Liberia’s Development Agenda Gains Momentum.

…as President Boakai Advocates For Energy Access At the African Summit

By Amos Harris 

Liberia’s commitment to national development and global engagement remains steadfast, as President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration continues to make significant strides in governance, diplomacy, and economic transformation.

Speaking at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism’s (MICAT) regular press briefing on Thursday, January 30, 2025.

Deputy Minister for Public Affairs Daniel O. Sando assured the public that the government is on course with its national development agenda.

 He highlighted President Boakai’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Liberia’s international standing, including the country’s bid for a seat on the United Nations Security Council.

Sando emphasized that Liberia has strategically positioned key figures to lead diplomatic efforts, ensuring the nation’s growing influence on the global stage.

Addressing concerns raised by the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) regarding the President’s recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), 

Minister Sando dismissed the CDC’s criticism, particularly on economic and salary management.

“The CDC should reflect on how they cut civil servants’ salaries and worsened living conditions in Liberia. 

If they want to critique the President’s address, they must be well-informed,” Sando asserted.

He further discredited Senator Nathaniel F. McGill as a credible opposition voice, urging him to take accountability for past leadership failures.

“We support free speech, but with it comes responsibility,” he added, reiterating the administration’s commitment to good governance and national progress.

President Boakai recently appointed Ambassador Elias Shoniyin to lead key diplomatic initiatives as part of Liberia’s strategic global engagements. 

Shoniyin’s extensive experience in foreign affairs was further recognized by the Federation of Global Diplomacy, solidifying his role in shaping Liberia’s international relations.

His leadership is expected to drive innovative policies aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties and enhancing Liberia’s global influence.

Meanwhile, President Boakai arrived in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on January 27, 2025, to participate in the African Heads of State Energy Summit, a key forum addressing the continent’s energy challenges.

The summit, centered on the ambitious Mission 300 initiative, aims to provide electricity access to 300 million Africans by 2030.

 Liberia is among twelve pilot countries selected for the initiative, which is spearheaded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the World Bank Group.

Ahead of the main summit, Liberia participated in a Ministerial and Partners’ Meeting on January 27 at the Julius Nyerere International Conference Center. 

During the session, high-level officials presented Liberia’s progress and challenges in energy expansion.

AfDB President Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina commended President Boakai’s leadership and reaffirmed support for Liberia’s energy sector. 

He emphasized the importance of international partnerships in achieving universal electricity access, governance reforms, and sustainable development

As the summit progresses, President Boakai is expected to engage with fellow African leaders, global financial institutions, and private sector stakeholders to strategize on expanding energy access across Liberia and the region.

These discussions align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG7) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, both of which prioritize energy as a driver of economic transformation.

President Boakai’s participation underscores Liberia’s commitment to ensuring universal access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy, a crucial step toward national development and economic growth.

The Government of Liberia remains dedicated to fostering international partnerships, strengthening governance, and implementing reforms to achieve transformative goals.