WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has described the just-ended Liberia Diaspora Conference as a “big success,” praising Liberians abroad for demonstrating renewed interest in their homeland and pledging his government’s readiness to partner with them in advancing the nation’s $8.3 billion ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
Speaking with journalists at the close of his U.S. visit, President Boakai said the presence of Liberians from as far as Australia and Europe underscored a growing momentum for diaspora engagement. “Liberians are now getting together to show love and interest in their country,” he said, adding that the discussions and deliberations were evidence of “a people prepared to reconnect with home.”
The President emphasized that his administration is not seeking to work in isolation but to create a joint framework with diaspora Liberians for investment, skills transfer, and national development. A proposed Diaspora Fund, he noted, will be developed through collaborative consultations to ensure both the government and citizens abroad contribute meaningfully to Liberia’s recovery.
“We are a country in need, but also a country of opportunities,” Boakai said. “We cannot do it all by ourselves. That is why we are inviting our people to come back, invest, and work with us.”
On Security Concerns
Responding to concerns about safety in Liberia, President Boakai acknowledged that security challenges exist but stressed that they are not unique to Liberia. “Every country has security problems,” he noted. He urged skilled Liberians abroad, including those trained in security and law enforcement, to return and contribute their expertise to rebuilding Liberia’s systems.
Foreign Policy and Global Standing
Highlighting his engagements on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, the President revealed positive discussions with Kuwait and reaffirmed Liberia’s openness to partnerships with China and other global players. He stressed that Liberia’s new role on the United Nations Security Council has elevated its profile internationally.
“We are now leaders, and the world needs us as much as we need them,” Boakai stated. “Liberia is open for business with people of goodwill everywhere.”
Opportunities in Mining, Agriculture, and Technology
Pressed on how his administration will encourage diaspora investments in critical sectors such as agriculture, mining, and technology, President Boakai said his government is determined to create a responsible investment climate. He pledged that Liberians would have increased opportunities to participate directly in resource management and wealth creation.
“We want to make sure Liberians are not just bystanders but investors in their own country,” he said. “The opportunities are there, and we are putting mechanisms in place to ensure their full participation.”
Message to the Nation
Wrapping up his remarks, President Boakai said his key takeaway from the Diaspora Conference is the sense of reconciliation and renewed patriotism among Liberians abroad. “The message I am taking back is that Liberia is being reconciled,” he said. “Liberians are thinking about home, and it is our duty to create the conditions that will encourage them to come, invest, and build the country.”
