Ambassador Onanuga rallies investors at Liberia business forum in Osaka: “Liberia is open for business”

Published: August 29, 2025

OSAKA, Japan — Liberia’s Special Envoy on Tourism, Ambassador Christopher H. Onanuga, told Japanese investors and global stakeholders at the Liberia Business Forum during Expo 2025 Osaka that the country is “ready, willing, and open for business,” placing tourism at the center of Liberia’s growth strategy while calling for stronger partnerships with Japan.

Onanuga, who also chairs the board of the Liberia Tourism Authority, urged investors to see Liberia as a “virgin market” with untapped potential, citing its youthful population, expanding green initiatives, and government-backed commitment to sustainable development.

“Liberia is a democratic frontier, a youthful nation eager to learn, eager to grow, and eager to partner. We believe Japan’s story can inspire Liberia’s next chapter,” he said.

A Model in Japan

Drawing inspiration from Japan’s “green-first” urban planning, strict rule of law, and balanced management of land and water, Onanuga said similar approaches could transform Liberia’s cities, environment, and governance. He described tourism not only as an engine of economic growth but also as a framework to strengthen institutions through transparency and compliance.

The envoy’s message resonated with the audience, made up of Japanese investors, senior Liberian officials, and international participants, who welcomed his vision of “Jalib”—a Liberia–Japan partnership that he said should move beyond trade into cultural and economic identity.

“With nearly 67 percent of Liberians under 35, we are not just a country of potential—we are a country of energy, talent, and determination ready to be harnessed,” he said.

Turning Vision into Action

Onanuga announced the formation of a Liberia–Japan Tourism and Investment Task Force and youth exchange programs focused on tourism, compliance, and environmental management. These initiatives, he said, would help translate vision into measurable impact.

“This is the moment to take Japan to Liberia, and to bring Liberia to Japan. Together, we can build not just businesses, but a shared future,” he told the gathering.

The forum ended on a note of optimism, with officials underscoring that Liberia is seeking not only investors but long-term partners as it steps more confidently onto the global stage.