Liberia participates in AfDB's annual meeting marking its 60th anniversary

The Republic of Liberia is participating in the African Development Bank's (AfDB) 2024 Annual General Meeting, which coincides with the institution’s 60th anniversary. The event is being held at the Kenyatta International Conference Center in Nairobi, Kenya, from May 27-31.

Although President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr. was initially set to attend at the invitation of Kenyan President William Ruto and AfDB Group President Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, he had to remain in Liberia due to pressing domestic matters. Minister Bility delivered a special letter from President Boakai to President Ruto in response to the invitation.

This year's meeting brings together governors of central banks from various African countries, policymakers, and other delegates to discuss the theme "Africa’s Transformation: The African Development Bank and the Reform of the Global Financial Architecture." The theme reflects ongoing efforts towards economic transformation on the continent despite significant growth over the past two decades.

The Liberian delegation includes Mr. Boima S. Kamara, Minister of Finance & Development Planning; Mrs. Mamaka Bility, Minister of State Without Portfolio & Special Envoy of President Boakai to President Ruto; Mr. Rufus N. Darkortey, AfDB Constituency Executive Director for Liberia; and Mr. Morley Kamara, Presidential Economic Advisor.

Mr. Rufus N. Darkortey represents a constituency that includes Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Sudan within the AfDB framework.

Other members of the Liberian delegation are Deputy Minister of Finance Mr. Dehpue Zuo; Deputy Minister for Technical Services at the Ministry of Public Works Mr. Prince Tamba; Former Minister of Agriculture Dr. Moses Zinnah; and Deputy Minister for Public Affairs at the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs Mr. Anthony V. Kesselly.

Established in 1964 to support development priorities across Africa, AfDB has played a crucial role in accelerating progress through its High-5 strategic priorities: Light up and Power Africa; Feed Africa; Industrialize Africa; Integrate Africa; and Improve Quality of Life for People in Africa—initiatives aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2063 by the African Union.

Liberian Economist Dr. Romeo Alexander Horton was instrumental in founding AfDB and remains a key figure associated with its establishment.