The Government of Liberia and the World Bank have signed an $88.7 million agreement to construct 100 new elementary schools across the country.
The initiative, known as the Excellence in Learning in Liberia (EXCEL) project, is expected to begin this year and will impact all fifteen counties.
The signing ceremony took place at the Executive Mansion in the presence of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and other senior government officials.
The EXCEL project is a central part of the government’s education reform efforts under the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID) and is aligned with Liberia’s Vision 2030, which aims to strengthen human capital and expand opportunities for all Liberians.
The World Bank Country Manager described the agreement as a historic milestone and the largest investment the World Bank has ever made in Liberia’s education sector.
Of the total $88.7 million, $60 million comes from the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank Group’s concessional financing arm, while $28.7 million is being contributed by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE).
According to the World Bank, EXCEL seeks to confront the root causes of Liberia’s learning crisis by focusing on foundational learning, improving the quality of instruction, expanding access to education, and strengthening the systems that support schools.
The project will emphasize teacher training, development of learning materials, school-based violence prevention, grant support to schools, and enhanced national assessment systems. It also aims to improve the collection and use of education data for more effective policy decisions.
The Bank noted the urgency of the initiative, highlighting that Liberia ranks among the lowest globally in human capital outcomes. With just five years remaining before the target year of Vision 2030, the EXCEL project is viewed as a critical investment to close education gaps and unlock the potential of Liberia’s youth.
The current education challenges marked by low levels of literacy and minimal learning-adjusted years of schooling were described as obstacles that must be urgently addressed.
The World Bank also affirmed its long-term commitment to Liberia, stating that EXCEL is a flagship project under its soon-to-be-launched Country Partnership Framework.
This new framework will focus on laying the foundations for better employment opportunities through education and skills development.
President Boakai praised the partnership, describing it as a clear demonstration of Liberia’s determination to ensure every child has access to quality education. Education Minister Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah was commended for her instrumental role in steering the project and for her leadership in advancing education reforms.
Construction of the schools is expected to commence in the coming months. Once completed, the EXCEL project is projected to significantly reduce overcrowding in public primary schools, increase enrollment rates, and help build a stronger, more equitable education system for Liberia’s future generations.
