Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, has reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to strengthen its longstanding partnership with the United States.
The recommitment highlighted the opportunities for increased trade, investment, and collaboration to accelerate the economic growth and development.
Ngafuan made the called-on Wednesday, October 21, when he received the Chief of Mission and Charge’ d’ Affaires at the United State Embassy near Monrovia, Kristin Gilmore.
Madam Gilmore had paid a courtesy visit at the Ministry.
In his welcome remark, Ngafuan acknowledged the important role the U.S. Embassy has played in supporting Liberia’s development through technical guidance, economic cooperation, trade and investment.
He particularly emphasized the collaboration between the two governments in advancing Liberia’s eligibility for a Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact.
Ngafuan noted that the MCC Board’s decision, and the Embassy’s engagement with the Liberian team set the Compact Development process in motion.
“We will do our part in the spirit of partnership. The decision of the MCC Board, and the Embassy team’s support, and strong partnership, has led to the Compact Development team taking shape. For that, we have to keep this going.”
Ngafuan expressed that hope that Madam Gilmore’s presence in the country would further consolidate the progress achieved in bilateral relations, and open new avenues for mutually beneficial cooperation.
He identified energy, ports, roads, tourism, telecommunications, and financial technology (fintech), as key sectors offering significant opportunities for American businesses and investors.
He spoke of how the country has entered a period of economic growth that requires stronger partnerships between the public, and private sectors to unlock the country’s development potential.
Ngafuan reaffirmed government’s willingness to deepen engagement with the United States, and create opportunities for increased private-sector participation in economic transformation.
Madam Gilmore expressed delight having returned to Liberia after several years away.
She recalled how her previous experience in the country in 2009 was awe-inspiring.
“It is a pleasure to be back in Liberia since 2009, and to see the economic development of Monrovia, and how things have progressed.”
Madam Gilmore explained how her responsibilities in Liberia include strengthening bilateral relations, promoting U.S. investment, advancing public health cooperation, and supporting regional peace and diplomacy, particularly during Liberia’s tenure on the United Nations Security Council.
She also commended Liberia for her performance in domestic revenue mobilization.
She also cited the expansion of the country’s tax base in 2026, as an encouraging development.
She assured Mr. Ngafuan of the U.S. Embassy’s commitment to promote greater trade and investment between the two countries, including encouraging more American companies to explore business opportunities in Liberia.
“My career started here, and my mission is also to ensure sustainable healthcare partnership with Liberia.”
Madam Gilmore further praised Mr. Ngafuan for the progress that developed the MCC Compact, and for the recruitment of personnel to support the process.
She also disclosed that a delegation from the U.S. State of Maryland is to visit Liberia next week to explore potential areas of cooperation, particularly in education, fintech and tourism.
The anticipated visit is to provide another opportunity to identify areas of mutual interest, and strengthen economic and institutional ties between Liberia and the United States.
Liberia and the United States maintain longstanding diplomatic relations, with cooperation spanning economic development, governance, public health, education and regional security.
