Embassy News

United States Agency for International Development
Signs Assistance Agreements with Liberia

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) signed four Assistance Agreements with the Government of Liberia to signal continued commitment to Liberia’s peace and recovery.  The four agreements support USAID’s objectives and are consistent with the Government of Liberia’s priorities as outlined in the Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy.  They are: 1) Governing Justly and Democratically; 2) Investing in People:  Education; 3) Investing in People:  Health; and 4) Economic Growth.  USAID Acting Mission Director Lucretia Taylor and Acting Minister of Planning and Economic Affairs Simeon Moribah signed the agreements through which assistance totaling US$65,741,441 will be provided.  Further, it is estimated that, subject to the availability of funds, USAID will provide an additional US$75,611,000 in fiscal year 2008 for a grand total of US$141,352,441.  

These agreements enable USAID to obligate and reserve funds specifically for use in Liberia.  USAID will also continue to provide assistance using other instruments not covered in the agreements, including programs that are funded directly from USAID/Washington or from USAID Regional Programs.  Funding for efforts to expand GOL outreach to smallholder farmers and entrepreneurs; promote food security and address the needs of vulnerable populations; support the Liberia Forest Initiative; eradicate polio; and prevent malaria amounts to US$16,665,946 in Fiscal Year 2007. 

Acting USAID Mission Director Lucretia Taylor, stated that “We welcome this new era in USAID and Government of Liberia cooperation and look forward to working closely with our partners both within and outside of government as we open this brand new chapter in U.S./Liberia relations.  Attending the signing ceremony held at the Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs were representatives of Government of Liberia Line Ministries and senior staff of USAID.