National Leaders, Partners Back MFDP’s Push for Modernized Systems and Fiscal Reform

Monrovia, Liberia - Liberia’s Finance and Development Planning Minister, Hon. Augustine Kpehe, says the ongoing consultations on the Ministry’s Strategic Plan will produce a document that will guide the institution over the next five years. He stressed that the Strategic Plan (2025–2026) must serve Liberia’s long-term interests rather than any single political agenda.

Speaking Tuesday at MFDP’s Five-Year Strategic Plan External Stakeholders’ Engagement in Paynesville, Minister Ngafuan said the plan “is not a plan for me; it is for the Ministry of Finance,” noting that political leaders are merely “occupants and tenants” of an institution belonging to the Liberian people. He encouraged lawmakers, development partners, and government representatives to speak candidly.

“We don’t want this to be too scripted and regimented,” he said. “Talk and give whatever thoughts you have freely so that we capture them. It’s never too late to get a good idea to make a document better.”

Highlighting key focus areas of the Strategic Plan, the Minister cited modernizing financial systems, enhancing public financial management, improving fiscal reporting, advancing debt and domestic revenue management, digitizing HR processes, promoting diversity and inclusion, and strengthening service delivery through technology.

Ngafuan said the plan also proposes institutional reforms, including a new Ministry headquarters to replace the aging Broad Street building, updating the 2013 MFDP Act, and increasing the autonomy of the Office of the Comptroller and Accountant General.
Senator Prince K. Moye, Chair of the Senate Ways, Means, Finance & Budget Committee, praised the Ministry’s fiscal management, noting a departure from past challenges.

“Those days the budget used to pass with Ministries and Agencies not receiving their allotments, but the efficiency in budget disbursement has increased under this regime. I want to thank the folks at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, headed by the Minister, for this great transformation,” he said.
Senator Moye pledged the Senate’s support for reforms and safeguarding national budget priorities.

Also speaking, the Chair of the House’s Committee on Ways, Means, Finance and Budget Representative P. Mike Jurry appreciated the MFDP team for crafting the Strategic Plan.

He applauded the effectiveness and collaboration between the Legislature and the Ministry, which he said has produced results for the common people.
World Bank Country Manager Georgia Wallen expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage with the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning in crafting a strategic five-year plan.

Providing an overview of the engagement earlier, Deputy Minister for Administration, Hon. Bill McGill Jones, recalled that nearly two years ago, the Ministry committed itself to reforms aimed at restoring public confidence and rebuilding institutional systems. He noted that the Ministry has since delivered on major national priorities, including the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, the County Development Agenda, and the Public Sector Investment Plan.
“We promised to begin a process that would shape the future of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and Liberia,” he said. “Today is another step forward. This plan is not just a document—it is a roadmap that will guide us toward stronger performance, smarter decision-making, and better use of resources.”

Jones said the plan, developed under the theme “Transforming Priorities into Strategies: Pathway to Efficient Service Delivery,” is expected to clearly outline the Ministry’s priorities and operational direction over the next five years. The Deputy Minister reaffirmed MFDP’s commitment to continued engagement with partners across government, civil society, and the international community.

“We will continue to engage widely,” Jones said. “The insights gathered will help us ensure that our work becomes more responsive to national priorities.”

Assistant Minister for Administration, Hon. Paul T. Lamin, in welcoming the delegates, emphasized that the success of MFDP’s new strategic plan relies heavily on strong partnerships beyond the Ministry’s walls, noting that the participation of development partners, sector ministries, civil society, and other national actors is “essential.”

He said the engagement forum provides a vital platform for open dialogue, alignment of priorities, and a shared understanding of the opportunities and challenges ahead. Lamin added that stakeholders’ inputs will directly shape the refinement of the draft plan, ensuring it is inclusive, data-driven, and reflective of Liberia’s broader development aspirations.

The one-day engagement brought together officials from ministries, agencies, and commissions, the partner community, the Legislature, and civil society.