Liberia Seeks to Boost Domestic Resource Mobilization Amid International Aid Cuts

Strategic Insights -

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has convened a high-level cabinet meeting to develop strategies for increasing domestic resource mobilization in Liberia, following significant cuts in international aid. The meeting, held at the Executive Mansion, came as a response to the cancellation of 27 out of 29 programs funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Minister of Information Jerolinmek Piah emphasized the urgency of the meeting, stating that the government must focus on domestic resource mobilization to keep development initiatives on track. A draft domestic resource mobilization policy was presented by the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) and received endorsement from the cabinet to begin implementation. The policy aims to increase the budget beyond $1 billion or more.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Liberian government is seeking to boost domestic resource mobilization in response to significant cuts in international aid, specifically the cancellation of 27 out of 29 programs funded by USAID.
  • The cabinet meeting, led by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, aimed to develop strategies for increasing domestic resource mobilization, including a draft policy presented by the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA).
  • The LRA's draft policy received endorsement from the cabinet to begin implementation, with the goal of increasing the budget beyond $1 billion or more.
  • President Boakai plans to make unannounced visits to government ministries and agencies to assess their performance and working conditions.
  • The visits aim to gain firsthand insight into the daily operations of government and interact with ordinary public workers, with the goal of engaging not just with ministers but with the employees who form the backbone of the public sector.

Statistics:

  • 27 out of 29 programs funded by USAID have been cancelled.
  • The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) has presented a draft domestic resource mobilization policy.
  • The proposed budget increase aims to exceed $1 billion or more.

Sources:

  • "President Boakai Convenes High-Level Meeting on Domestic Resource Mobilization" by J.H. Webster Clayeh, Frontpage Africa, May 20