Liberia’s Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) is consulting with stakeholders on its Five-Year Strategic Plan, which aims to guide the ministry’s direction from 2025 to 2026. At an engagement session in Paynesville, Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan said the plan should serve Liberia’s long-term interests and not any single political agenda.
“This is not a plan for me; it is for the Ministry of Finance,” Ngafuan said, emphasizing that political leaders are only “occupants and tenants” of an institution belonging to the Liberian people. He encouraged lawmakers, development partners, and government representatives to contribute openly. “We don’t want this to be too scripted and regimented. Talk and give whatever thoughts you have freely so that we capture them. It’s never too late to get a good idea to make a document better.”
Ngafuan outlined several priorities for the Strategic Plan: modernizing financial systems, improving public financial management, enhancing fiscal reporting, advancing debt and domestic revenue management, digitizing human resources processes, promoting diversity and inclusion, and using technology to strengthen service delivery. The plan also includes institutional reforms such as constructing a new ministry headquarters, updating the 2013 MFDP Act, and increasing autonomy for the Office of the Comptroller and Accountant General.
Senator Prince K. Moye, Chair of the Senate Ways, Means, Finance & Budget Committee, commended the ministry’s improved budget disbursement practices compared to previous administrations. “Those days the budget used to pass with Ministries and Agencies not receiving their allotments, but the efficiency in budget disbursement has increased under this regime. I want to thank the folks at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, headed by the Minister, for this great transformation,” he said. Senator Moye pledged continued Senate support for reforms.
Representative P. Mike Jurry from the House’s Committee on Ways, Means, Finance and Budget praised both the effectiveness of MFDP’s work on the Strategic Plan and its collaboration with lawmakers.
World Bank Country Manager Georgia Wallen expressed appreciation for being included in discussions shaping Liberia’s strategic five-year plan.
Deputy Minister for Administration Bill McGill Jones noted that nearly two years ago MFDP began implementing reforms aimed at restoring public confidence in government finance systems. He referenced achievements like progress on national priorities such as inclusive development initiatives—the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development—the County Development Agenda, and Public Sector Investment Plan.
“We promised to begin a process that would shape the future of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and Liberia,” Jones said. “Today is another step forward. This plan is not just a document—it is a roadmap that will guide us toward stronger performance, smarter decision-making, and better use of resources.” Jones added that ongoing engagement with government partners as well as civil society remains central: “We will continue to engage widely… The insights gathered will help us ensure that our work becomes more responsive to national priorities.”
Assistant Minister Paul T. Lamin welcomed delegates by stressing that successful implementation depends on strong partnerships across sectors: participation from development partners, sector ministries, civil society organizations, and other actors is “essential.” Lamin explained that stakeholder input would directly shape refinement of the draft plan so it reflects Liberia’s broader development goals.
The engagement brought together officials from various ministries as well as representatives from partner organizations including those in civil society.