PRESIDENT BOAKAI WELCOMES MARYLAND TRADE MISSION, REAFFIRMS LIBERIA’S COMMITMENT TO INVESTMENT AND DIASPORA PARTNERSHIPS

The mission follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Liberia and the State of Maryland to promote economic cooperation and investment.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Prince George’s County Council Member Wala Blegay, Esq., said the visit aims to move the relationship “from commitment to action.” She highlighted the delegation’s diverse business interests, which span agriculture, health, tourism, energy, recycling, and workforce development.

The delegation presented President Boakai with a Certificate of Honor in recognition of his leadership in encouraging Liberians in the diaspora to return home and invest in the country’s development.

Welcoming the delegation, President Boakai expressed appreciation for its interest in Liberia and commended the growing momentum among diaspora communities to contribute to national progress. He reaffirmed that Liberia remains open to investment and highlighted opportunities in agriculture, health, and other priority sectors.

The President also described Liberia as a historic destination for African Americans and emphasized the value of stronger connections through business, tourism, and cultural exchange. He assured the delegation that the Government is working to strengthen border security and create an enabling environment for investors.

Minister of State without Portfolio, Honorable Hadja Mamaka Bility, welcomed the mission and reiterated the President’s readiness to engage with groups seeking to invest in Liberia. She expressed confidence in the Diaspora Office at the Ministry of State, headed by Mr. Erasmus Williams, to sustain collaboration with diaspora groups pursuing business and investment opportunities.

The delegation was formally presented to the President by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ethel Davis, accompanied by Assistant Minister for American Affairs, Honorable Christiana Wahblo Konneh.

Members of the trade mission delegation included  Ms. Wunmi Duyile, Executive Director of Legacy Premier Foundation Inc.; Dr. Akilah S. Alleyne, representing the Maryland Office of the Secretary of State’s international affairs portfolio, Mr. Ahamadu M. Sirleaf, representing LIBHANA Produce Inc., which operates in agriculture, agro-processing, and food distribution, Ms. Chanel Striker, representing Clear Kayak Liberia and Kairos Kids Collection, with interests in tourism and youth entrepreneurship; and Mr. Kirk Goode, representing U.S. Refuse LLC, which specializes in waste management, recycling, and environmental services.

President Boakai presented the delegation with a gift from his office and said preparations are underway to receive another visiting mission of more than 62 medical professionals.

The visit underscored the shared interest in turning partnerships into practical investments that support Liberia’s development priorities and deepen engagement with the diaspora.