Nyanti Hails Japan’s ¥2.725B Freeway Investment

By Lincoln G. Peters

BUSHROD ISLAND, Monrovia, July 5, 2026: Foreign Affairs Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti has praised the Government and people of Japan for committing approximately ¥2.725 billion toward the reconstruction and extension of the critical road corridor linking the Gabriel Tucker Bridge to the Freeport of Monrovia.

Speaking at the project’s groundbreaking ceremony over the weekend, Minister Nyanti described the investment as a clear demonstration of “diplomacy delivering concrete development outcomes.”

The project is being supported by the Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under an Exchange of Notes between the two governments and a Grant Agreement concluded in Monrovia.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Liberia, I extend our deepest appreciation to the Government and people of Japan and to the Japan International Cooperation Agency for their unwavering commitment to Liberia’s development journey,” Nyanti said.

“Today’s ceremony is a tangible example of diplomacy delivering concrete development outcomes.”

According to the Foreign Minister, the investment represents another demonstration of Japan’s confidence in Liberia and its continued belief in the country’s future.

She said Japan has stood alongside Liberia for decades, not only as a development partner but also as a friend, supporting the country’s post-war recovery and national transformation.

Nyanti cited the construction of the original Japan Freeway and Japanese investments in agriculture, fisheries, healthcare, education, food security, technical assistance, scholarships and human resource development as examples of the longstanding partnership.

“These investments have improved lives, strengthened institutions and expanded opportunities for countless Liberians,” she said.

She described the latest groundbreaking as another important chapter in a bilateral relationship that continues to strengthen.

According to Nyanti, the significance of the project extends beyond transportation infrastructure because the Freeport of Monrovia serves as Liberia’s principal gateway for maritime trade and remains central to the national economy.

She said improved connectivity between the Freeport and the national road network would facilitate the movement of goods and services, reduce transportation costs, improve road safety and logistics, stimulate commerce and strengthen Liberia’s competitiveness in regional trade and investment.

“These are precisely the kinds of catalytic investments envisioned under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development,” Nyanti said.

She said the government’s development agenda prioritizes modern infrastructure, agricultural transformation, economic diversification, job creation and improved service delivery.

The Foreign Minister said her ministry was particularly proud to have served as the diplomatic channel through which the partnership was negotiated and formalized.

“Our role extends beyond facilitating agreements. We see economic diplomacy as a critical instrument for mobilizing international partnerships that directly improve the lives of our people,” she said.

Nyanti also reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to meeting its obligations under the Grant Agreement and ensuring the efficient implementation of the project.

She said Liberia remains committed to strengthening its engagement with Japan through the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), which she described as an important platform for advancing Africa-Japan cooperation.

Looking ahead, Nyanti called for the expansion of Liberia-Japan cooperation beyond infrastructure into trade and investment, technology and innovation, renewable energy, maritime development, fisheries, climate resilience, education, vocational training and private-sector partnerships.

The Japan Freeway Extension Project was officially launched on July 3, 2026, by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. and Japanese Ambassador to Liberia Hiroshi Yoshimoto.

The groundbreaking ceremony was also attended by JICA Ghana Office Chief Representative Suzuki Momoko, Public Works Minister Roland Layfette Giddings and other officials and representatives of the governments of Liberia and Japan.