The 2016 MOU between USAID, GOL and CSquared, to provide a fiber ring, was not fully understood by MOPT although they signed and accepted the conditions. Libtelco was not a party to the agreement but would be required to implement. In 2018, the new administration could not identify supporting documentation that provided the justification and requirements of Government and Libtelco for the MOU. This created suspicions within GOL around the basis of the agreement and parties involved. The new administration eventually accepted the MOU as a commitment on Government. Libtelco as the implementor, however, accepted the agreement with considerable reluctance as they could not adequately identify a profitable way forward. As the CSquared relationship had timeframes against which Digital Liberia was aligned, MOPT and Libtelco felt pressured to make decisions when they needed more time to understand the value and implications. CSquared considered the MOU between themselves, USAID and GOL as the relationships guiding document which compelled Libtelco to comply. The approach, though logical from a purely private sector perspective, was received as coercion from the public sector. In every instance where business challenges arose, CSquared shifted to USAID and MOPT for the solution to bring Libtelco in line. The recognition that MOPT and Libtelco, together, represent GOL was slow in its realization. Digital Liberia’s relationship of trust with the GOL, MOPT, Libtelco and CSquared along with the team’s understanding of the development process offered the unique opportunity, convening power and guidance to support the resolution of issues. On several occasions Digital Liberia held one on one meetings as an intermediary between the parties, which helped to provide detailed explanations and increase acceptance of matters needing consensus. Without Digital Liberia’s strength as an implementing partner, such Public Private Partnership arrangements would be difficult to implement. Although challenges remain in the relationship between Libtelco and CSquared that are impacting Digital Liberia’s ability to finalize verification of fiber installation at ten remaining MACs, the parties have agreed on a way forward that is monitored by the project. However, as a result of persistent financial constraints (detailed below), MOFD did not pay Libtelco for the MACs’ connections to CSquared fiber as it had previously agreed. As a result, Libtelco shut down the fiber connection and MACs are now without internet. The disconnection has also impacted MACs ability to use GovNet. Similarly, the formation of a Research and Education Network required public and private institutions to work collaboratively on a new concept with many detailed technical and operational requirements. Digital Liberia’s ability to catalyze and maintain focus, convene University Presidents, build ownership and progress the LRREN towards actual operations has enabled it to advance faster than other RENs in the region. While the institutions are committed and do not expect financial resources from USAID, they require an external, undistracted promoter to accelerate technical implementation and ensure their staff are trained. FUNDING FOR AMIS Funding for licensing and maintenance of AMIS remains a challenge for GOL. In FY17 Digital Liberia supported GSA to secure one-year funding from LRA, which wanted to digitize its Asset Management and agreed to use the GSA solution. The license expired in FY18 Q4. MFDP started processes to renew the software license but while the necessary approvals have been agreed, payment has not been affected and the software expired. The operations of LRA were affected as they have fully migrated their assets to the system and rely on it to generate monthly reports. Digital Liberia assisted GSA to work together with LRA and MFDP to continue bolstering support for payment of the licenses, with motivational letters and lobbying efforts. In attempting to find a solution for the near term, Digital Liberia helped GSA to identify outstanding professional services due from the AMIS software vendor. Digital Liberia facilitated a discussion proposing that the GSA agree to forego the outstanding services and in return the vendor apply their cost savings to reactivate the AMIS licenses for a period. This was accepted by the vendor and software was relicensed. DIGITAL LIBERIA FINAL REPORT | 26