Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has urged the global Liberian diaspora to move from talk to action, emphasizing the need for tangible results. Speaking at the 2nd Annual Diaspora Conference in Alexandria, Virginia, on September 26, 2026, Boakai stressed that the diaspora's role is crucial in Liberia's development. He described the event as a vital gathering of Liberians from across the United States and around the world. The conference theme was "From Dialogue to Delivery: Mobilizing the Global Liberian Diaspora for National Transformation."
Boakai recalled last year's conference, which produced nine recommendations in four areas: reconciliation, education, health, and investment. He asked the diaspora to assess the progress made and identify unfinished tasks. The President emphasized that every recommendation needs a lead institution, a partner, a timeline, and a result. This shift in tone signifies a move from mere remittances to productive investment, skills, and institutions. Boakai also acknowledged that the Government must make returning and investing practical for the diaspora.
The President highlighted progress made in diaspora engagement, including the establishment of the Legislative Diaspora Caucus and the strengthening of the Office of Diaspora Affairs. He also mentioned efforts to create a durable legal and institutional framework for diaspora engagement. Boakai noted that the Government has continued discussions on greater diaspora participation in national life, consistent with the Constitution and democratic safeguards. The objective, he stressed, is to create credible systems that allow the diaspora to contribute effectively and with confidence.
Boakai emphasized the importance of understanding the global Liberian community, citing the need for a credible and regularly updated diaspora information system. This system would connect skills to needs, investors to opportunities, and institutions to partners. He welcomed the Rapid Survey conducted through Liberia's diplomatic missions, which aimed to improve knowledge of the size, location, skills, and development potential of Liberians abroad. This work, Boakai insisted, should continue to ensure effective engagement with the diaspora.
The President acknowledged that partnership must be reciprocal, with the Government accepting its responsibility to create conditions for diaspora contributions to succeed. Through the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, the Government is working to improve infrastructure, education, health, and the environment for business and investment. Boakai disclosed that the Government has strengthened domestic revenue mobilization, recently crossing the US$1 billion mark. He emphasized that the true value of this achievement will be measured by its impact on the lives of Liberians.
Boakai paid tribute to the long record of diaspora support, which has included financial assistance to families, education, and healthcare. However, he cautioned that diaspora engagement cannot be sustained by appeals to patriotism alone. The Government, he said, must make returning home, investing at home, sharing expertise, and building partnerships with Liberia practical, predictable, and worthwhile. This includes providing better roads, schools, health services, jobs, and opportunities for Liberians.
The President outlined five commitments to the diaspora, including organizing the global community, measuring delivery, and creating a framework for engagement. He urged the diaspora to turn patriotism into participation, participation into projects, and projects into measurable improvements in the lives of Liberians. The President's call to action marks a significant shift in Liberia's relationship with its diaspora, with a focus on tangible results and sustainable development.
Key points
- President Boakai urges Liberians abroad to move from talk to action and invest in Liberia's development.
- The Government has strengthened domestic revenue mobilization, recently crossing the US$1 billion mark.
- The President emphasizes the need for a credible and regularly updated diaspora information system to connect skills to needs and investors to opportunities.
