Liberia and World Bank Sign Landmark Agreement to Transform Public Primary Education

Strategic Insights -

The Government of Liberia and the World Bank have signed a landmark agreement aimed at transforming public primary education in the country through the Excellence in Learning in Liberia (EXCEL) Project. The agreement, worth US$88.7 million, includes a US$60 million credit from the International Development Association (IDA) and a US$28.7 million grant from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE). The initiative is a key component of the World Bank's new 2025-2030 Country Partnership Framework for Liberia, which prioritizes building foundations for more and better jobs.

The EXCEL Project will support the construction of over 100 primary schools and rehabilitation classrooms across the country, train more than 6,500 teachers, and provide leadership development for over 4,500 school administrators. In total, the project will reach 2,337 public primary schools and improve foundational literacy and numeracy for over 350,000 primary students through enhanced instructional materials and teaching methods. An estimated 12,000 teachers and school leaders will receive specialized training to strengthen foundational learning outcomes and classroom effectiveness.

Key Takeaways:

  • The EXCEL Project aims to transform public primary education in Liberia through a US$88.7 million investment, with a US$60 million credit from the International Development Association (IDA) and a US$28.7 million grant from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE).
  • The project will support the construction of over 100 primary schools and rehabilitation classrooms across the country, reaching 2,337 public primary schools and improving foundational literacy and numeracy for over 350,000 primary students.
  • An estimated 12,000 teachers and school leaders will receive specialized training to strengthen foundational learning outcomes and classroom effectiveness.
  • The project is aligned with the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development and represents a significant investment in Liberia's future by focusing on child education and equipping educators.
  • President Joseph Nyuma Boakai emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and international partners, noting that the project will help lift Liberia to new heights.

Statistics:

  • US$88.7 million: the total investment for the EXCEL Project.
  • US$60 million: the credit from the International Development Association (IDA).
  • US$28.7 million: the grant from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE).
  • 2,337: the number of public primary schools that will be reached through the project.
  • 350,000: the number of primary students who will benefit from improved foundational literacy and numeracy.
  • 12,000: the estimated number of teachers and school leaders who will receive specialized training.

Sources:

  • The Government of Liberia and the World Bank have signed a landmark agreement aimed at transforming public primary education in the country through the Excellence in Learning in Liberia (EXCEL) Project. (Liberian Observer, 2025)
  • The EXCEL Project will support the construction of over 100 primary schools and rehabilitation classrooms across the country, train more than 6,500 teachers, and provide leadership development for over 4,500 school administrators. (Liberian Observer, 2025)
  • The project is a key component of the World Bank's new 2025-2030 Country Partnership Framework for Liberia, which prioritizes building foundations for more and better jobs. (Liberian Observer, 2025)