14/01/2026
President Boakai Rallies Diaspora Liberians to Take Ownership of Liberia’s Economy; As he hosts farewell event of the Diaspora Annual Return
January 14, 2026
Executive Mansion, Monrovia:- President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has called on Liberians in the diaspora to move beyond remittances and charitable gestures and take a decisive role in owning and driving Liberia’s economy through strategic investments and job creation.
Speaking at a diaspora farewell event at the Executive Mansion, the President stressed that sustainable employment cannot be provided by government alone. He urged Liberians abroad to meaningfully invest in both small and large-scale enterprises, particularly in underserved communities lacking basic services such as supermarkets, malls, and stationery stores.
“Your coming back is not just coming back to your home, but to invest and build your own home and business,” the President said, encouraging Liberians to return and work alongside the Government in advancing national development.
He noted that Liberia is progressing more than many perceive, and that progress will accelerate with increased diaspora participation.
President Boakai highlighted the economic contributions Liberians abroad already make in their host countries, establishing schools, foundations, homes, and guesthouses. He wondered why similar levels of investment are not sufficiently replicated back home.
The Liberian Leader emphasized the importance of Liberians owning real estate, businesses, and key economic assets. He asked rhetorically, “This is your home, but if all the houses, cars, and businesses belong to someone else, then what do you truly own?”
He further reminded the audience of scores of visiting Diaspora Liberians that while the Government continues to expand employment opportunities, it is unrealistic to expect the public sector to absorb the entire workforce. A vibrant private sector led by Liberian investors, he said, is essential for economic growth and nationwide job creation.
The Liberian Chief Executive also noted that government’s effort to attract greater diaspora interest and investment in local institutions is intended to widen economic access, particularly in regions such as southeastern Liberia, which he described as rich in potential but constrained by poor infrastructure and underinvestment.
The President encouraged diaspora Liberians to invest even if they are not yet prepared to permanently relocate, pointing out that several productive sectors already exist in Liberia and can expand with adequate capital and commitment.
Drawing comparisons with other African countries, he cautioned against a future where foreign nationals dominate Liberia’s major commercial spaces while citizens remain largely consumers.
He commended members of the diaspora already involved in education, housing, guesthouse operations, and philanthropic initiatives, but called for broader engagement in productive sectors capable of generating long-term employment and strengthening the national economy.
President Boakai also emphasized the need to empower Liberian professionals—engineers, technicians, and skilled workers—to fully benefit from national infrastructure projects, affirming that Liberia possesses competent human resources that should be actively engaged.
Addressing concerns regarding the treatment of returning Liberians, the President assured the diaspora community that his Administration is committed to improving their experience, including closer monitoring of airport procedures to ensure dignity and respect for travelers.
Reflecting on Liberia’s challenging history, he noted that despite years of conflict and instability, the nation has remained resilient and is now poised for transformation through the collective efforts of its citizens.
President Boakai concluded by reassuring that Liberia remains a good country—full of promise—and called on Liberians at home and abroad to invest, believe in, and take ownership of their nation’s economic future to move it to the next stage of development.
