House Ratifies US$60M IDA Loan for EXCEL Education Project amid Concerns over Long-Term Debt Burden

CAPITOL HILL, MONROVIA: The Plenary of the House of Representatives has unanimously ratified a US$60 million International Development Association (IDA) credit intended to support the Liberia Excellence in Learning (EXCEL) Education Project an approval lawmakers say comes with caution and responsibility.

The decision was reached following the presentation of an extensive report from the Joint Committee on Education and Public Administration, Judiciary, Banking and Finance, and Ways, Means and Finance. The Committee had been mandated to thoroughly scrutinize the financing agreement submitted by the Executive Branch.

During deliberations, committee members raised critical concerns, underscoring that the IDA support is not a grant, but a loan that will become part of Liberia’s long-term debt portfolio. They stressed that such commitments must undergo rigorous review, with one member noting that legislative approval “cannot be automatic it must be earned and justified.”

According to the Joint Committee’s findings, the Liberia EXCEL Project aims to significantly strengthen foundational learning outcomes across 2,337 public schools spanning all 15 counties. The program will target early childhood and primary education, two areas consistently identified as the most vulnerable segments of Liberia’s education system.

The ratified US$60 million credit is structured to unlock an additional US$28.7 million grant from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE). Combined, the project will benefit from a total financing package of US$88.7 million—a boost lawmakers say is crucial for rebuilding the country’s human capital foundation.

The EXCEL initiative aligns with the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, particularly its focus on improving access to quality education, reducing the national learning deficit, and addressing the funding gaps that continue to hinder school performance across the country.

With the House’s unanimous ratification, the legislative instrument has now been forwarded to the Liberian Senate for concurrence. If approved, implementation of the EXCEL Project will begin with a nationwide effort to elevate teaching standards, enhance school environments, and introduce targeted interventions to support early learners.

Lawmakers, however, emphasize that while the project promises significant educational gains, Liberia must remain vigilant about its rising debt obligations ensuring that every borrowed dollar yields tangible results for current and future generations.