By: Julius Konton
In a significant move aimed at strengthening economic governance and accelerating infrastructure development, Liberian President has announced a fresh set of appointments at the National Investment Commission (NIC) and the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs, while simultaneously creating a high-level Project Steering Committee (PSC) to oversee one of the country’s largest ongoing road concession projects.
The appointments come at a time when Liberia is intensifying efforts to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), improve road connectivity, and boost economic growth under the government’s ambitious ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), a six-year national blueprint prioritizing Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism.
President Boakai named Morley P. Kamara, formerly Economic Advisor to the President, as the new Chairman of the National Investment Commission, replacing Jeff B. Blibo, who has now been reassigned as Investment and Economic Advisor to the President at the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs.
In another key appointment, Caroline Bowah was named Executive Director of the NIC, a strategic role expected to lead Liberia’s drive to attract new capital inflows and expand investor confidence.
The reshuffle reflects what analysts describe as Boakai’s broader strategy to reposition Liberia’s investment climate amid regional competition for capital.
According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Liberia attracted approximately US$1.1 billion in FDI inflows between 2020 and 2025, largely concentrated in mining, agriculture, and energy.
Strategic Oversight for Major Highway Expansion
In a parallel move, President Boakai established the Project Steering Committee (PSC) to provide strategic supervision over the pavement of approximately 255 kilometers of critical primary road corridors across Liberia, an infrastructure project valued at an estimated US$363.9 million, according to government infrastructure projections.
The road concession is seen as one of Liberia’s most ambitious connectivity projects in recent decades, aimed at reducing transportation costs, improving trade routes, and linking rural communities to urban markets.
Liberia currently has more than 10,600 kilometers of roads, but only about 1,500 kilometers roughly 14%—are paved, according to Ministry of Public Works data.
During the rainy season, nearly 60% of rural roads become impassable, significantly affecting commerce, healthcare access, and food distribution.
The PSC will serve as the principal inter-agency coordination mechanism between the Government of Liberia and the concessionaire, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and addressing operational bottlenecks.
The Committee will be chaired by the Ministry of Public Works, with the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning serving as Co-Chair.
Other permanent members include:
Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs
Ministry of Transport
Ministry of Justice
National Road Fund
National Investment Commission
Liberia Revenue Authority
The Concessionaire
Government says additional ministries and technical experts will be brought in when necessary.
Driving Economic Transformation
Experts argue that Liberia’s infrastructure deficit remains one of the biggest barriers to economic competitiveness.
The World Bank estimates that poor road conditions cost Liberia nearly 3% of GDP annually due to inefficiencies in trade and transportation.
Since taking office in January 2024, President Boakai’s administration has placed infrastructure at the center of national recovery efforts. His government has secured and negotiated financing from regional and international partners to support road and energy projects.
Political observers say the latest appointments indicate a deliberate effort by the President to consolidate expertise around economic policy and project execution, especially as Liberia seeks to sustain its 5.1% economic growth rate recorded in 2025, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
President Boakai has urged the newly appointed officials and PSC members to perform their duties with “diligence, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to national service,” emphasizing that efficient implementation of strategic investments remains central to his administration’s development vision.
The formation of the PSC and the NIC reshuffle signal what could be a defining phase in Liberia’s infrastructure modernization and investment reform agenda, one that many hope will reshape the country’s economic future and improve living conditions for millions.
