Photo credit: MPW
World Bank Executive Director Visits Liberia, Advances Talks on Legacy Corridor Financing
The Government of Liberia has welcomed Zarau Wendeline Kibwe, Executive Director of the World Bank Africa Group, who is currently in the country as part of his oversight of 22 African nations. His visit follows key engagements at the recently concluded World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C., where discussions progressed on financing Liberia’s ambitious Legacy Corridor project.
The Legacy Corridor, a transformative infrastructure initiative, will traverse three key counties: Grand Bassa County, Bong County, and Nimba County; and is expected to significantly boost economic activity, regional connectivity, and job creation. Dr. Kibwe’s visit is focused on finalizing financing terms, evaluating the project’s economic viability, and ensuring alignment with the Bank’s policy objectives on poverty reduction and inclusive development.
Photo credit: MPW
As part of his engagements, Dr. Kibwe joined a high-level government delegation led by Roland Layfette Giddings, alongside Deputy Minister of Finance and Development Planning Depu Zuo and Deputy Minister of Education Nyekeh Y. Forkpa, on an inspection tour of ongoing and completed World Bank-supported projects. The delegation visited newly constructed model schools in Bong and Nimba Counties, where Dr. Kibwe expressed satisfaction with the Government’s effective utilization of resources.
The team also inspected the SECRAMP road project, specifically Lots 1 and 2 (Ganta–Saclepea and Saclepea–Tapita corridors). Head of the Infrastructure Implementation Unit at the Ministry of Public Works, Emmanuel Baker, reported that the project has reached 94 percent completion. He noted that while pavement works are largely complete, the ongoing bridge construction in Saclepea remains critical and is expected to be finalized by September 2026. The overall project completion date is set for March 2027, followed by a 12-month defect liability period.
In his remarks, Minister Giddings highlighted the project’s tangible impact, revealing that more than 80 new construction developments have emerged along the corridor since the project began. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in managing World Bank resources.
"What we are witnessing in Liberia is a clear demonstration of how strategic infrastructure investments can transform lives. The Legacy Corridor is not just a road project, it is a pathway to economic empowerment, regional integration, and dignity for thousands of Liberians. As long as the Government remains committed to transparency and results, the World Bank will continue to stand as a reliable partner in Liberia’s development journey,” Dr. Kibwe remarked.
Concluding the tour, Dr. Kibwe commended the Government of Liberia for its development strides, noting that the projects align closely with the World Bank’s broader vision for sustainable growth across Africa. He assured officials that due diligence will be applied at every stage of the Legacy Corridor initiative to ensure its successful implementation.
