President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. on Monday delivered the keynote address at the opening of the 22nd Annual General Meeting of the African Road Maintenance Funds Association (ARMFA), held at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Monrovia, marking the official opening of the assembly.
Welcoming delegates, road fund managers, policymakers, and partners from across the continent, President Boakai expressed profound appreciation on behalf of the government and people of Liberia for hosting this year’s gathering, describing it as “a meeting of dedicated minds committed to advancing Africa’s road infrastructure”.
The President emphasized that the convening of ARMFA in Liberia comes at a time when the nation is making significant progress in sustainable infrastructure development. He noted that the presence of representatives from diverse African countries “reinforces our collective commitment to sustainable development and contributes to Liberia’s success story”.
In his address, President Boakai expressed the pivotal role of road networks in Africa’s economic and social transformation. He underscored that roads connect farmers to markets, children to schools, patients to healthcare, and businesses to opportunities, making them indispensable to the realization of Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He also acknowledged the significant challenges facing the continent’s infrastructure systems, including climate change, rapid urbanization and limited financing, calling for swift, innovative, and collaborative approaches.
“When we leave potholes unrepaired or downplay the urgency of a collapsing bridge, we create barriers to the safety and advancement of our people,” the President cautioned.
President Boakai highlighted the government’s efforts in improving road governance and maintenance, citing Liberia’s collaboration with the National Road Fund to enhance investment, reform, and partnerships. He noted that infrastructure remains a core pillar of his Administration’s ARREST Agenda, which prioritizes an efficient, inclusive, safe, and climate-resilient transportation network.
He further expressed Liberia’s strong support for the African Union’s Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) and reiterated the country’s readiness to help drive the success of AfCFTA through improved road connectivity.
Addressing delegates, the President encouraged member states to use the ARMFA platform not just for policy discussions, but also for fostering collaboration, exploring digital and climate-resilient solutions, and strengthening partnerships with development institutions and the private sector.
“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,” he urged.
The Liberian Leader espoused that decisions made today will determine the continent’s development trajectory for generations, calling on leaders to be both pragmatic and ambitious in ensuring safe, efficient, and connected road networks across Africa.
The President thanked ARMFA for choosing Liberia as host, and expressed confidence that delegates are already experiencing the country’s warmth, culture, cuisine, and hospitality.
He concluded with a call for productive deliberations and impactful outcomes that will contribute to Africa’s infrastructure transformation.
In remarks, the Director General of the National Road Fund (NRF), Joseta Neufville Wento, stated that the capital (Monrovia) was proud to welcome this large African family of government. She observed that Liberia has been working for several decades to strengthen its road network in order to open up isolated regions.
According to her, Under President Boakai’s leadership, the government has made the rehabilitation, construction, and maintenance of roads a national priority. “Thank you, your Excellency Mr. President, for this enlightened vision and for the trust reposed in the young people of Liberia,” she noted.
The NRF CEO disclosed that the life-skill programs have been launched to rehabilitate more than 1,000 kilometers of primary and secondary roads. According to her, this economic-driver will strengthen governance, transparency, but overall boost the economy. “Mr. President, I must acknowledge the support of all of the young people that have served to support me at the National Road Fund of Liberia,” she added.
Also speaking, the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Augustine K. Ngafuan, observed that Liberia’s National Development Plan 2024—2029 allocates nearly 25 percent of the public investment budget to road infrastructure. “Our country has begun reconstruction of more than 400 kilometers of new regional corridors linking Monrovia to Ganta, Harper, and Cote d’Ivoire border,” he said.
Minister Ngafuan noted that Liberia has long transitioned from being a problem child of the region, and is now attracting the continent.
The African Road Maintenance Funds Association (ARMFA) is a continental platform composed of Road Maintenance Funds from across Africa. It facilitates collaboration, knowledge-sharing, capacity building, and coordination in road financing and maintenance to support sustainable infrastructure across the continent.
