World Bank Investment Mission Engages Ministry of Public Works, Expresses Interest in Financing Liberia’s Road Development
29 September 2025, Monrovia, Liberia: The Ministry of Public Works through its Infrastructure Implementation Unit (IIU), organized a meeting with the World Bank New Investment Mission in Liberia to deliberate on potential investment opportunities the Bank could tap in, to aid Liberia's development. The Bank's Team, led by Ajara Ceesay, made a presentation highlighting areas of vulnerability that could suffice for possible development. The Mission emphasized how connectivity supports the achievement of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, while analyzing Liberia's resources and constraints and how the bilateral partnership could inspire hope.
The Head of the Infrastructure Implementation Unit of the Ministry of Public Works, Emmanuel Baker, projected major roads, that, when constructed, could spur economic growth especially in the area of agriculture. Among others, he laid emphasis on the remaining 28.5 kilometers linking Sanniquelle to Yeakepa, 79 kilometers connecting Voinjama to Mendikoma, the Gbarbo Nyenfueh Road covering 174 kilometers, the 118 kilometers that connects Greenville to Barclayville, Grand Geddeh to Sinoe road covering 174 kilometers, and a 180 kilometer road traversing Grand Bassa, Bong, & Nimba Counties.
Public Works Minister Roland Layfette Giddings, in his submission to the World Bank Team, stressed the need to give consideration to the 180 km road that passes through Grand Bassa, Bong, and onward to Nimba County. Minister Giddings believes that unlike other projects that are of importance, this road impacts the Southern, Northern, & Central parts of the country, and will play a pivotal role in Liberia's economic recovery process. “While the Ministry remains very appreciative towards the Bank's efforts to finance road development in Liberia, it would relish that primary consideration be given to the 180 kilometers. Others may be considered afterwards, but this is what we see fit to recommend”, he remarked.
Other stakeholders in attendance were the Ministry of Commerce & the National Investment Commission. Representatives from the two government entities intimated that the project has the potential to enhance trande and commerce, increase the country's investment portfolio by attracting new investments, and increase the economy's productivity capacity.
The World Bank delegation include:
- Ajara Ceesay, Senior Transport Specialist, The World Bank
- Ellin Ivarsson, Transport Specialist, The World Bank
- Tojoarofenitra Ramanankirahima, Transport Specialist, The World Bank
