By Wilmot Konah
Monrovia, Liberia — March 24, 2026 — The National Road Fund (NRF) of Liberia has launched a three-day Contractors–Banks–NRF Partnership Forum aimed at addressing procurement challenges and strengthening financing in the country’s road sector.
The forum, which runs from March 24 to 26 in Monrovia, brings together contractors, financial institutions, and key government stakeholders to promote transparency, accountability, and improved collaboration in infrastructure development.
Speaking at the opening session, NRF Managing Director Joseta Neufville Wento highlighted the financial difficulties facing local contractors, noting that limited access to funding continues to hinder their ability to execute major road projects. “Access to financing remains one of the biggest challenges for Liberian contractors,” Wento said. “We must build stronger partnerships between banks and contractors to close this gap and ensure that local firms can fully participate in national development.”
Discussions on the first day focused heavily on procurement and bidding processes, with participants pointing to delays, inefficiencies, and administrative bottlenecks that often slow down road projects and discourage private sector participation.
For his part, the Executive Director of the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC), Bodger Scott Johnson, stressed the importance of transparency and strict adherence to procurement laws.
“Transparency and compliance are critical to rebuilding trust in the procurement system,” Johnson said. “Many of the challenges we face today stem from poor documentation, weak compliance, and a limited understanding of the bidding process. These are issues we must urgently address.”
He further called for increased training for contractors and procurement officers, emphasizing that adherence to established guidelines is key to ensuring value for money in public projects.
Meanwhile, representatives from the Engineering Society of Liberia and several financial institutions underscored the need for improved professional standards, stronger collaboration, and expanded access to credit facilities for contractors.
A representative of a participating financial institution noted, “Banks are willing to support infrastructure development, but there must be clear structures, reduced risk, and better communication between all parties involved.”
Government officials attending the forum also pledged stronger policy support and improved coordination across institutions to address longstanding challenges in the sector.
The forum is expected to conclude on March 26, with stakeholders hopeful that the discussions will lead to practical reforms that enhance procurement processes, unlock financing opportunities, and accelerate road development across Liberia.
