Issues Bold Blueprint at Imo’s First Economic Summit
Imo State, Nigeria – Liberian President Joseph N. Boakai on Thursday, December 4, 2025, issued a forceful appeal for stronger regional alliances, responsible investment, and innovation-led progress as he addressed the inaugural Imo State Economic Summit in Owerri, Nigeria.
Speaking before an audience of Nigerian officials, development partners, traditional leaders, and global investors, President Boakai commended Imo State’s economic resilience and urged African governments to transform shared potential into shared prosperity.
Warmly received by host Governor Hope Uzodinma, Boakai described Imo as a state of “remarkable resilience and tremendous promise,” referencing its high Human Development Index ranking and status among Nigeria’s wealthiest states. He stressed that Africa’s advancement depends on unity and collaborative action.
Boakai emphasized that no administration can be successful in a vacuum by saying, “An African proverb teaches us that when spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion.” Boakai highlighted the need of strategic alliances by citing Liberia’s recent accomplishments, including as its election to the UN Security Council and significant advancements in infrastructure and agriculture. He listed partnership, investment, and innovation as the three pillars that are crucial to Imo’s transformation.
In order to draw in reliable investors, he urged Imo authorities to strengthen regulatory clarity, increase openness, and step up anti-corruption initiatives. He emphasized how better monitoring helped drive the national budget beyond US$1 billion, with 94 percent generated domestically for the first time, drawing comparisons to Liberia’s governance improvements.
“In today’s world, innovation is not a luxury. Regions that will thrive are those embracing digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and technology-driven skills,” he emphasized. In addition to praising Imo’s robust universities and vibrant youth population, Boakai urged officials to direct this demographic strength toward technology parks, research facilities, and innovation hubs.
In addition, he demanded that elections in Africa bring about “developmental dividends” rather than just peaceful changes. President Boakai reiterated Liberia’s commitment to strengthening collaboration in governance, peacebuilding, and sustainable development with Nigeria and Imo State as he wrapped up his speech.
He stated, “Unlocking Imo’s economic potential is not just an economic task—it is a leadership and collective responsibility.” Policymakers and international investors attended the historic conference, which is anticipated to create a new economic path for Imo State and strengthen regional links with Liberia and other countries.
