Monrovia — Liberia’s Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, has described the European Union as a “true partner” following the disbursement of €21 million (approximately US$24.6 million) in direct budget support to the Government of Liberia.
The disbursement represents the first tranche of a three-year €56 million (US$65.8 million) EU budget support program, provided entirely as a grant and released strictly on the basis of performance and achieved reforms.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Monrovia during the official disbursement ceremony Friday, Hon. Ngafuan said the payment reflects the EU’s commitment to delivering on its promises.
“This is not about signing an agreement today. This is about delivery,” Minister Ngafuan said.
“What we projected in the national budget has now been actualized. The money has hit our account at the Central Bank of Liberia.”
Hon. Ngafuan explained that the funds were not automatically disbursed but depended on Liberia meeting a series of demanding reform indicators agreed upon with the EU.
“When I first saw the number of triggers we had to meet, I almost gave up,” he admitted. “But we assembled our team, worked overtime, and delivered. Today’s disbursement is the result of that hard work.”
He credited staff of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning particularly the Department of Economic Management, the Budget Department, and teams managing external resources for ensuring Liberia met all requirements.
The minister emphasized that the funds are not extra money, but resources already incorporated into the approved 2025 national budget, noting that the support helped stabilize government financing and avoid potential fiscal shortfalls, including for security institutions.
Speaking earlier, European Union Head of Delegation to Liberia, Ambassador Nora Deprez, announced that Liberia secured the full amount earmarked for 2025, citing strong performance in public financial management, oversight, and natural resources governance.
“This high disbursement reflects Liberia’s commitment to reforms and results,” Amb. Deprez said. “It is a clear signal of confidence in the Government’s reform agenda and in the strength of our partnership.”
Amb. Deprez explained that EU budget support is disbursed only after countries meet general eligibility conditions, including a credible national development plan—the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development—macroeconomic stability, and transparent budget processes, as well as specific disbursement-linked indicators.
The program supports reforms in several priority areas, including strengthening public financial management and oversight systems, improving domestic revenue mobilization, particularly from natural resources enhancing transparency and accountability, supporting local rice value chains, and reinforcing Liberia’s protected areas network.
Among the notable achievements cited were improvements in budget preparation, with on-time submission of work plans by Ministries, Agencies, and Commissions rising from 50 percent to 75 percent by the third quarter.
The EU also highlighted increased transparency in the forestry sector, including the publication of key forest data on the Forestry Development Authority’s website, and strengthened oversight of state-owned enterprises through the establishment of the State Enterprises Authority of Liberia.
The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Liberia’s national development agenda and strengthening bilateral cooperation in pursuit of good governance, transparency, and sustainable development.
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