Statutory Member
Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, born on April 7, 1970, at the Old Maternity Center on Capitol Bye Pass, Monrovia, Liberia, is a distinguished public servant with extensive experience in finance, foreign affairs, and international development. His career spans across national and international institutions, where he has demonstrated exceptional leadership in economic policy, diplomatic relations, and financial management. He began his education at the A.B. Tolbert Elementary School in Logan Town, Monrovia, followed by Boatswain Junior High School on Jamaica Road, Monrovia. His professional journey began at the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC), where he completed a six-month on-the-job training in the Accounts Section from November 1988 to April 1989. As Minister of Finance, he played a pivotal role in Liberia's debt relief efforts, leading the country to HIPC Completion Point in 2010, which resulted in the cancellation of nearly US$5 billion in external debt. This achievement restored Liberia's borrowing rights and allowed for redirection of funds toward essential development projects. His tenure saw significant infrastructure development, including the mobilization of US$250 million for the Redlight-Gbarnga-Guinea border road project and securing funding for the Monrovia-Buchanan Highway. His diplomatic career as Minister of Foreign Affairs strengthened Liberia's international relations and secured crucial development partnerships. He successfully negotiated a US$60 million grant agreement with China for the Ministerial Complex construction and a US$50 million funding agreement with Japan for the Somalia Drive expansion. He effectively represented Liberia at the UN Security Council, UN General Assembly, and African Union, particularly during the Ebola crisis, advocating against the stigmatization of Liberians. Currently serving as the African Development Bank (AfDB)'s Country Manager for Uganda, he manages a portfolio of nearly US$2.2 billion, comprising 20 public sector projects and four private sector projects. Under his leadership, the portfolio has grown by nearly US$600 million during his almost 4-year tenure. Beyond his professional achievements, Ngafuan is an award-winning poet, having won the 2nd Prize in the BBC Network Africa 2001 Poetry Competition. He is an ardent soccer enthusiast and, during his time as Minister of Finance, captained the Ministry's "Dollars" soccer squad to two successive championships in the annual Inter-Ministerial Soccer tournament. His career has been marked by significant reforms in public financial management, including the implementation of the PFM Law, establishment of the Internal Audit Secretariat, introduction of the Direct Deposit Payment system, and implementation of the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS). His diplomatic achievements include chairing the AfDB Constituency, establishing various international partnerships, and reopening diplomatic missions in multiple countries. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan is married and has four children. His commitment to public service, combined with his expertise in finance and diplomacy, has made him a key figure in Liberia's development and international relations.
