X-Ray Global

A Pact with Success: How Afriland First Bank Is Empowering Liberians Nationwide

True to its inspiring motto, “A Pact with Success,” Afriland First Bank Liberia continues to demonstrate strong leadership in the nation’s financial and development landscape. Through a series of innovative and high-impact initiatives, the bank is deepening financial inclusion, boosting agriculture, and modernizing banking services across Liberia.

Over the years, Afriland has introduced several landmark projects and partnerships that are reshaping how Liberians access and experience financial services.

From what West Africa Voice has gathered, one of the bank’s most remarkable innovations is the “Push & Pull” mobile money service, launched in collaboration with Lonestar Cell MTN. The feature allows customers to seamlessly connect their Afriland accounts to their mobile wallets by dialing *156 #, enabling deposits, withdrawals, and balance checks at any time. This digital advancement eliminates long queues at banking halls and extends financial access well beyond traditional hours.

In a further stride toward digital transformation, Afriland First Bank launched the “SARA” mobile app, a user-friendly digital banking platform that enhances convenience, security, and accessibility. Through SARA, customers can transfer funds within and outside the Afriland network, pay school fees and taxes, purchase airtime, and link their bank accounts to mobile wallets. From what has been reliably learned, this innovation has widened financial inclusion across both urban and rural areas, empowering thousands of Liberians to transact securely and independently.

Agriculture financing remains a cornerstone of Afriland’s long-term development vision. According to information gathered by West Africa Voice, the bank’s partnership with USAID’s Feed the Future / Liberia Agribusiness Development Activity (LADA) has expanded access to credit for smallholder farmers, agro-dealers, and processors. The initiative, which focuses on the rice sector, is driving food security and empowering rural communities.

In collaboration with the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL), Afriland is also supporting rural currency exchange services across eight counties — including Nimba, B**g, Lofa, Sinoe, River Gee, Rivercess, Grand Kru, and Gbarpolu. This collaboration enhances the ongoing national currency changeover and promotes rural financial participation through the bank’s Rural Community Finance Institutions (RCFIs) network.

Additionally, Afriland has been instrumental in the National Agricultural Stimulus Initiative, aimed at reviving dormant farms, providing agricultural credit, and boosting local food production. These initiatives have further cemented Afriland’s reputation as a catalyst for inclusive growth and economic transformation in Liberia.

From what West Africa Voice has reliably learned, these strategic efforts have not only reinforced public confidence in Afriland First Bank but have also positioned the institution as a true partner in Liberia’s progress.

Voices of the Customers

Mary Johnson – Small Business Owner, Duala Market

“Afriland First Bank has truly changed the way I manage my business. With the SARA mobile app, I can transfer money and pay my suppliers right from my phone without leaving my shop. Before, I used to spend hours standing in line at the bank, but now everything is faster and safer. Afriland has made banking simple for people like me.”

Emmanuel Toe – Rice Farmer, Lofa County

“Through Afriland’s agriculture loan program, I was able to expand my rice farm and buy better tools. They didn’t just give me a loan — they gave me confidence. Today, my farm supports more workers, and my harvest has doubled. I’m proud to be part of a bank that believes in local farmers and our country’s future.”

Hawa Konneh – Public School Teacher, Paynesville

“I’ve been banking with Afriland for six years, and I can honestly say their customer service is great. They treat every client with respect, and their digital platforms make everything so easy.”

Afriland First Bank’s consistent investment in technology, agriculture, and community-centered initiatives underscores its unwavering commitment to “A Pact with Success.”

From what West Africa Voice has gathered, the bank’s forward-looking approach continues to empower thousands of Liberians bridging the gap between urban and rural communities, and driving national growth from the ground up.

-How Mayor John-Charuk Siafa is Rebranding MCC...

At the heart of this transformation is the Mayor of Monrovia City Council (MCC) John-Charuk Siafa, whose leadership and commitment, along with his dedicated staff, have produced measurable progress in infrastructure development, waste management, public safety, sanitation, hygiene, and human capital development in line with President Joseph Boakai’s national vision — the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.

At the bustling Fiamah community, residents recall a time when the stench of uncollected garbage filled the air and children had to skip around piles of waste on their way to school.
Today, there is a different story as the air is cleaner, the streets more passable, and hope is returning to Liberia’s capital city.

The transformation is credited to the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) under the leadership of Mayor John-Charuk Siafa, who has rolled out a series of reforms and infrastructure upgrades aimed at repositioning Monrovia as a clean and green city.

