The World Bank and the Government of Liberia have launched the midterm review of the REALISE Project (Recovery of Economic Activity for Liberian Informal Sector Employment). This review will focus on assessing the project’s progress, identifying challenges, and outlining strategies for its successful completion.
At the opening ceremony on Monday, November 18, 2024, Cllr. Cole Bangalu, Youth and Sports Minister and Chairperson of the REALISE Project Steering Committee, emphasized that the project is a “direct support line” to the government’s development agenda, particularly in its efforts to alleviate poverty and create economic opportunities for vulnerable populations. He added, “We want to see this initiative reach more of the country’s most vulnerable communities.”
The meeting is being attended by a high-level team from the World Bank, including Camilla Holmemo, the Bank’s Practice Manager for Social Protection and Jobs for West and Central Africa. Holmemo praised the remarkable achievements of the REALISE Project so far and urged the team to maintain their momentum. “Social protection is crucial for Liberia, especially considering the country’s existing fragility and vulnerability,” she noted, highlighting the importance of continuing efforts to improve the livelihoods of the population.
Mack C. Mulbah, the World Bank’s Task Team Leader for the REALISE project, stressed the need for the Project Management Team to increase its work rate and efficiency. “We are exploring options for additional financing and project expansion, and it is essential that we double our efforts to ensure success,” he said. He further emphasized that the government is pushing for the expansion of the project to include more vulnerable people, in line with discussions between development partners.
Reflecting on the next steps, Project Coordinator Jesse Bengu expressed optimism that the midterm review would provide a clear roadmap for the project’s future direction. “We are hopeful that this mission will give us a concrete understanding of where we want the REALISE project to go in its remaining time,” he said. Bengu also urged members of the Project Management Team to commit fully to the review process, which is expected to last for the next two weeks.
The midterm review process will provide critical insights into how the project can adapt to challenges and build on its successes to meet its goals by the end of its implementation period.
The REALISE Project is owned by the Government of Liberia and implemented by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, and the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment. It is financed by the World Bank, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), and the French Development Agency (AFD).
