The Government of Liberia and the World Bank have entered into a significant agreement valued at $88.7 million to enhance public primary education in Liberia through the Excellence in Learning in Liberia (EXCEL) Project. The funding, approved by the World Bank Board on June 10, 2025, consists of a $60 million credit from the International Development Association (IDA) and a $28.7 million grant from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE). This project is part of the World Bank’s new 2025–2030 Country Partnership Framework for Liberia.
During a ceremony at the Executive Mansion, Liberia’s Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, signed on behalf of the government while Ms. Georgia Wallen represented the World Bank.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai emphasized collaboration between the government and international partners as crucial for development. He stated that “this project directly aligns with the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development,” focusing on educating children and equipping educators.
The EXCEL Project aims to construct over 100 primary schools, rehabilitate classrooms, train more than 6,500 teachers, and provide leadership development for over 4,500 school administrators. It targets improving literacy and numeracy for over 350,000 students across 2,337 public primary schools.
World Bank Country Manager Georgia Wallen remarked that this signing marks progress in reducing learning poverty in Liberia. She highlighted that “the EXCEL project builds on past gains” with an emphasis on addressing educational challenges.
Minister Ngafuan described this agreement as an “Independence gift” for Liberian children. He praised President Boakai’s leadership and stressed that implementation is essential to realize these plans.
Education Minister Dr. Jarso Jallah expressed optimism about strengthening foundational learning through this initiative.