Africa-Press – Liberia. Nimba County Electoral District 2 Representative, Nyahn G. Flomo, described the agreement as crucial as it triggers this separate $28.7 million grant for the Excel program.
The House of Representatives of the 55th Legislature of Liberia has unanimously voted to ratify a US$60 million International Development Association (IDA) credit to support the Liberia Excellence in Learning (EXCEL) Project.
This figure is expected to rise to US$88.7M with a grant of US$28.7M. The House took the decision Tuesday, November 20, 2025 during the 11th Day sitting of the 3rd quarter of the second quarter of the 55th Legislature.
The decision follows a detailed report from the Joint Committee on Education and Public Administration, Judiciary, Banking and Finance, and Ways, Means and Finance, which was tasked with reviewing the financing agreement submitted by the Executive.
During deliberations, members of the Joint Committee emphasized that a loan of this magnitude, though not a grant, but a long-term loan that carries lower debt obligations for future generations.
Furthermore, the Committee points out that the Legislature’s approval “cannot be automatic, rather it must be earned and justified.”
According to the committee’s report, the Liberia EXCEL Project aims to improve foundational learning across 2,337 public schools in all 15 counties.
The US$60 million credit will also unlock an additional US$28.7 million grant from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) that brings the total financing package to US$88.7 million.
The project seeks to strengthen early childhood and primary education, reduce the national education financing gap, and advance the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
With the House’s ratification, the legislative instrument has been forwarded to the Liberian Senate for concurrence if deemed necessary.
Speaking to the media following the ratification of the deal, the Chairman of the House Committee on Education and Public Administration, Nimba County Electoral District 2 Representative, Nyahn G. Flomo, described the agreement as crucial as it triggers this separate $28.7 million grant for the Excel program.
In addition to improving learning outcomes at existing schools, the funds are earmarked for constructing 100 new schools, renovating existing ones, and training thousands of teachers, aiming to improve overall student quality before they reach higher education.
Rep. Flomo stated that the House passed on to ratify the deal because it’s favourable due to its lack of interest and generous repayment structure, which includes long grace periods before payments begin in 2032 and 2037.
“This combined funding is primarily focused on strengthening foundational learning within the elementary and preschool levels, aiming to establish a solid educational base that will ultimately improve the quality of students progressing to higher education. To ensure the loan’s sustainability, the legislature scrutinized the terms, finding comfort in the fact that repayment is structured with extended grace periods – starting as late as 2032 and 2037—which minimizes the immediate burden on the national debt portfolio,” the Nimba County lawmaker asserted.
“On overall, he maintains that intervention, supported by the World Bank, will facilitate the construction and renovation of schools and the training of thousands of teachers to bolster the education sector at its most critical early stages.”
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