African Growth Story at Davos: Liberia’s ARREST Agenda Targets Transformation and Inclusive Prosperity

By: Julius Konton

USA–Against the majestic backdrop of the Swiss Alps and the annual World Economic Forum (WEF), Liberia’s Finance Minister, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, delivered a compelling update on his nation’s ambitious economic and social reform program known as the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID)  a five-year blueprint designed to transform one of West Africa’s most historically challenged economies.

Accompanied by Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti and National Investment Commission Chairman Jeff Blibo, Minister Ngafuan used Liberia’s forum platform to underline major policy achievements, reform milestones and the strategic direction aimed at fostering sustainable growth, poverty reduction and inclusive prosperity.

Historical Context: Liberia’s Post-Conflict Development Challenges

Liberia’s modern economic narrative is deeply shaped by years of civil war (1989–2003), the Ebola epidemic (2014–2016), and the global COVID-19 pandemic , events that severely disrupted public institutions, economic productivity and human development outcomes.

Ranked as a low-income country, Liberia continues to grapple with multidimensional poverty, with nearly 45 % of its population classified as poor and development indicators significantly lagging global averages.

The United Nations in Liberia

Against this backdrop, the Liberian government unveiled the ARREST Agenda,  a strategic plan covering 2025–2029 with an estimated cost of US $8.38 billion.

The ARREST Agenda which stands for Agribusiness, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation and Tourism  is Liberia’s fourth post-conflict national development plan.

It is designed to unlock domestic potential by stimulating broad-based economic growth, improving infrastructure, strengthening governance, and boosting human capital.

Key strategic targets include:

GDP Growth: A projected increase in gross domestic product from approximately US $4.75 billion to US $6.5 billion, representing a 37 % rise over five years.

Per Capita Income: Expansion of per capita GDP by roughly 23.6 %, from about US $850 to US $1,050.

Average Annual Growth Rate: Sustained growth averaging near 5.9 % by 2029, outpacing historic performance.

Human Development Indicators: Increased life expectancy from 60 to 65 years and sharply reduced maternal mortality and multidimensional poverty.

The plan also aligns Liberia with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the ECOWAS Vision 2050, reflecting a commitment to continental as well as national progress.

Minister Ngafuan at WEF: A Message of Reform and Resilience

In Davos, Ngafuan highlighted not only the strategy’s socioeconomic targets but also Liberia’s ongoing structural reforms aimed at strengthening fiscal discipline, boosting domestic revenue mobilization, and attracting foreign and diaspora investment.

He noted that revenue enhancements have already contributed to stronger fiscal performance, lifted domestic receipts to historical highs, and deepened Liberia’s ability to finance its own development priorities.

The minister also underscored Liberia’s progress towards a potential second Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact, a U.S. development partnership that could unlock substantial new funding for infrastructure and governance reforms.

International Partnerships and Support

Liberia’s outreach in Davos was part of a broader push to secure global partnerships , both public and private  to support its development pathway.

The AAID blueprint emphasizes cooperation with international partners such as the United Nations, World Bank, African Development Bank, and bilateral donors.

It also calls on the Liberian diaspora, which plays a vital economic role through remittances and investment.

Global leaders at the Forum welcomed Liberia’s constructive engagement, noting the country’s commitment to transparency, inclusive growth, and alignment with regional integration frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area.

While the ARREST Agenda outlines a bold vision, Liberia faces formidable challenges: infrastructure deficits, heavy reliance on primary commodities, and vulnerability to external shocks such as aid fluctuations and global market volatility.

A recent World Bank report warns that institutional and policy reforms will be key to sustaining growth and reducing susceptibility to external risk factors.

Still, Liberia’s presence in Davos  and the data-driven narrative articulated by Minister Ngafuan  signals a pivotal moment in repositioning the nation from the margins of global attention toward an emerging story of reform, resilience and shared opportunity.

Alphonso Toweh

Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets  including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and  did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters 
 He holds first  MA with honors in International  Relations and a  candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict  Resolution from the University of Liberia.