President of Liberia, Joseph Nyuma Boakai, has launched the construction of the US$85 million Voinjama–Mendikorma highway in Lofa County, describing the project as a major boost for regional trade, transportation, and economic development between Liberia and Sierra Leone.
The official groundbreaking ceremony took place on Saturday at the Mendikorma Border Post in northern Liberia, signaling the start of the 86-kilometre road project under a Design, Build, Operate and Transfer (DBOT) agreement between the Liberian government and Pavifort AL Associates.
The highway project, which is being executed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), is expected to improve movement across Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea within the Mano River Union region while also enhancing access to isolated communities in Lofa County.
Speaking during the ceremony attended by government officials, lawmakers, community leaders, and residents, President Boakai described the initiative as a landmark development for the region.
Recalling his early years, the Liberian leader spoke about the hardships people faced due to poor road infrastructure.
“It takes history to know what it means to have a road. As a young boy, I walked through these areas for days. Our people suffered greatly because there were no roads,” Boakai said.
He noted that the road would create better access to education, healthcare services, commerce, and investment opportunities while also strengthening relationships among communities across borders.
“This road will open up the country to development, education, healthcare, and business opportunities. It will unite families, strengthen trade, and improve the lives of our people,” he added.
Boakai described the Voinjama–Mendikorma route as an important regional corridor linking Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea.
He also acknowledged Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio, for recommending Pavifort AL Associates for the project.
“One day, he called me and said, ‘My brother, we have a company in Sierra Leone called Pavifort AL Associates that is constructing quality roads and could work with you,’” Boakai revealed.
According to the President, Liberia’s Ministry of Public Works carried out proper assessments on the company’s previous projects before awarding the contract.
Boakai assured the contractors of full government support and emphasized that his administration remains committed to development and nation-building.
“We are not concerned about politics; we are concerned about what we do for our country. Development means access to quality roads, schools, healthcare, water, and opportunities,” he stated.
Giving details of the project, Liberia’s Deputy Minister for Technical Services at the Ministry of Public Works, Hon. Prince D. Tambah Sr., said the highway would stretch from Voinjama through Kolahun and Foya to Mendikorma at the Sierra Leone border.
He disclosed that the project is expected to be completed within three years, with final delivery targeted for 2029.
Tambah Sr. explained that the road project would feature a 10.3-metre carriageway in rural areas, expanded 20.6-metre urban sections with parking lanes, construction and rehabilitation of five major bridges, installation of over 262 culverts and drainage systems, road safety facilities, and the upgrading of Foya City roads with sidewalks, drainage systems, and streetlights.
He added that the project would cut travel time between Voinjama and Mendikorma from about two-and-a-half hours to approximately one hour and fifteen minutes.
The concession agreement, signed on January 5, 2026, establishes a 25-year PPP arrangement covering the construction, operation, maintenance, and eventual transfer of the road to the Liberian government.
Chief Executive Officer of Pavifort AL Associates, Alimou Sanu Barrie, assured the Liberian government of the company’s readiness to deliver a durable and quality road network.
“We are honored by the trust placed in us by the Government of Liberia. Every kilometre of this road will reflect durability, safety, and environmental responsibility,” Barrie said.
He also acknowledged support from financial institutions including United Bank for Africa and African Export-Import Bank.
Representing Sierra Leone’s Embassy in Liberia, Witson Tebeh Yankuba Esq. described the highway as a major achievement in bilateral relations between Liberia and Sierra Leone and reaffirmed support for regional cooperation and trade.
Liberia’s Minister of Public Works, Hon. Roland L. Giddings, said the road would open economic opportunities for residents of Lofa County, especially farmers who have long struggled with transporting goods due to poor roads.
He also revealed plans for more road projects, including the proposed Salayea–Voinjama corridor intended to further connect northern Liberia to Monrovia through paved highways.
Chairman of the Lofa Legislative Caucus, Hon. Joseph K. Jallah, described the project as historic for the people of Lofa County, while Deputy Speaker Hon. Thomas P. Fallah called it “a dream fulfilled.”
Minister of Local Government, Hon. Francis Sakila Nyumalin Sr., also described the initiative as an important step in Liberia’s post-war recovery and national development efforts.
Upon completion, the Voinjama–Mendikorma highway is expected to improve transportation, strengthen regional integration, increase trade activities, and deepen economic cooperation among Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea under the Mano River Union framework.