MONROVIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai is blaming broken institutions, a stagnant economy, and widespread unemployment for stalling national progress—but says his administration is actively laying the groundwork for recovery, with tourism and diplomacy leading the charge.
In his address during the relaunch of the Ambassadorial Lecture and Seminar Series at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, May 2, President Boakai delivered a candid assessment of the country’s inherited challenges and outlined a series of reforms aimed at revitalizing Liberia’s global presence and domestic economy.
“From weak social services to crumbling institutions and youth unemployment, the task before us has been immense,” Boakai said. “But we did not run from it. We are rebuilding with purpose and planning for growth.”
He highlighted the ARREST Agenda—an acronym for Agriculture, Roads, Rule of law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism—as the cornerstone of his administration’s recovery strategy. The plan, he said, is rooted in inclusive development and aimed at ensuring that “no one is left behind.”
Tourism Takes Center Stage
Boakai singled out the recent passage of the National Tourism Act as a landmark achievement in his reform agenda. The legislation, passed by the 55th National Legislature, officially establishes the National Tourism Authority (NTA) and provides a legal framework for developing Liberia’s long-overlooked tourism sector.
“This is more than just a new agency—it’s a new mindset,” Boakai said. “Tourism is not merely a leisure industry—it’s a catalyst for job creation, infrastructure development, and national pride.”
He said Liberia’s rich culture and historical sites—from Sapo National Park to Providence Island and Robertsport—are key economic assets that, if marketed effectively, can boost national revenue and reshape the country’s international image.
The NTA, Boakai noted, will lead policy creation, international marketing, and the development of eco-tourism and cultural heritage programs, all while ensuring local community participation.
The push for tourism reform, once a fringe idea in national development circles, gained traction in 2022 when lawmakers and cultural advocates drafted the initial bill. It was refined through consultations with international experts over the next two years before being finalized this legislative session.
Fixing the Economy and Reclaiming Diplomacy
Beyond tourism, Boakai stressed that his administration has spent the last 15 months repairing key sectors and asserting Liberia’s relevance on the global stage.
He announced plans to reduce the country’s dependency on foreign aid by boosting domestic productivity—particularly in agriculture—and forging partnerships to support food security and value-added exports.
Boakai also introduced a Strategic Framework for Regional Security, focusing on joint border management, intelligence sharing, and development in vulnerable regions. He said Liberia is committed to a stronger role in ECOWAS and other regional bodies, as well as securing a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
“To achieve these goals, our foreign missions must be staffed with competent, well-trained professionals capable of advancing Liberia’s economic and cultural diplomacy,” he said.
He called for a recalibration of Liberia’s foreign policy to reflect global power shifts and the decline in traditional donor support.
“Our diplomats must now be dealmakers, not just dignitaries,” Boakai said. “They must champion trade development, open new markets, and break down barriers that limit Liberian exports.”
No Complacency in Governance
While highlighting progress, Boakai cautioned against complacency and recommitted to fighting corruption and strengthening accountability across all branches of government.
He said Liberia’s future hinges on modernizing its education system, building digital infrastructure, and investing in a new generation of public servants.
“We are not perfect, but we are determined,” the President concluded. “Through our ARREST Agenda, we aim to build a nation that can stand on its own feet, assert its interests, and offer its people a dignified life.”
Boakai’s address comes amid rising public expectations and increasing pressure for his administration to deliver on promises of reform and renewal. With the new tourism law in place and diplomatic ambitions clearly laid out, Liberia’s path forward may now depend on execution—and results.
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