By: G. Bennie Bravo Johnson, I
President Joseph N. Boakai has issued a strong call for enhanced continental cooperation in road financing, maintenance, and climate-resilient infrastructure as Liberia on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, hosted the 22nd Annual General Meeting of the African Road Maintenance Funds Association (ARMFA) at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Monrovia.
Addressing delegates, government officials, road fund managers, and development partners, President Boakai said Liberia was honored to host the gathering at a time when the country is “undergoing tremendous developmental changes and making great strides in sustainable infrastructure.” The President praised ARMFA for more than two decades of championing road maintenance coordination across Africa, describing the 22nd General Assembly as “another milestone in strengthening cooperation, enhancing technical capacity, and advancing regional integration.”
He reminded delegates that quality road infrastructure remains central to Africa’s socio-economic transformation, connecting farmers to markets, children to schools, and patients to healthcare. Roads, he said, are “economic and political pillars” vital to advancing the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Despite their importance, the President stressed that countries continue to face growing challenges, from climate change impacts to rapid urbanization and limited financing, which threaten the resilience of road networks. He noted that poorly maintained roads pose not only technical problems but also serious developmental setbacks.
President Boakai outlined his government’s commitment to the ARREST Agenda, noting that Liberia is collaborating with the National Road Fund to strengthen investments, reforms, and governance in road maintenance. “No country can achieve this alone,” he said, emphasizing that roads “weave our countries and cultures more than we think.”
The Liberian leader reaffirmed Liberia’s support for the African Union’s Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) and the AfCFTA, both of which rely heavily on improved regional connectivity. He encouraged delegates to deepen collaboration, explore innovative financing, and embrace climate and digital solutions, stressing that the Monrovia meeting must serve as a platform for practical problem-solving and renewed partnerships.
“Let this be a forum for knowledge-sharing,” the President said, adding that Africa is at a crossroads where current decisions on infrastructure will shape future generations.
He assured the gathering that Liberia stands ready to learn, share, and work with other nations to build the “roads of Africa’s tomorrow.” President Boakai extended his appreciation to delegates for choosing Liberia and encouraged them to experience the hospitality, culture, and warmth of the Liberian people during their stay.
