LONDON/BANJUL – Executive Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL), Henry F. Saamoi, has received one of Africa’s highest financial leadership honors while using the international platform to call on African governments to strengthen credible and investable markets capable of attracting the global capital needed to accelerate the continent’s economic transformation.
Speaking at the 16th African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA) in London, Governor Saamoi said Africa’s greatest challenge is no longer a shortage of investment opportunities, but the need to build strong institutions and trustworthy financial markets that inspire confidence among international investors.
His remarks came after he was honored at the United Kingdom House of Lords with the African Central Banking Award, recognizing his leadership in advancing monetary stability, financial sector development, financial inclusion and institutional reforms at Liberia’s apex bank. According to the CBL, the Governor was also named among Africa’s Top 40 Finance Leaders and received a certificate of recognition from the South Carolina House of Representatives in the United States for his contributions to promoting financial stability and financial inclusion in Liberia.
The multiple recognitions represent one of the most significant international acknowledgments received by a Liberian central bank governor in recent years and underscore Liberia’s growing visibility in continental and global financial policy discussions.
“Africa Does Not Lack Capital Opportunities”
Delivering an address on “Liberia’s Capital Moment: Aligning Financial Sector Reforms with Global Investment to Drive Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development,” Governor Saamoi argued that Africa possesses enormous investment potential but must continue implementing reforms that make its markets predictable, transparent and bankable.
“Africa does not lack capital opportunities. What we must deliver consistently and credibly are bankable, investable, and trustworthy markets. When we do, global capital will not hesitate—it will follow,” Saamoi declared.
He emphasized that sustainable investment depends on prudent macroeconomic management, transparent regulatory frameworks, stronger institutions, deeper financial markets and a pipeline of well-prepared investment projects capable of attracting long-term financing.
According to Saamoi, Liberia has begun positioning itself to benefit from such investment through reforms across several strategic sectors, including agriculture and agro-processing, energy and infrastructure, financial services and fintech, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and tourism.
Recognition Reflects Liberia’s Financial Reform Agenda
The Governor dedicated the award to the staff of the Central Bank of Liberia, government institutions and development partners who have supported the country’s ongoing financial reforms.
“This recognition is not solely a personal achievement. It reflects the commitment and professionalism of the staff of the Central Bank of Liberia, our stakeholders, and the Government of Liberia, who continue to support reforms aimed at safeguarding stability, expanding financial inclusion, and creating opportunities for economic growth,” he said.
Since assuming office as Executive Governor, Saamoi has repeatedly emphasized restoring confidence in Liberia’s financial system while pursuing policies aimed at strengthening monetary stability, improving banking supervision, expanding digital financial services and increasing financial inclusion.
The Central Bank has also continued reforms intended to modernize payment systems, improve currency management, strengthen foreign exchange market oversight and enhance regulatory compliance in line with international banking standards.
Those reforms form part of the broader economic recovery agenda being pursued by the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, with the CBL playing a central role in maintaining macroeconomic stability amid ongoing fiscal and structural reforms.
Liberia Increasingly Active in Global Economic Dialogue
Beyond receiving the award, Governor Saamoi participated in a high-level roundtable titled “Strategic Convergence: Aligning Global Capital with Africa’s Growth Imperatives,” where he joined fellow central bank governors and financial leaders from Ghana, Zambia and Tanzania to discuss strategies for mobilizing investment across Africa.
The African Business Leadership Awards brought together finance ministers, central bank governors, policymakers, investors and development partners from across the continent under the theme:
“From Vision to Velocity: Driving Africa’s Next Wave of Growth and Leadership.”
According to the CBL, the discussions focused on accelerating Africa’s economic transformation through stronger financial systems, regional integration, institutional reforms and increased investor confidence.
Following his engagements in London, Governor Saamoi traveled to Banjul, The Gambia, to participate in the IMF/World Bank African Consultative Group (African Caucus) Meeting, where African finance ministers, central bank governors and senior policymakers are examining issues including economic resilience, fiscal reforms, investment mobilization and Africa’s engagement with the Bretton Woods Institutions.
Growing International Profile
The latest recognition adds to Liberia’s expanding presence in international financial and economic policy forums as the country continues working with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, the African Development Bank and other multilateral partners on reforms aimed at strengthening economic governance, stabilizing the financial sector and improving the investment climate.
The Central Bank of Liberia says it remains committed to building “a stable and inclusive financial system that supports sustainable growth, expands access to financial services, and positions Liberia as a credible destination for investment.”
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