U.S. Envoy: Liberia Must Build Economy Beyond Aid

By Stephen G. Fellajuah

MONROVIA, Liberia, September 18, 2026: U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Joe Zadrozny has urged Liberia to reduce its dependence on foreign assistance and create stronger conditions for private investment, saying aid alone cannot build the economy the country wants.

Zadrozny said attracting sustainable investment will require Liberia to enforce contracts, maintain predictable regulations, strengthen transparency and ensure that disputes are resolved fairly.

He made the remarks Thursday during the official opening of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact Development Team’s office in Monrovia, as he prepares to conclude his tenure as head of the U.S. Embassy in Liberia.

“Liberia cannot build the economy it wants through assistance alone,” Zadrozny said, while acknowledging President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s repeated declaration that the country is “open for business.”

The U.S. diplomat said Liberia possesses significant advantages, including abundant natural resources, a young population, an English-speaking workforce, Atlantic Ocean access, longstanding ties with the United States and growing international interest in its energy and mineral resources.

But he said declaring Liberia open for business is only the beginning and must be backed by an investment climate capable of giving businesses confidence to make long-term commitments.

“When agreements are honored and processes are transparent, investors gain confidence that their long-term commitments in Liberia will be protected,” Zadrozny said.

He also called for stronger oversight and transparency in Liberia’s natural-resource sector, including efforts to address illegal mining involving both Liberian and foreign actors.

According to him, stronger regulation would help protect government revenue, legitimate businesses, communities and the environment while ensuring that Liberia’s natural resources generate jobs, skills, technology and lasting economic value.

Zadrozny stressed that Liberia should not frame its investment choices as a competition between the United States and other foreign partners, but should instead establish high standards for all investors.

“Liberia should demand more from everyone,” he said.

He said foreign investors should obey Liberian laws, operate transparently, meet their financial obligations, employ and train Liberians, transfer skills and technology where possible and protect communities and the environment.

Zadrozny said responsible American companies can compete under those conditions, but stressed that predictable rules and credible institutions are important to attracting greater U.S. private-sector investment.

The Chargé d’Affaires said the United States remains “deeply engaged” in Liberia, pointing to cooperation in energy, healthcare, financial-sector governance, education, security, law enforcement, counternarcotics and professional exchanges.

He cited Liberia’s first MCC Compact, under which US$146.3 million was invested in rehabilitating the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant as part of an overall US$257 million compact.

According to Zadrozny, Liberia and the United States are now advancing work toward a second MCC Compact focused on energy and critical minerals, which he said could have significant implications for Liberia’s economic development.

He also highlighted a five-year, US$173 million bilateral health cooperation arrangement and technical assistance from the U.S. Department of the Treasury to the Central Bank of Liberia aimed at strengthening financial-sector governance and supervision.

Zadrozny said U.S. institutions continue to work with Liberian counterparts on public health, research and scientific cooperation, while Peace Corps Volunteers support communities, particularly in education.

He said the common thread running through the various programs is the need to strengthen Liberia’s capacity and make development gains sustainable.

“Again and again, when Liberia needs specialized expertise, stronger institutions, training, or help tackling a difficult problem, Liberia turns to the United States,” he said.

But Zadrozny stressed that Liberia must ultimately take responsibility for reforms necessary to create a competitive investment environment.

“And we cannot want a better investment climate more than Liberia does. Those choices belong to Liberia,” he said.

As he prepares to leave Liberia after approximately a year leading the U.S. Embassy, Zadrozny said American diplomats, experts, Peace Corps Volunteers and institutions will remain engaged with the country.

He said U.S. companies also continue to see investment potential in Liberia.

“Perhaps the next chapter in this historic relationship should be defined not by what the United States provides, but by what our two countries build together,” Zadrozny said.

He expressed hope that Liberia can translate its “open for business” message into increased investment and economic opportunities, while emphasizing that creating the conditions for that investment remains primarily Liberia’s responsibility.

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