By P. Vangerline Kpotoe
MONROVIA, Oct. 24 (LINA)-The Government of Liberia and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their historic partnership, with renewed focus on trade, investment and economic cooperation.
Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan gave the assurance Wednesday, October 21, 2026 when he received the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires and Chief of Mission near Monrovia, Kristin Gilmore, during a courtesy call at his office.
According to a statement released on October 21, 2026 Minister Ngafuan lauded the U.S. Embassy for its continued support to Liberia’s development drive, especially through technical assistance, economic cooperation and investment promotion.
He singled out the joint efforts that led to Liberia’s progress toward a Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact, noting that the MCC Board’s decision coupled with the Embassy’s strong engagement helped launch the Compact development process.
“We will do our part in the spirit of partnership. The decision of the MCC Board, and the Embassy team’s support and strong partnership, has led to the Compact Development team taking shape, and we have to keep this going,” Ngafuan stated.
The finance minister expressed optimism that Gilmore’s tour of duty in Liberia will further consolidate gains in bilateral relations and create new opportunities for win-win cooperation.
He named energy, ports, road infrastructure, tourism, telecommunications and financial technology (fintech) as priority sectors ripe for U.S. investment, stressing that Liberia is poised for economic growth that demands stronger public-private partnerships.
For her part, Chargé d’Affaires Gilmore said she was delighted to be back in Liberia after serving here in 2009, noting visible economic transformation in Monrovia.
“It is a pleasure to be back in Liberia since 2009, and to see the economic development of Monrovia and how things are progressing,” she said.
The American career diplomat said her mandate in Liberia includes deepening bilateral ties, promoting American investment, advancing health cooperation, and supporting regional peace and diplomacy as Liberia serves on the UN Security Council.
She commended Liberia for improving domestic revenue mobilization, particularly the expansion of the tax base in 2026, describing it as encouraging.
Gilmore assured Minister Ngafuan of the Embassy’s resolve to boost trade and investment, including encouraging more U.S. companies to explore business prospects in Liberia.
“My career started here, and my mission is also to ensure sustainable healthcare partnership with Liberia,” she emphasized.
She also praised Ngafuan for progress on the MCC Compact development and the recruitment of staff to drive the process.
Gilmore disclosed that a delegation from the State of Maryland is expected in Liberia next week to explore cooperation in education, fintech and tourism, an engagement expected to further strengthen economic and institutional ties between the two countries.
Liberia and the United States enjoy long standing relations spanning economic development, governance, public health, education and regional security.