The African Development Bank President, Dr. Donald Kaberuka, will lead a delegation on a two-day working visit to Liberia, where he will officially open the Bank's field office in Monrovia.

During his September 18-19 visit, the AfDB President will hold high-profile meetings with President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and other government officials including the Finance Minister and AfDB Governor for Liberia, Mr. Amara M. Konneh.

While in Liberia, President Kaberuka will discuss in detail the Bank's support for the implementation of the country's new Medium-Term Expenditure Framework Budget project. He will also meet with the National Legislature to strengthen the Bank's partnership with that body, whose role will be critical in the approval of Bank loans for development projects in Liberia.

The AfDB's engagement in Liberia has focused on providing emergency support to rebuild public service and government institutions, and establish macroeconomic stability. The Bank operations are focused on poverty reduction, revitalizing economic activity and rehabilitating infrastructure for basic services delivery.

The Bank started operations in Liberia in 1972. Its operations were disrupted following the country's 14-year civil war, which ended in 2003 with a comprehensive peace arrangement paving the way for democratic elections won by Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who was sworn into office in 2006. By early 2007, significant progress had been made in restoring peace and security, paving the way for increased economic and development activities.

The Bank's portfolio in Liberia at mid-September 2012 comprised 11 operations totalling US$163.4 million (UA 108.2 million). These are in the areas of multi-sector/governance (33%); water and sanitation (25%); social sector (19%); agriculture and rural development (15%); and finance and private banking (8%). Mrs. Margaret Kilo is the Resident Representative of the Liberia Field Office (LRFO), which commenced operation in August 2011.