World Bank Country Manager Hails Liberia’s Commitment to Governance Reform at APRM Workshop

Monrovia, September 10, 2025 – The World Bank Liberia Country Manager, Georgia Wallen, has lauded Liberia’s determination to strengthen governance and accountability as the country embarks on the popularization of the African Union’s African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Revised Country Self-Assessment Questionnaire and Methodology.

Speaking at the launch workshop in Monrovia, Wallen commended the government and partners for embracing the APRM process, describing it as a “unique platform for strengthening the governance agenda in Liberia and across the African continent.”

“Today’s workshop is about more than tools and methodologies; it is about strengthening the practice of good governance in Liberia,” Wallen said. “By updating and popularizing the revised self-assessment questionnaire—and by building national capacity to apply it—Liberia is taking a concrete step toward that vision.”

She noted that Liberia’s commitment to a second-generation peer review underscores the Boakai administration’s emphasis on integrity, accountability, and delivery, aligning with the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.

Wallen outlined three reasons the workshop is particularly timely and valuable: Investing in national capacity – Training government counterparts, research institutions, and independent think tanks on the APRM methodology to strengthen long-term reform.

Centering evidence and inclusion – Ensuring civil society, youth, academia, and the media contribute, making the review credible and inclusive.

Fostering peer learning – Drawing lessons from across Africa while contributing Liberia’s own innovations to continental governance practices.

She also stressed the importance of tackling emerging governance challenges, including illicit financial flows, the climate crisis, and the need for stronger resilience mechanisms.

“The World Bank is committed to supporting country-owned pathways to stronger governance and institutions,” Wallen assured. “We see clear synergies between the APRM process and our emphasis on data-driven policymaking, public financial management, service delivery, and resilience to shocks.”

Concluding her remarks, she encouraged participants to be candid, coherent, and collaborative in their deliberations.

“Celebrate progress, but do not shy away from gaps. Connect the findings to national plans and budget processes. Sustain the partnerships you forge here—across ministries, with independent researchers, and with civil society,” she said.

The launch brought together officials from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, the African Union, the APRM Secretariat, the National Governance Council, civil society, and development partners.