Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, on Friday, November 14, 2025, outlined government’s current fiscal constraints.
Ngafuan also highlighted major gains on the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Scorecard as the country awaits a key decision on its eligibility for a second compact.
According to a release, Mr. Ngafuan spoke on Class Reloaded, when he announced that Liberia passed 12 out of 22 indicators on the MCC’s newly released 2025 Scorecard.
These included the two critical “hard hurdles” on Control of Corruption, and Freedom of Information/Political Rights, which determine whether a country remains eligible for compact consideration.
“These hurdles are non-negotiable. Liberia passed both, showing our continued progress in governance and accountability,” he told the program.
Ngafuan said Liberia is one of only two Mano River Union countries to achieve a passing score this year.
He further reported that Liberia’s push for a second compact, has regained momentum after delays caused by U.S. Government transitions in 2024.
He confirmed that an MCC delegation visited Liberia in September, and that follow-up technical and diplomatic engagements were held in Washington ahead of the MCC Board December meeting.
“We remain in the game and are inching closer,” Ngafuan said.
He expressed cautious optimism about the upcoming decision.
He noted that any second compact would likely target Liberia’s longstanding constraints to growth, including energy infrastructure, roads and transport, and agricultural development.
Mr. Ngafuan also underscored the impact of the first MCC compact, which brought US$257 million in investments, most notably, the rehabilitation of the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant.
He said by reaffirming government’s commitment to transparency and inter-agency cooperation, “Let’s hope for the best, and work for the best.”
On the Draft FY 2026 Budget, Ngafuan said government allocated US$16 million from the 2025 national budget to clear outstanding civil servant salary arrears dating back to November and December 2023.
He described the payout as “necessary, but heavy burden on the country limited fiscal space.”
“Sixteen million dollars of this year’s budget went toward paying arrears incurred in 2023. Honoring salary obligations remains a priority despite competing budgetary pressures.”
He added that discussions around pay harmonization continue as the government works toward a more equitable and sustainable public sector wage system.
Mr. Ngaduan said the Boakai–Koung Administration, has projected major investments in roads and energy.
He described the sectors as the “foremost drivers of economic growth and national development.”