James T. Brooks
MONROVIA, Liberia — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has issued a stirring call to Liberians living abroad, urging them to transition from sending remittances to taking an active role in the ownership and management of the Liberian economy. Speaking at a farewell event for the Diaspora Annual Return at the Executive Mansion on Wednesday, the President emphasized that strategic investment and job creation are the true keys to the nation’s transformation.
President Boakai stressed that while government-led development is essential, the public sector alone cannot resolve the country’s employment challenges. He encouraged the diaspora community to look beyond charitable gestures and invest in small and large-scale enterprises, particularly in underserved regions that lack basic modern amenities like supermarkets, malls, and stationery centers.
“Your coming back is not just returning to your home; it is coming back to invest and build your own home and business,” the President said. He noted that Liberia is progressing more rapidly than many realize, and that this momentum will only accelerate if citizens abroad bring their expertise and capital back to local markets.
The Liberian leader highlighted a curious disconnect: Liberians in the diaspora are renowned for establishing schools, foundations, and businesses in their host countries, yet these levels of investment are not always mirrored in Liberia. He questioned the long-term sustainability of a nation where citizens do not own their primary economic assets. “This is your home,” he remarked, “but if all the houses, cars, and businesses belong to someone else, then what do you truly own?”
A central theme of the President’s address was the expansion of the private sector. He argued that a vibrant economy led by Liberian investors is the only way to absorb the national workforce. He specifically pointed to southeastern Liberia—a region rich in natural potential but currently hampered by infrastructure deficits—as a prime area for diaspora-led development.
President Boakai also addressed the practicalities of investing from abroad, noting that individuals do not need to relocate permanently to begin contributing to productive sectors. Drawing comparisons to other successful African nations, he warned against a future where foreign nationals dominate the commercial landscape while Liberians remain primarily consumers.
Beyond financial capital, the President emphasized the importance of human capital. He called for the empowerment of Liberian engineers, technicians, and skilled professionals, asserting that the nation possesses the talent necessary to lead its own infrastructure projects.
To support this transition, the President assured the diaspora community that his administration is committed to improving the “homecoming” experience. This includes stricter monitoring of airport procedures to ensure that returning citizens are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Reflecting on Liberia’s history of resilience, President Boakai concluded by reminding the audience that despite past conflicts, the nation is poised for a significant breakthrough. He reaffirmed his belief that Liberia remains a land of immense promise and urged every Liberian, regardless of where they live, to take ownership of the country’s economic destiny.
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