15/01/2025
President Boakai Launches AAID: Liberia’s $8.38 Billion Plan to Tackle Poverty, Unemployment, and Inequality
Buchanan, Grand Bassa County – Jan. 15, 2025.
President Joseph Boakai, on January 15, 2025, officially launched the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), a groundbreaking roadmap aimed at elevating Liberia to lower-middle-income status by 2029.
The AAID, Liberia’s fourth post-conflict National Development Plan, is a comprehensive framework designed to tackle pressing challenges such as high unemployment, widespread poverty, poor infrastructure, and structural inequalities.
Highlighting the plan’s ambition, President Boakai stated, “The AAID represents the aspirations of all Liberians. It is a blueprint for sustainable growth and shared prosperity.”
Key Economic and Social Goals!!
Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan detailed the ambitious targets of the AAID:
Economic Growth: Increasing GDP by 37%, from $4.75 billion to $6.5 billion by 2029.
Income Levels:
Raising per capital income from $850 to $1,050.
Poverty Reduction: Lowering the multidimensional poverty rate from 45% to 36%.
Job Creation: Formalizing thousands of jobs across key sectors.
Health Improvements:
Reducing the maternal mortality rate from 742 to 440 deaths per 100,000 live births and increasing life expectancy from 60 to 65 years.
Minister Ngafuan emphasized, “This roadmap is our boldest effort yet to create a more equitable Liberia. It will take the collective will of the government, private sector, and development partners to achieve these milestones.”
Strategic Development Pillars:
The AAID is anchored on six key pillars:
Economic Transformation: Diversifying Liberia’s economy and creating new industries.
Infrastructure Development: Modernizing transport, energy, and ICT sectors.
Rule of Law and Governance: Strengthening justice systems and fighting corruption.
Environmental Sustainability:
Enhancing climate resilience and resource management.
Human Capital Development: Improving education, healthcare, and workforce readiness.
Social Cohesion and Inclusion:
Promoting equity and reducing inequalities.
President Boakai reiterated, “These pillars are not mere aspirations—they are the foundation for a great Liberia. Together, we must THINK LIBERIA, LOVE LIBERIA, and BUILD LIBERIA.”
Funding and Implementation:
Implementing the AAID requires $8.38 billion, with 30% to be sourced domestically and the remaining 70% through partnerships with development partners and private investors. The plan incorporates a robust Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF) to mobilize funds and leverage climate financing.
A detailed implementation framework will ensure effective ex*****on, featuring oversight by a National Steering Committee, National Coordination Committee, and Technical Committee.
A Nationwide Call to Action
President Boakai issued a passionate call for national unity and collective effort. “This plan is not about politics or parties—it is about our shared future. The success of the AAID depends on every Liberian playing their part,” he said.
The AAID was developed through extensive consultations involving stakeholders across Liberia’s 136 districts, including youth, women, the private sector, and the diaspora.
In closing, President Boakai affirmed the government’s commitment to the AAID, stating, “Liberia’s path to progress is clear. With determination and unity, we can overcome the challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality. This is our time to shine.”
The AAID represents a bold vision for Liberia’s transformation, setting a course for inclusive development and sustainable progress.
By: Sylvester Choloplay
Leading Radio and Television Broadcasting Station in Liberia
