public trust and to strengthen state-society relations. He also encouraged development partners, especially the United Nations, to address root causes of underdevelopment rather than only responding to its effects.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurship, accessible financing, institutional reform, and inclusive participation from all Liberians. He further encouraged the retreat’s focus on exploring innovative financing strategies. Building strategic partnerships is also important in light of the evolving international development landscape.
President Boakai closed by expressing optimism that through shared vision and genuine cooperation, Liberia can overcome its current challenges. This will enable the country to achieve the inclusive growth and prosperity envisioned in the ARREST Agenda.
The retreat brought together key government officials, diplomats, civil society leaders, private sector representatives, and development partners. They aimed to align efforts and set a collaborative course toward Liberia’s development goals.
