Monrovia, Liberia – President Joseph N. Boakai declared that the country must embrace modern, people-centered investments and move away from an economy dominated by hardware stores in his frank and progressive speech on Liberia’s development priorities.
Speaking at the Monrovia Super Mall’s grand opening in Congo Town on Friday, April 10, 2026, the President praised the establishment as a sign of development and asked investors to reevaluate the kind of businesses affecting the nation’s urban scene.
“We are tired of building material stores. We want to see places where people can go and shop in dignity, spend time, and experience a better quality of life,” he stated.
The President characterised the mall as more than just a business hub, describing it as a symbol of stability, patriotism, and Liberia’s increasing appeal to top-tier investment. He emphasized that such developments indicate a nation “on the right path,” where people can take advantage of modern facilities and higher living conditions. Boakai stressed the need of initiatives like the Super Mall in addressing unemployment, especially among youth.
He noted that establishing areas that create jobs and cut down on idle time is crucial to boosting economic confidence. “This is the kind of investment that puts value in our lives. It shows respect for the people and improves how we live every day,” the President narrated.
While acknowledging that Liberia has long lacked modern shopping facilities, Boakai pointed out that the new mall offers an example for the nation to follow. He called on both domestic and foreign investors to take advantage of the chance to support Liberia’s transition, particularly as the government works to organise informal business zones and clean up urban areas.
Boakai struck a hopeful tone, framing the mall’s opening as the beginning of a broader shift in Liberia’s development story. “This is just the beginning. We want more of this, investments that bring pride, dignity, and real change to our country,” the President noted.
Yin Chengwu, Chinese ambassador to Liberia, praised the mall as a significant development in bilateral cooperation and connected it to a rise in Chinese investment under Boakai’s tenure. He pointed out that Liberia’s continued development program and better business environment attracts foreign partners.
The Ambassador revealed that Liberia’s exports to China increased dramatically in 2025 and emphasized China’s zero-tariff policy for Liberian exports and expanding economic ties. He added that the strategy will help domestic industrial development and job creation while expanding opportunities for Liberian goods in the Chinese market.
The envoy described the mall as a “modern, integrated shopping and dining destination” that symbolizes both economic growth and the long-standing relationship between China and Liberia.
Many regard the Monrovia Super Mall as a new chapter in Liberia’s urban and economic evolution, as it is anticipated to create dozens of employment, increase retail alternatives, and transform the shopping experience in the capital.
