Monrovia- President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. on Monday, November 18, delivered a compelling keynote address at the opening of the 22nd Annual General Meeting of the African Road Maintenance Funds Association (ARMFA), held at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Monrovia.
By: Julius Konton
Welcoming road fund managers, policymakers, and infrastructure partners from across the continent, President Boakai expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the Government and people of Liberia.
“This is a gathering of dedicated minds committed to advancing Africa’s road infrastructure,” he said. “Your presence in Liberia reinforces our shared vision for sustainable development and strengthens our collective success story.”
Roads as Catalysts for Growth
Highlighting roads as engines of economic and social transformation, President Boakai stressed the indispensable role road infrastructure plays in the continent’s development. He noted that efficient road networks are critical to agriculture, education, healthcare, commerce, and regional integration.
“Roads connect farmers to markets, children to schools, patients to healthcare, and businesses to opportunity,” he emphasized. “They are central to achieving Agenda 2063 and maximizing the promise of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).”
However, President Boakai cautioned that Africa continues to grapple with significant challenges, including climate change, rapid urbanization, and chronic underinvestment.
“When we leave potholes unrepaired or downplay the urgency of a collapsing bridge, we create barriers to the safety and advancement of our people,” he warned.
Liberia’s Commitment to Smarter Road Governance
The Liberian leader reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to improving governance within the road sector, citing ongoing reforms in partnership with the National Road Fund. He emphasized that infrastructure development remains a cornerstone of the ARREST Agenda, which prioritizes efficient, inclusive, and climate-resilient transportation systems.
President Boakai also reiterated Liberia’s strong support for the African Union’s Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) and expressed the country’s readiness to contribute to AfCFTA’s success through strengthened connectivity.
A Call for Ambitious and Practical Solutions
Addressing ARMFA member states, President Boakai urged delegates to use the annual gathering as a platform to explore practical, forward-looking solutions for Africa’s transportation challenges.
“Let this be a forum for real answers—where we examine what has worked, what hasn’t, and how we can boldly shape the future of Africa’s roads,” he said. “The decisions we make today will define our continent’s development trajectory for generations.”
The President further called for deeper collaboration with development partners and the private sector, as well as a shift toward digital technologies, innovative financing mechanisms, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
He encouraged participants to pursue deliberations that would translate into tangible outcomes for road infrastructure across the continent.
About ARMFA
The African Road Maintenance Funds Association (ARMFA) is a continental body comprising Road Maintenance Funds from across Africa. The organization promotes collaboration, knowledge-sharing, capacity building, and coordinated road financing to enhance sustainable and resilient road infrastructure on the continent.
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