ARREST Agenda Targets Agribusiness, Education, and Infrastructure for a Prosperous Future

The Liberian government has recently launched an ambitious blueprint for national development titled the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID) 2025-2029, aiming to transform the country’s socio-economic landscape. 

With a strategic focus on key growth drivers and filters, the plan seeks to address systemic challenges while promoting sustainable development across Liberia.

The ARREST Agenda highlights five critical development drivers: agribusiness, infrastructure (particularly roads), rule of law, education, and sanitation. 

Together, these are expected to act as catalysts for economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability.

On the Agribusiness Value Chain, the plan envisions agribusiness as a cornerstone of economic transformation. 

By leveraging Liberia’s natural resources, the sector aims to create jobs, ensure food security, and promote sustainability.

“Agribusiness is not just about farming; it’s about creating wealth and resilience in rural communities,” officials noted.

For the roads as infrastructure Proxies, roads are prioritized as a proxy for inclusive infrastructure.

Improved connectivity is expected to spur economic growth, facilitate trade, and enhance access to essential services. 

The agenda underscores the importance of sustainable and inclusive infrastructure to improve living standards.

Another national plan target is the rule of law. Enforceable rule of law is framed as a driver of stability, trust in institutions, and accountability. 

Strengthening governance is expected to foster economic growth and equitable development, creating a business-friendly environment in Liberia.

Quality Education: The plan recognizes education as a critical enabler of development. By enhancing skills and reducing poverty, education is expected to empower individuals to contribute to Liberia’s progress.

Sanitation and Preventive Health: Addressing sanitation issues is seen as essential for workforce productivity and quality of life. The agenda focuses on health as a driver of economic stability and social resilience.

Specialized Tourism as a Growth Engine
The AAID emphasizes tourism as a driver of job creation and cultural preservation. The sector is expected to attract investment and strengthen infrastructure while promoting community engagement and sustainable growth.

Development Filters: Contextual Challenges
The agenda identifies children and youth, gender equality, employment, the informal economy, and climate change as key contextual factors influencing development outcomes.

Children and Youth: Representing over 50% of Liberia’s population, young people are seen as pivotal to the country’s future. The agenda emphasizes their role as leaders, innovators, and change-makers in driving sustainable growth.

Gender Equality: Acknowledging Liberia’s historical challenges, the agenda aims to integrate gender equality into all aspects of development to create an inclusive society.

Employment: Generating sufficient job opportunities is a top priority. The government plans to address unemployment by implementing effective policies that foster economic growth and enhance the well-being of Liberians.

Formalization of the Informal Economy: Transitioning informal businesses into the formal sector is highlighted as a critical step for economic growth, job security, and resource mobilization.

Climate Change: Recognizing the vulnerability of Liberia to climate change, the agenda underscores the need for climate-resilient strategies to protect resources and ensure sustainable growth.

A Holistic Approach to Development
By combining these drivers and filters, the ARREST Agenda aims to address both the causes and consequences of poverty. Officials believe the plan will position Liberia as a model of inclusive and sustainable development in West Africa.

Implementation and Monitoring
The government has pledged transparency and accountability in implementing the ARREST Agenda. Regular progress reports and citizen engagement are central to ensuring that the plan achieves its objectives.

“This is not just another development plan,” a senior government official said. “It’s a commitment to our people. Every Liberian deserves a better future, and the ARREST Agenda is how we will deliver it.”

Challenges Ahead
While the agenda has been widely praised, experts caution that success depends on effective execution and political will. Infrastructure gaps, governance weaknesses, and limited resources remain significant hurdles.

A Call for Collaboration
The government has called on international partners, the private sector, and civil society to join efforts in implementing the ARREST Agenda. “Development is a shared responsibility,” the statement concluded.

As Liberia embarks on this bold journey, the ARREST Agenda offers a beacon of hope for a nation striving to overcome decades of challenges and build a prosperous, inclusive future.