The National Road Fund and the Ministry of Public Works explore new opportunities.

In its strides towards financing and maintaining road infrastructure across Liberia, the National Road Fund of Liberia (NRF), along with the Ministry of Public Works (MPW), is attending the Africa Road Maintenance Fund Association's (ARMFA) 21^st General Assembly in Abidjan.

The Africa Road Maintenance Fund Association's (ARMFA) 21^st General Assembly commenced on May 13 and ends on May 16. The four-day event brings together over 255 delegates, including road fund managers, diplomats, international press, engineers, and foreign business (technical and financial) worldwide representing 35 countries, to discuss sustainable funding, innovation in revenue generation, strengthening administrative structures by non-politicizing the fund, and sharing knowledge and experience on best practices.

The delegation from Liberia is led by the Manager of the NRF, Mrs. Joseta Neufville-Wento; Hon. Roland Layfette-Giddings, Minister of Public Works and Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee (IMSC) of the NRF; Senator Francis Dopoh; and Mr. John H. Tokpah, administrator of the NRF.

During the opening ceremony of the 21^st general assembly, His Excellency, Robert Beugré Mambé, the governor of Abidjan, graced the event and urged technicians “to create a beautiful Africa."  Referencing the progress Ivory Coast has made and continues to make in beautifying their city to attract tourism.

The general assembly sets its focus on road safety, pavement protection, and the introduction of the axel load control systems and toll. Road funds across Africa are encouraged to utilize public-private partnerships to improve the quality of roads and bridges.

 Mrs. Neufville-Wento stated that the Liberian delegation plans to utilize discussions to enhance the quality of road data and boost revenue through proper maintenance and planning without any constraints.

On the sidelines of the assembly, Mrs. Wento and Minister Giddings are engaging with peers from different countries aimed at transforming road infrastructure in Liberia, in line with President Joseph Boakai’s ARREST agenda.

President Boakai recognizes road connectivity as a crucial infrastructure for Liberia's development. He underscores that the “absence of well-built roads and related infrastructure significantly contributes to rural neglect. “The presence of high-quality paved roads and railways will unlock the potential of both our agriculture and tourism sectors, stimulate commerce and industry, and enhance livelihoods nationwide."

Mrs. Wento firmly believes these efforts are aimed at supporting President Boakai’s vision, to which the NRF remains committed. Mrs. Wento acknowledges the correlation between road infrastructure and economic growth, as roads directly facilitate the provision of essential services required for Liberia’s productive activities, such as agricultural production and industry.