Africa-Press – Liberia. President said the gathering should serve as a catalyst for stronger collaboration, innovation, and investment across Africa’s transportation network.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has urged African nations and infrastructure stakeholders to move beyond dialogue and commit to “practical and ambitious” solutions to address the continent’s road infrastructure challenges.
Speaking Tuesday at the opening of the 22nd Annual General Assembly of the African Road Maintenance Funds Association (ARMFA), held at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, the Liberian Leader said the gathering should serve as a catalyst for stronger collaboration, innovation, and investment across Africa’s transportation network.
“Let this be a forum for practical solutions—where we reflect on what has worked, what hasn’t, and how we can boldly shape the future of Africa’s roads,” President Boakai challenged delegates.
Infrastructure Critical to Economic Transformation
President Boakai said the hosting of ARMFA in Liberia comes at a pivotal time, as the country works toward expanding and maintaining its road networks under the ARREST Agenda, which identifies infrastructure as one of its key pillars.
He underscored the central role roads play in advancing Africa’s social and economic aspirations, noting that transportation access remains integral to the success of Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Roads connect farmers to markets, children to schools, patients to healthcare, and businesses to opportunity,” he said.
The Director-General of the National Road Fund, Joseta Neufville Wento, announced that her entity generated US$31 million in 2024, the highest in the country’s history—nearly double the US$14 million collected in 2023.
“When we leave potholes unrepaired or ignore collapsing bridges, we create barriers to the safety and progress of our people.”
The President further highlighted Liberia’s partnership with the National Road Fund as part of efforts to strengthen governance, financing, and sustainability in the road sector.
A Call for Innovation and Unity
President Boakai encouraged delegates to use the ARMFA platform for more than policy dialogue, urging them to embrace digital innovation, climate-resilient road systems, and cross-national partnerships that translate into measurable action.
“The decisions made at this gathering will shape the continent’s development trajectory for generations,” he said.
“Let us be pragmatic, but also bold in ensuring a safe, efficient, and connected Africa.”
Also speaking, ARMFA President Essaie Moussa Aubin praised President Boakai’s “visionary leadership” and commitment to road modernization.
“Under your enlightened leadership, Liberia has launched a road modernization program with more than 1,000 kilometers completed in less than five years,” he said.
Liberia’s Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, told the gathering that road infrastructure remains a top national priority.
He said the Government’s 2024–2029 National Development Plan allocates 25 percent of the Public Investment Budget to infrastructure, describing the move as critical to growth and poverty reduction.
“Liberia is now positioned as a dynamic player in West Africa’s transport infrastructure development,” Ngafuan stated.
The Director-General of the National Road Fund, Joseta Neufville Wento, announced that her entity generated US$31 million in 2024, the highest in the country’s history—nearly double the US$14 million collected in 2023.
She said the increased revenue enabled the maintenance of more than 1,000 kilometers of roadway and the launch of strategic support programs for local government authorities.
“Africa invests nearly US$45 billion annually in infrastructure,” she noted.
“Yet maintenance gaps remain—showing why sustainable financing and accountability are essential.”
The African Road Maintenance Funds Association is a continental network of national road funds dedicated to strengthening financing, maintenance systems, capacity-building, and knowledge sharing to ensure sustainable, modern transportation networks across Africa.
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