20/05/2026
Liberia’s Development in Action: LACE Driving Infrastructure and Social Protection Across All 15 Counties
Across the Republic of Liberia, a quiet but powerful transformation is taking place, one that is reshaping communities, restoring dignity, and strengthening the foundation for inclusive national development. At the center of this transformation is the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE), the Government of Liberia’s principal vehicle for grassroots infrastructure and social protection interventions. Through a combination of District Development Projects (DDPs), the REALISE Project, and targeted Executive Engagement initiatives, the Government continues to deliver on its commitment to improve livelihoods and expand access to essential services across all fifteen counties.
The District Development Projects (DDPs), implemented under the Legislative Support Project framework, represent one of the most far-reaching community-driven initiatives in recent years. These projects, funded by the Government of Liberia, have empowered lawmakers to identify and prioritize critical needs within their constituencies. Across counties ranging from Lofa to Maryland, Nimba to Grand Gedeh, the DDPs have led to the construction of schools, clinics, town halls, markets, bridges, culverts, and youth facilities. Communities that once lacked basic infrastructure are now experiencing tangible improvements in governance, commerce, and social interaction. Projects such as the Manolu Community Hall in Maryland County, the Jallah Town Hall in Montserrado, and the Damballa Town Hall in Grand Cape Mount stand as enduring symbols of citizen engagement and local empowerment. These facilities are not merely buildings; they serve as centers for decision-making, conflict resolution, youth engagement, and community cohesion.
In parallel, the Government’s investment in economic empowerment through the (Recovery of Economic Activity for Liberian Informal Sector Employment) REALISE Project has yielded remarkable results nationwide. Designed as a social protection intervention, the REALISE Project has directly targeted vulnerable households, providing both immediate relief and long-term economic opportunities. Through its Small Business Support (SSB) and Community Livelihood and Agriculture Support (CLAS) components, the project has created over 28,704 jobs across Liberia. Beneficiaries have received grants averaging US$450, enabling them to establish or expand small enterprises ranging from petty trading and agriculture to service-based businesses.
Beyond individual success stories, the REALISE Project has also fostered collective development. In communities like Moibayah Town in Grand Cape Mount County, beneficiaries pooled resources to construct a town hall valued at approximately US$1,800, while Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) have grown significantly, strengthening financial inclusion. The project has reached 62 communities across three implementation phases, impacting over 2,046 direct beneficiaries, with thousands more benefiting indirectly. This initiative reflects the Government’s broader vision of not only reducing poverty but building resilience within communities.
Complementing these efforts are the Executive Engagement Projects which is are strategic interventions implemented under the Office of the President, Vice President, and First Lady of Liberia. These projects address critical national priorities in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. A standout among these is the comprehensive rehabilitation of the Gertrude Yancy Elementary and Junior School in Klay, Bomi County. Once plagued by deteriorating infrastructure, the school has been fully restored, including classrooms, administrative buildings, staff quarters, sanitation systems, and water supply. The transformation has created a safe and conducive learning environment for hundreds of students, symbolizing renewed investment in Liberia’s education sector.
Infrastructure development has also extended to critical road and drainage systems. The construction of the Kpo Single and Double Box Culverts in Montserrado County has significantly improved connectivity in flood-prone areas, ensuring year-round access for farmers, traders, and schoolchildren. These interventions demonstrate the Government’s focus on practical solutions that directly impact daily life.
In Nimba County, Executive Engagement Projects have taken on a broader scope, encompassing health, education, and community infrastructure. Multiple health centers, including those in Bahn, Butuo, Karnplay, Zekepa, and Gbloulay have all been constructed or completed, improving access to primary healthcare services. Guest houses and administrative facilities have also been developed to support government operations and service delivery in the region. At the same time, the expansion of Nimba University, including the construction of a 10-classroom annex, is addressing the growing demand for higher education and reducing overcrowding in academic facilities.
A major highlight of the Government’s development agenda is the Liberia–Japanese Wood Workshop, a flagship industrial and skills development project valued at approximately US$2.6 million. Funded through the Counterpart Value Fund, the project includes a production house, showroom, warehouse, office complex, and supporting infrastructure such as water and power systems. Once completed, the workshop is expected to create employment opportunities, enhance technical skills, and contribute to Liberia’s industrial growth.
Market infrastructure has also received significant attention. The construction and rehabilitation of markets such as the Gbarnga Central Market in B**g County and the Dorrobo Market in Gbalaken have transformed local commerce. Traders particularly women—now operate in safer, more organized environments with improved roofing, drainage, and accessibility. These developments are strengthening rural economies and supporting household incomes.
In the energy sector, initiatives like the Ziah City Solar Light Project in Grand Gedeh County are bringing renewable energy solutions to underserved communities. By improving nighttime visibility and security, the project is enabling businesses to operate longer hours and students to study under better conditions.
Healthcare infrastructure remains a central pillar of the Government’s development strategy. Two of the most significant projects in this sector are the Buchanan Medical Hospital in Grand Bassa County and the Sekimpa Medical Hospital in Nimba County, both funded by ArcelorMittal Liberia. The Buchanan Medical Hospital, valued at approximately US$3.5 million, is a modern facility comprising multiple units, including surgical, pediatric, laboratory, and inpatient departments. The hospital also features interconnected walkways designed to ensure safe and efficient movement of patients and medical staff. Upon completion, it is expected to dramatically improve healthcare delivery in Grand Bassa and surrounding counties.
Similarly, the Sekimpa Medical Hospital is being developed as a comprehensive healthcare facility with specialized units for surgery, pediatrics, laboratory services, and inpatient care. This project represents a strong example of public-private partnership, where government coordination and private sector funding are combined to address critical national needs.
Across all these initiatives, one theme remains constant: the Government of Liberia’s unwavering commitment to inclusive development. Through LACE, projects are not only implemented but closely monitored to ensure quality, transparency, and sustainability. Technical supervision, community involvement, and inter-agency collaboration have become hallmarks of the agency’s approach, ensuring that every investment delivers lasting value.
As Liberia continues on its development path, the combined impact of the District Development Projects, the REALISE Project, and Executive Engagement initiatives is becoming increasingly evident. Roads are more accessible, schools are more functional, healthcare is expanding, and communities are more empowered. These achievements are not isolated successes but part of a broader national strategy to uplift citizens and strengthen the country’s socio-economic foundation.
In every county, from the coastal regions of Grand Bassa to the inland communities of Nimba and B**g, the story is the same: development is no longer a distant promise but is a visible reality. And through sustained commitment, strategic investment, and community partnership, the Government of Liberia, through LACE, is ensuring that no community is left behind.
