Gov’t, USAID Sign Over US$114M Grant Amendment For Development Initiatives

Gov’t, USAID Sign Over US$114M Grant Amendment For Development Initiatives

MONROVIA, Nov. 14 (LINA) –The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), has signed a US$114.4 million amendment grant with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to support various development initiatives in Liberia.

At the signing ceremony on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, in Monrovia, U.S. Ambassador to Liberia, Mark Toner, emphasized the shared commitment of the U.S. and Liberian Governments to ensure that every dollar yields sustainable, positive outcomes for the Liberian people.

He noted that this milestone reflects their ongoing dedication to Liberia’s growth and the strong cooperation between the two nations.

Ambassador Toner highlighted that since the launch of a US$640 million, five-year development agreement in May 2020, significant progress has been achieved.

“I am honored to be here for the signing of this US$114.4 million development objective agreement, which brings our total contribution to date to US$489 million, marking a new phase in Liberia’s path to growth and prosperity,” Amb. Toner said.

The U.S. Ambassador explained that the funding is more than just financial support; stressing that it represents a steadfast commitment to Liberia’s future.

He added that the additional investment is designed to enhance health, education, strategic reforms, and market-driven, inclusive economic growth.

The US Envoy noted that USAID would provide teacher training, health supplies, and expanded economic opportunities in agriculture.

According to Ambassador Toner, USAID will collaborate closely with the Government of Liberia to reinforce existing structures to tackle pressing issues, aimed at bringing hope, opportunity, and growth to the nation.

However, he acknowledged ongoing challenges such as corruption and capacity limitations, stressing the importance of strengthening ties between the two countries.

For his part, Liberia’s Finance and Development Planning Minister, Augustine K. Ngafuan, stated that the health sector is a priority, with 55 ongoing projects across all counties, supported by USAID through the health sector.

He asserted that the agreement also aims to improve community-based institutions, provide safe water and sanitation, and support maternal and child health services at selected facilities.

“Amendments 14 and 15 will incrementally fund and revise USAID’s contribution to accelerate reforms in health, education, and essential service delivery,” Minister Ngafuan said.

He added that family planning and anti-malaria efforts in all 15 counties are integral to USAID’s health sector support.

Minister Ngafuan confirmed USAID’s continued collaboration with the Government of Liberia to support Liberia’s 10-year health plan under the Global Health Initiative, which according to him, includes using a Fixed Amount Reimbursement Agreement (FARA) funded by the Liberian Government to channel resources toward service delivery and other activities.

He maintained that the agreement also allocates funds to invest in agriculture, education, sanitation, rule of law, social welfare, and tourism.

“On behalf of His Excellency President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, we extend our deepest gratitude to the U.S. government and people for their ongoing support,” Ngafuan said.

Also, Deputy Minister for Fiscal Affairs, Anthony G. Myers, highlighted that the Development Objective Grant Agreement will focus on market-driven economic growth, governance, and social development.

In the education sector, the agreement aims to enhance early-grade reading and math and increase access to learning for girls and youth affected by the civil war.