At Liberia, Kuwait Fund Meeting: Liberia Gained Access to USD. $12.8M Loan for Salayea–Konia Road Corridor Pavement

“We are going to do more on roads, this road project will not stop, we have practically mobilize the finances, is now time for execution” —Kpehe Ngafuan

By: Keith Morrison| Contributing Writer

Monrovia, Liberia |Dec. 13, 2025 |The Government of Liberia and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) have signed a US$12.8 million financing agreement aimed at accelerating construction of the Salayea–Konia Road, a key segment of the northern corridor linking Lofa County to the rest of the country.

The agreement signed in Monrovia; forms part of a broader multi-donor effort to fully fund the roadway from Salayea through Konia—approximately 50 kilometers—and eventually extends it to Voinjama.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan described the day as “a great day for Liberia,” expressing gratitude on behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, the Government, and the Liberian people.

“To the Kuwaiti Fund—you’ve been a friend in thick and thin,” Hon. Ngafuan asserted. “President Boakai always reminds us that our job is not to curse the darkness, but to light the candle. Today, we are lighting another candle for road development.”

Minister Ngafuan recounted Liberia’s long-standing relationship with the Kuwaiti Fund, dating back to the 2010 when he and then–Vice President Boakai engaged Kuwait during Liberia’s debt relief negotiations. At that time, Liberia’s debt-to-GDP ratio exceeded 740%, worsened by years of civil conflict.

“We negotiated debt cancellation with the Kuwaiti Fund. They gave us a grant and waived our debt, and they agreed to lead an Arab consortium to support what is now the Gbarnga–Mendikorma Road,” Minister Ngafuan recalled.

He noted that despite disruptions such as the Ebola outbreak, Kuwait and other Arab partners—including the Saudi Fund, BADEA, and the OPEC Fund—continued supporting Liberia’s infrastructure push.

Both Hon. Ngafuan and Public Works Minister Roland Giddings, who attended the ceremony, emphasized that construction on parts of the corridor had stalled because Liberia had not met its debt service obligations in previous years.

“The Government of Liberia had not been meeting its debt service obligation to the Kuwaiti Fund and other lenders, so they could not disburse additional funding to the road,” Giddings explained.

In April, Ministers Ngafuan, Giddings, and other officials traveled to Kuwait to renegotiate and restructure Liberia’s debt facility. Since then, Liberia has resumed compliance and restored credibility with its partners.

This renewed commitment has unlocked a combined financing package that includes US$12.8 million from the Kuwait Fund, US$30 million from BADEA, US$30 million from the OPEC Fund for International Development, and an initial US$10 million from the Saudi Fund, with additional support expected.

Minister Ngafuan confirmed that with these combined commitments, funding has essentially been secured for the stretch from Salayea to Konia. He also said that work is ongoing to take the road to Salayea on before March 2026. 

Hon. Ngafuan stressed that the goal is not merely to complete the existing segment but to ensure continuity all the way to Voinjama.

“The Arab lenders are prepared to continue to fund until we reach Voinjama,” he said.

“And for Liberians concerned about the Voinjama–Medikorma segment—the recently ratified Pavi Forte Agreement will take care of that leg.”

He also hinted at future collaboration with Kuwait and other partners in sectors beyond roads, including port development.

Leading the Kuwaiti Fund delegation, Mr. Nawaf Al-Dabbous Sr. reaffirmed his government’s commitment to Liberian development.

“We are here to assure you that we are continuing our support and assistance to the Government and the people of Liberia,” Al-Dabbous stated.

“We look forward to implementing this project hand-in-hand and to supporting additional priority projects for the Republic of Liberia.”

Minister Ngafuan emphasized that roads remain at the top of President Boakai’s ARREST Agenda, noting that improved connectivity is essential for economic development, trade, and access to services.

The Finance Minister assured that the government is committed to fast-tracking execution: “It’s not about financing anymore—the financing is essentially mobilized. It’s now about how fast we can move, and we intend to move fast.”