President Boakai Welcomes Maryland Trade Delegation, Urges Stronger Diaspora Investment in Liberia

MONROVIA, LIBERIA— President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to attracting foreign investment and strengthening economic ties with the Liberian diaspora while welcoming a high-level trade delegation from the State of Maryland, United States, to the Executive Mansion.

The visit follows the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Government of Liberia and the State of Maryland, designed to advance economic cooperation and translate bilateral commitments into practical investment ventures.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Prince George’s County Council Member Wala Blegay, Esq., emphasized that the mission aims to move the partnership “from commitment to action.” She noted that delegation members represent diverse sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, tourism, energy, environmental services, and workforce development, all seeking concrete opportunities to contribute to Liberia’s economic growth.

During the meeting, the trade mission presented President Boakai with a Certificate of Honor, recognizing his leadership in encouraging diaspora Liberians to return home and invest in the nation’s development.

In response, President Boakai expressed gratitude for the delegation’s interest and praised the diaspora community’s growing commitment to national progress. The Liberian leader reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to cultivating a favorable business climate, highlighting agriculture and healthcare as primary sectors ripe for strategic collaboration.

President Boakai also underscored Liberia’s deep historical ties with African Americans, noting the immense potential for mutually beneficial partnerships in commerce, tourism, and cultural exchange. He assured investors that the government is actively working to enhance border security and streamline processes for international partners looking to establish operations in the country.

Echoing the President’s sentiments, Minister of State Without Portfolio Hadja Mamaka Bility welcomed the trade mission and emphasized the administration’s openness to diaspora-led ventures. She expressed full confidence in the Ministry of State’s Diaspora Office, headed by Director Erasmus Williams, to maintain continuous engagement with external investor groups and facilitate seamless partnerships.

The delegation was officially presented to President Boakai by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ethel Davis, alongside Assistant Minister for American Affairs, Christiana Wahblo Konneh.

Distinguished members of the trade mission included Wunmi Duyile, Executive Director of Legacy Premier Foundation Inc.; Dr. Akilah S. Alleyne, representing the Maryland Secretary of State’s Office of International Affairs; and Ahamadu M. Sirleaf of LIBHANA Produce Inc., an entity focused on agriculture, agro-processing, and food distribution.

Additional delegates included Chanel Striker, representing Clear Kayak Liberia and Kairos Kids Collection (specializing in tourism and youth entrepreneurship), and Kirk Goode of U.S. Refuse LLC, a firm focused on waste management, recycling, and environmental services.

Concluding the meeting, President Boakai presented the delegation with an official token of appreciation and announced that Liberia is currently preparing to host an incoming medical mission comprising more than 62 healthcare professionals. The upcoming visit is expected to significantly bolster bilateral cooperation within Liberia’s healthcare delivery system.

The Maryland trade mission highlights accelerating momentum to deepen Liberia’s diaspora engagement, transforming diplomatic ties into tangible investments that generate local jobs and support sustainable economic development.

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