By: Julius Konton
The Government of Liberia, through the Division of Economic Policy within the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), on Tuesday launched a five-day technical working session in Gompa City to produce the 2024 Annual Economic Review (AER), the country’s flagship assessment of national economic performance.
The AER provides a comprehensive analysis of global, regional, and domestic economic trends.
It highlights key achievements, growth trajectories, sectoral performance, and potential risks, serving as a foundation for evidence-based policymaking and national development planning.
Speaking at the opening session, Assistant Minister for Economic Policy, Macroeconomic and Financial Sector Policy, Henry D. Z. Yanquoi, who represented Deputy Minister for Economic Management Hon. Dehpue Zuo, emphasized the significance of the review.
“The Annual Economic Review is a vital platform for evaluating Liberia’s economic performance. It allows us to examine critical indicators from GDP growth and inflation to fiscal and monetary developments, climate-related financial impacts, and sectoral trends in agriculture, mining, fisheries, manufacturing, and infrastructure,” Mr. Yanquoi said.
Earlier, a representative of the Gompa City Mayor welcomed participants to the city and commended the government for decentralizing the process.
“The AER demonstrates the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Bringing this exercise to Gompa is a clear effort to meet citizen expectations while identifying challenges that require corrective action,” said A. Saye Dolo.
Also addressing the gathering, Assistant Minister for Planning and Research at the Ministry of Public Works, Abraham Rahim Bility, underscored the central role of infrastructure particularly roads in economic growth.
“Public Works plays a crucial role in Liberia’s economic transformation. We are prepared to supply the relevant data needed to accurately assess the performance of our sector, especially as roads remain a major constraint to growth,” he noted.
The Assistant Minister for Statistics and Research, Hon. Jackson F. Wolobah, expressed optimism about the review process and its long-term impact.
“The Annual Economic Review is essential for national progress. It guides decision-makers and strengthens our collective efforts toward sustainable development,” Hon. Wolobah said.
The five-day session is being attended by technical experts and senior officials from multiple Ministries, Agencies, and Commissions, all contributing data and analysis to ensure a thorough and accurate national economic review.
