The National Road Fund of Liberia (NRF) was overwhelmingly voted to host the 22nd Annual General Assembly of the African Road Maintenance Funds Association (ARMFA) at ARMFA’s Executive Committee meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, on May 26, 2025.
This decision was made after Mrs. Joseta Neufville Wento, Manager of the NRF and a key figure within ARMFA’s West Africa chapter, made a compelling case.
ARMFA is an influential gathering of CEOs of Road Funds, policymakers, infrastructure financiers, and transport ministers from across Africa that shapes policy on road maintenance financing and infrastructure development.
The General Assembly is set to convene in Monrovia from November 17 to 21, 2025, drawing more than 350 delegates from 35 African countries. This marks the first time Liberia will host gathering of such magnitude over a decade. “This is a proud moment for Liberia,” Mrs. Wento told reporters shortly after the decision. “We made the case that our country is transitioning into a second-generation road fund model and that we are ready to showcase the progress we’ve made in sustainable road infrastructure financing and governance.” The vote of confidence comes at a time when Liberia is striving to improve its road infrastructure as a cornerstone of its national development strategy. The Liberia’s post-war road network remains underdeveloped, with many rural communities still isolated during the rainy season. Hosting the General Assembly, according to independent analysts, could be a catalyst for both infrastructural and economic change.
Beyond its significance, the ARMFA General Assembly is expected to generate economic ripple effects for Liberia. Experts predict that the event could inject millions of U.S. dollars into the local economy through hotel bookings, transportation services, catering, and tourism.
“This isn’t just a conference, it’s an economic opportunity,” said Mrs. Wento. “The influx of high-level delegates and industry players opens up Liberia’s road sector to foreign investment. It provides a live platform to pitch new projects, mobilize financing, and even secure technical partnerships.”
Mrs. Wento also added: “For me, this is more than just a general assembly,” she said. “It’s an opportunity to attract foreign investment and stimulate growth in our local economy and a chance to reset global perceptions. We see this also as a platform to further develop our economic corridors and create jobs, particularly for young people.”
Liberia’s hosting of the General Assembly aligns with President Joseph Boakai’s ARREST Agenda, which places infrastructure, particularly road connectivity, as a top priority.
“The visibility that comes with hosting ARMFA is priceless,” said Emmett P. Coker, Director of Media and Communications, NRF. “It sends a strong message that Liberia is not only open for business but is serious about long-term infrastructure development.”