Monrovia – The Project Implementation Unit of the Liberia Investment, Finance and Trade Project (LIFT), a World Bank-funded initiative, has honored Madam Alari Hasanatu Ijileyoh Mahdi, outgoing Senior Private Sector Development Specialist and Task Team Lead, at a farewell dinner recognizing her contributions to Liberia’s private sector development and economic reform agenda.
The event, held at the Boulevard Palace in Sinkor, brought together senior government officials, World Bank representatives, members of the private sector, and development partners to celebrate the conclusion of Madam Mahdi’s assignment in Liberia.
Speakers at the gathering praised Madam Mahdi for her leadership, professionalism, and commitment to advancing key reforms aimed at strengthening Liberia’s investment climate, expanding financial inclusion, and promoting private sector growth.
Delivering the government’s tribute, Liberia’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Hon. Magdalene Dagoseh, described Madam Mahdi’s tenure as one marked by excellence and distinction.
“Madam Mahdi performed with eminence and distinction,” Minister Dagoseh said. “When we reflect on her contributions to the LIFT Project in Liberia, she will be missed, and she will be remembered.”
According to the minister, Madam Mahdi played a critical role in fostering collaboration between the World Bank and the Government of Liberia while helping to advance initiatives designed to support economic inclusion and private sector development.
In her remarks, Madam Mahdi expressed gratitude to government institutions and stakeholders who worked alongside her throughout her assignment.
Reflecting on her years of service in Liberia, she thanked ministries and agencies for their commitment to dialogue and collaboration, noting that their support made many of the project’s achievements possible.
Central Bank of Liberia Executive Governor Henry F. Saamoi, speaking on behalf of the LIFT Project Steering Committee, described Madam Mahdi as a results-oriented development professional whose determination helped drive key reforms under the project.
Governor Saamoi highlighted several major initiatives advanced through the partnership between the Central Bank, the World Bank, and the LIFT Project, including the operationalization of Liberia’s Collateral Registry System, which is expected to be launched later this month.
He also pointed to progress made on the National Switch Project, which is expected to become Liberia’s first national electronic payment switch, and ongoing work toward the establishment of a Credit Reference System targeted for launch by the end of the year.
“Whenever Madam Mahdi embarks on a task, her goal is to achieve results,” Governor Saamoi said, adding that implementation challenges that once slowed progress were effectively addressed through collaboration and strategic leadership.
He wished her success in her new assignment in the World Bank’s East Asia and Pacific Region, based in Fiji.
World Bank Country Manager for Liberia, Madam Georgia Wallen, also paid tribute to Madam Mahdi, describing her as a professional known for authenticity, technical excellence, sincerity, and perseverance.
“If you can make it in Liberia, you can make it anywhere on the globe,” Wallen remarked, drawing applause from attendees.
She commended the LIFT Project team for organizing the event and praised Madam Mahdi’s contributions to development initiatives that have helped strengthen Liberia’s business environment.
Other government officials echoed similar sentiments.
Deputy Finance Minister for Economic Management, Hon. Dehpue Y. Zuo, credited Madam Mahdi for helping advance reforms that contributed to the implementation of online business registration services.
Deputy Foreign Minister for International Cooperation and Economic Integration, Ambassador Ibrahim Al-bakri Nyei, praised her pragmatic approach to problem-solving and highlighted her role in supporting the digitalization of Liberia’s business registration system and oversight of private sector financing initiatives under the LIFT Project.
“She is a personality that never wavers, and Liberia will remember her for that,” Ambassador Nyei said.
LIFT Project Coordinator Julius Saye Keh-Nel said Madam Mahdi joined the project during a particularly challenging period marked by political transition, administrative restructuring, and implementation bottlenecks.
According to him, she quickly became instrumental in stabilizing project operations, strengthening stakeholder engagement, and ensuring that implementation targets remained on track despite difficult circumstances.
“Ms. Mahdi successfully navigated institutional challenges, strengthened communication and trust among diverse stakeholders, and ensured that implementation remained on course even in the face of adversity,” Keh-Nel said.
He added that her leadership helped restore momentum to the project and fostered a culture of collaboration and problem-solving.
The evening also featured a Statement of Gratitude delivered by PIU-LIFT Finance Officer Jamima Dahn on behalf of the project team. Dahn and other staff members later presented Madam Mahdi with a commemorative award in recognition of her service and dedication.
The event was attended by senior officials from the Government of Liberia, representatives of the World Bank, members of the LIFT Project Steering Committee, and other invited guests.
The farewell ceremony highlighted the enduring partnership between Liberia and the World Bank while celebrating Madam Mahdi’s contributions to initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s private sector and financial infrastructure.
