The Government of Liberia has renewed calls for international donors and development partners to align their support with the country’s new national development blueprint — the ARREST Agenda, with a strong emphasis on transforming the education sector to build human capital and secure a prosperous future.
During a high-level Government-Development Partners Retreat (G-DPR) organized by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), Liberian officials highlighted how the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID) — launched on January 15, 2025 — prioritizes education as a key pillar for national progress. The retreat, themed “Strengthening Partnerships for the Implementation of Liberia’s National Plan – AAID,” showcased how strategic investments in education will drive inclusive and sustainable growth.
Madam Tanneh G. Brunson, Deputy Minister for Budget, noted that Liberia’s vision for development is deeply rooted in building its human capital, and education is at the heart of this transformation. She stressed that Liberia’s AAID is not only aligned with Vision 2030 but also with global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), making education a critical sector for donor alignment.
“The challenges in our education system — from limited access to quality instruction, to inadequate learning resources — must be addressed with urgency. The ARREST Agenda offers a clear framework to tackle these head-on,” Brunson said. “We seek innovative partnerships to deliver impactful education outcomes for all Liberians.”
Education as a Catalyst for National Development
J. Wellington Barchue, Assistant Minister for Planning, emphasized that education is one of the six strategic pillars of the ARREST Agenda. As part of efforts to strengthen human capital development, the government plans to implement reforms aimed at improving access, equity, and quality in education.
One of the transformative interventions includes the introduction of a national teacher licensing program to ensure professional standards and competence. In addition, the government plans to distribute 200,000 digital tablets preloaded with instructional materials to secondary school students across the country to boost digital learning and bridge learning gaps.
“Investing in our teachers and equipping students with modern learning tools are core to our strategy. We envision a future where Liberian children have equal access to quality education regardless of their location,” Barchue stated.
Funding and Coordination for Impact
The AAID outlines 375 targeted interventions, with education being central to many of these efforts. To ensure success, Liberia is transitioning to a program-based budgeting model, linking education spending to measurable learning outcomes and ensuring more efficient resource allocation.
A National Steering Committee, chaired by President Joseph Boakai, and co-chaired by the UN Resident Coordinator, will oversee the implementation of the agenda. Key international partners such as the World Bank, IMF, African Development Bank, and the EU are included in the committee to foster strong collaboration and accountability.
Lifting Liberia through Learning
The government’s bold target to transition Liberia from a low-income to a lower-middle-income country by 2029 hinges on education. Improved literacy, better school infrastructure, enhanced teacher training, and inclusive policies are expected to contribute to better health outcomes, reduced poverty, and increased employment opportunities — especially for youth.
As Liberia faces shifting global economic realities, education remains the anchor for its long-term resilience and development. The government is calling on international donors to align their support with the education priorities of the ARREST Agenda, ensuring that investments in classrooms today translate to prosperity and peace tomorrow.
“We must educate to elevate,” said Brunson. “Our children deserve a future built on knowledge, skills, and opportunity — and that future begins with education.”
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.