President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, has called on diaspora Liberians to move beyond remittances, and charitable gestures.
He wants them to take a decisive role in owning and driving Liberia’s economy through strategic investments and job creation.
Boakai, according to a release, spoke at a diaspora farewell event at the Executive Mansion, when he stressed the need for sustainable employment, which he said, cannot be provided by government alone.
Pres. Boakai 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.” He also encouraged Liberians to return and work alongside the government in advancing national development.
He recalled how the country was now progressing more than many perceived, and that progress will accelerate with increased diaspora participation.
Pres. Boakai highlighted the economic contributions Liberians abroad have made in their host countries, establishing schools, foundations, homes, and guesthouses.
He wondered why similar levels of investment are not sufficiently replicated back home.
Boakai underscored the importance of Liberians owning real estate, businesses, and key economic assets.
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.
Pres. Boakai also spoke of 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.