His vision is fully aligned with President Joseph Boakai’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, which places emphasis on accountability, reform, sanitation, safety, and transformation.
When Mayor Siafa assumed office, the city’s two major solid waste transfer stations at Fiamah and Stockton Creek were in ruins, and their collapse had left Monrovia drowning in heaps of garbage.
“It was terrible. We thought the city would never recover,” recalls Miama Gray Johnson, a long-time resident of Fiamah. “But today, we see progress. The garbage is moving again, and we can breathe fresh air.”
Accordingly, through what many describe as bold and visionary leadership, the MCC renovated and modernized both facilities, restoring order and cleanliness to parts of the city once overwhelmed by waste.

Paving the Way Forward
Another achievement has been the pavement of a 1.9-kilometer access road to the proposed Cheesmanburg Sanitary Landfill. For years, poor access had stalled progress in developing the landfill, but with the road now complete, officials say Monrovia is closer to finding a long-term solution to its waste management crisis.
“This is about more than just roads and waste,” said Mayor Siafa in a recent community engagement. “It’s about dignity, health, and the image of our capital. Monrovia must reflect the resilience and strength of its people. We are building a city that Liberians, and West Africans, can be proud of.”
For young people, the improvements mean a safer and cleaner future:
“We used to play football near garbage piles, and the smell was always bad,” said James Kollie, a 16-year-old student in Sinkor. “Now, the trucks come regularly, and our community looks better. We want the Mayor to keep this up.”
“What is happening in Monrovia is a reminder that African cities can rise again,” said Elder Peter Kromah, a community leader in Paynesville. “If Monrovia succeeds, it will inspire cities across West Africa to improve too.”
To ensure access to safe, clean, and adequate sanitation facilities while promoting good hygiene practices and an improved quality of life, the Monrovia City Corporation under Mayor Siafa has implemented several measures:
The Installation of 37 trash bins in key parts of the city as well as reactivation of the Saturday cleanup exercise across Monrovia and its environs:
The city’s partnerships with townships and the Borough of New Kru Town, providing tools to support sanitation efforts was key.
One of the milestone accomplishments of the Mayor and his team was the renovation of a toilet facility in the Slipway community, part of a broader effort to end open defecation and promote environmental sustainability. For years, residents had used the Mesurado River for relief, risking the spread of diseases. The renovated toilet facility is expected to reduce infections, lower mortality rates, and build a healthier community with less strain on healthcare systems.
Additionally, the MCC collaborated with WaterAid Liberia to construct toilet facilities in New Kru Town, Battery Factory, B**g Mines Bridge, Wroto Town, Happy Corner, and West Point Communities.
Looking ahead, the Corporation has placed emphasis on youth empowerment and education, recognizing that the future of the city rests with its young people.
“Access to education is a universal human right,” said Mayor Siafa. “We take pride in ensuring that young people in Monrovia, as well as employees of the City Corporation, receive opportunities to equip themselves with the skills needed to lead meaningful lives and contribute to society.”
Among the key initiatives
Provision of international scholarships for 27 Monrovia youths, who are set to pursue studies in China.
Specialized training opportunities for MCC staff in India, Japan, and at the London School of Economics.

LNTU Pledges Support for Liberian Businesses, Engages Vice President Koung

The president of the Liberia National Truckers Union (LNTU), Mr. Omaru A. Fofana, has disclosed that the Union is experiencing a “new dawn and paradigm shift” in its institutional structures and operations, moving away from a one-man leadership style to a fully structured system that cuts across all spectrums.

According to Mr. Fofana, there had been attempts by some companies to undermine and push Liberians out of business.

In a news conference with a team of journalists recently, he said the Union has addressed these concerns through engagements with the Ministry of Labor.

He further revealed that the Union’s leadership recently met with Vice President Jeremiah Koung, whose intervention led to the recognition and authentication of the Union’s legitimacy.

Mr. Fofana added that the new leadership is also working in close collaboration with the Liberia National Police, the Ministry of Transport (MoT), and the Ministry of Labor.

Meanwhile, the LNTU leadership has embarked on the construction of a training center for union workers at the Freeport of Monrovia.

Mr. Fofana disclosed that about 60 percent of the project has already been completed, with the remaining 40 percent expected to be finished soon.

He emphasized that the Union has now been decentralized across all 15 counties to ensure that Liberian businesses are empowered nationwide and are able to compete at the international level.

Mr. Fofana also disclosed that agreements have already been reached with Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Ivory Coast to facilitate cross-border transportation.

However, he stressed that the Union will require the full cooperation of the government to ensure the smooth ex*****on of these operations.