MONROVIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai says Liberia is strategically positioned to benefit from a massive €23 billion (approximately US$27 billion) investment package announced by French President Emmanuel Macron during the recently concluded Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi.
President Boakai made the disclosure upon his return to Liberia following high-level engagements at the continental summit, where African leaders, global investors, and international business executives gathered to discuss Africa’s economic transformation, investment opportunities, and future development partnerships.
Macron Announces Major Africa Investment Package
During the summit earlier this week, President Macron announced the €23 billion investment initiative aimed at strengthening France’s economic engagement with Africa while promoting a new partnership model centered on mutual economic interests rather than historical dependency.
The package includes approximately €14 billion from French public and private institutions and an additional €9 billion expected from African investors.
According to summit organizers, the investment is projected to generate nearly 250,000 direct jobs across Africa and France, with priority sectors including agriculture, energy transition, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and maritime industries.
Macron urged African leaders and businesses to deepen investment cooperation with France, describing the proposed partnership as one “entirely free of hang-ups.”
The Africa Forward Summit was organized as part of France’s broader effort to rebuild and strengthen its influence and economic partnerships across Africa following years of strained relations with several former French colonies.
Boakai Optimistic About Liberia’s Prospects
Speaking to journalists after returning from Kenya, President Boakai expressed optimism that Liberia could attract portions of the French-backed investment package due to the country’s increasing diplomatic engagements and participation in major continental initiatives.
According to him, Liberia used the summit to position itself strategically for emerging investment opportunities and continental economic agreements.
“Critical discussions were held to strategically align Liberia with investment opportunities and key continental agreements emerging from the summit,” the President stated.
Boakai noted that Liberia’s active participation in the summit significantly improved the country’s visibility among international investors and development partners.
Macron Requests Bilateral Meeting with Boakai
In what officials described as a major diplomatic breakthrough, President Boakai disclosed that President Macron personally requested a private bilateral meeting with him on the sidelines of the summit.
The two leaders reportedly discussed strengthening diplomatic ties between Liberia and France, expanding investment cooperation, and exploring future development partnerships.
During the meeting, President Macron also pledged to undertake an official state visit to Liberia — a historic move that would make him the first sitting French President to visit Liberia since diplomatic relations were established between the two countries.
Political observers say such a visit could significantly deepen bilateral cooperation in areas including infrastructure, energy, trade, education, and investment.
Liberia Signs US$26 Million Energy Deal
While in Nairobi, President Boakai also presided over the signing of a US$26 million Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Liberia, through the Liberia Electricity Corporation, and Thames Electrical Limited for the establishment of Liberia’s first electrical manufacturing plant.
The agreement is expected to support Liberia’s industrialization agenda and strengthen the country’s energy infrastructure.
Once completed, the facility will manufacture electrical materials and components locally, reduce dependence on imported products, create jobs, and improve electricity infrastructure nationwide.
Government officials say the project aligns with the Boakai administration’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, particularly efforts aimed at infrastructure modernization, industrial growth, and private sector expansion.
Expanding Liberia’s International Footprint
President Boakai’s engagements at the Nairobi summit are being viewed by government officials as a major diplomatic and economic success for Liberia.
The administration says the President’s participation reflects Liberia’s growing re-emergence as an active player in continental diplomacy and economic decision-making.
The summit also comes at a time when the Boakai government is seeking to attract foreign direct investment, strengthen international partnerships, and position Liberia as a viable destination for regional and global investors.
Although many Liberians remain cautious about how quickly international investment commitments translate into visible domestic benefits, there is growing optimism that the French investment initiative and other agreements emerging from the summit could create meaningful opportunities for economic growth, infrastructure development, and employment creation in Liberia.
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