IPNEWS: In a significant step toward accelerating Liberia’s decentralization agenda, the Ministry of Local Government (MLG), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the Liberia Decentralization Support Programme (LDSP), has received a consignment of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment to strengthen County Development Planning Units (CDPUs) across the country.
The ICT package comprising desktop computers, laptops, printers, air conditioners, and Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) units worth over US$25,000, will directly benefit five counties- Grand Gedeh, River Gee, Maryland, Grand Kru, and Sinoe.
This targeted investment aims to enhance institutional capacity at the county level by improving integrated data management, real-time reporting, and coordination among local governance structures which are critical elements for evidence-based planning and efficient service delivery.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Deputy Minister Designate for Local Government and Decentralization, Edward Mulbah, reaffirmed the Government of Liberia’s commitment to decentralization as a cornerstone of inclusive governance and sustainable development.
Deputy Minister Mulbah stressed that for decades, centralized decision-making has historically constrained citizens’ ability to meaningfully influence development initiatives in their own communities.
“Decentralization shifts power closer to the people. It enables communities to define their priorities, shape development agendas, and take ownership of outcomes. This is about empowering citizens to become architects of their own development,” Mulbah noted.
He explained that the establishment of County Development Planning Units is anchored in the Local Government Act of 2018, with further reinforcement from the Revenue Sharing Law of 2022.
Together, these legal frameworks provide a solid foundation for strengthening subnational governance, improving development planning, and ensuring more equitable resource allocation.
The Ministry of Local Government, he added, is mandated to provide executive oversight for the implementation of these reforms, working closely with development partners.
“With support from UNDP and other partners, fifteen County Development Planning Units have been established nationwide. Today’s handover equips five additional counties, bringing the total number of counties supported with ICT tools to nine. The remaining six- Bong, Nimba, Lofa, Grand Bassa, Bomi, and Gbarpolu will be equipped as resources become available,” Mr. Mulbah stated.
He underscored that CDPUs, established under Chapter 5 of the Local Government Act, play a central role in coordinating county-level development processes. Their responsibilities include resource mobilization through proposal development, data collection and analysis, monitoring and evaluation, reporting, and coordination of County Development Agendas.
Equipping these units, he stressed, is essential for translating decentralization policy into tangible results for citizens.
Reaffirming UNDP’s partnership with the Government of Liberia, Mr. Stanley Kamara, Team Leader for the Inclusive Governance and Public Institutions Pillar, highlighted the importance of strong digital systems in modern public administration.
“Strengthening ICT capacity at the subnational level is critical for improving institutional performance, promoting transparency and accountability, and enabling data-driven decision-making,” Kamara said.
He added that “This support reflects UNDP’s continued commitment to inclusive governance and improved service delivery, ensuring that development responds to the real needs of communities.”
The Ministry of Local Government also acknowledged the valuable contributions of UN Women and other partners, alongside the financial support of the Government of Sweden, who’s funding to the Liberia Decentralization Support Programme made the procurement and delivery of the equipment possible.
The Ministry emphasized that the ICT equipment is dedicated exclusively to the County Development Planning Units to support planning, coordination, and reporting functions. This intervention forms part of a broader national effort to modernize public sector systems, strengthen accountability frameworks, and deepen inclusive local governance across Liberia.
The handover marks the enduring partnership between the Government of Liberia and UNDP—reinforcing a shared commitment to building resilient institutions and advancing inclusive, accountable, and results-oriented governance nationwide.
