ATLANTA, GEORGIA, USA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. of Liberia delivered a compelling keynote address at the 124th National Black Business Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, on August 23, 2024, emphasizing Liberia’s vast investment potential and the nation’s readiness to welcome investors.
Speaking to a diverse audience of business leaders and entrepreneurs, President Boakai underscored Liberia’s natural wealth and strategic position as a gateway to economic growth in West Africa. He highlighted the country’s fertile land and favorable climate, which make it an ideal location for agricultural investments.
The President specifically pointed to rice production as a critical investment opportunity. He noted that despite rice being a staple food in Liberia, a substantial portion of the country’s rice consumption is still imported. To address this, President Boakai stressed the urgent need for increased local production and downstream processing, presenting a lucrative avenue for investors interested in agriculture.
Additionally, he detailed the significant economic contributions of cash crops such as rubber, cocoa, coffee, and oil palm to Liberia’s agriculture sector. These crops, he explained, provide promising opportunities for those looking to invest in agricultural ventures.
Beyond agriculture, President Boakai invited attendees to explore investment prospects in various other sectors, including infrastructure, education, health, and tourism. He reassured potential investors of Liberia’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment, backed by the Government’s A.R.R.E.S.T. Agenda, which focuses on key areas to spur economic growth and development.
“Liberia is open for business,” President Boakai declared, encouraging the conference attendees to consider the country as a promising destination for investment opportunities. He emphasized the Liberian government’s dedication to partnering with black businesses and investors for mutual economic advancement and prosperity.
The President also took the opportunity to pay homage to Booker T. Washington, an influential figure in both Liberian and African American history. He highlighted the establishment of the Booker T. Washington Institute in Liberia, noting it as a testament to Washington’s vision for education, economic empowerment, and self-reliance. This institute, he said, has inspired generations of Liberians to pursue education and entrepreneurship.
In closing, President Boakai highlighted the deep historical ties that connect the people of Africa with the African diaspora. He commended the National Black Business Conference for its role in promoting black business enterprise and celebrating these remarkable transatlantic connections.
President Boakai’s address was marked by warm greetings and a call to action for attendees to invest in Liberia, promising that such partnerships would foster mutual progress and prosperity. The event underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving shared aspirations for economic growth and development.
