Liberia, Kuwait Fund Sign US$12.8M Loan Agreement for Salayea, Konia Road Project

The Government of Liberia has signed a US$12.8 million loan agreement with the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) to boost the construction of the Salayea–Konia Road, a 50-kilometer stretch that forms a key link between Lofa County and the rest of the country.

The signing ceremony, held in Monrovia, is part of a wider multi-partner effort to fully finance the entire road corridor, which will eventually extend toward Voinjama.

Speaking at the event, Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan described the agreement as a major milestone for Liberia. He thanked the Kuwait Fund for its longstanding partnership and continuous support.

“To the Kuwaiti Fund you’ve been a friend in thick and thin,” Minister Ngafuan said, noting that President Joseph Boakai often reminds leaders to focus on “lighting candles” of progress instead of complaining about challenges.

“Today, we are lighting another candle for road development,” he added.

Ngafuan reflected on Liberia’s relationship with the Kuwait Fund, recalling how Kuwait supported the country during its 2010 debt-relief efforts when Liberia’s debt-to-GDP ratio stood at more than 740%. Kuwait helped cancel debt, provided grants, and led an Arab consortium that supported the Gbarnga Mendikorma Road.

Public Works Minister Roland Giddings explained that work on the northern road corridor had slowed in recent years because Liberia had fallen behind on debt repayments to the Kuwait Fund and other lenders, preventing further disbursements.

In April, a Liberian delegation including Ministers Ngafuan and Giddings visited Kuwait to renegotiate and restructure Liberia’s debt. Since then, the government has resumed payments and regained the confidence of its partners.

This progress has unlocked a major financing package that includes:

• US$12.8 million from the Kuwait Fund
• US$30 million from BADEA
• US$30 million from the OPEC Fund
• US$10 million (initial) from the Saudi Fund, with more expected

According to Minister Ngafuan, these commitments have fully secured funding for the Salayea–Konia stretch, with plans to complete the Salayea section before March 2026.

Minister Ngafuan stressed that the government’s long-term goal is not just to finish the 50-km segment, but to ensure the road reaches all the way to Voinjama.

“The Arab lenders are prepared to continue funding until we reach Voinjama,” he said.

He also noted that the recently ratified Pavi Forte Agreement will cover the Voinjama–Medikorma section.

Beyond roads, he hinted at future collaboration with Kuwait in other sectors, including port development.

Mr. Nawaf Al-Dabbous Sr., head of the Kuwait Fund delegation, reassured Liberia that his government remains committed to supporting national development.

“We look forward to implementing this project hand-in-hand and to supporting additional priority projects for the Republic of Liberia,” he said.

Minister Ngafuan emphasized that building roads is central to President Joseph Boakai’s ARREST Agenda, as improved connectivity will boost trade, development, and access to essential services.

“It’s not about financing anymore the financing is now mobilized,” he said. “It’s time for execution, and we intend to move fast.”