Monrovia, Liberia – President Joseph N. Boakai unveiled an ambitious plan to turn Liberia into a regional center for innovation, investment, and digital governance, saying that the country must fully embrace artificial intelligence and digital technology or risk falling behind in a world that is becoming more technologically advanced.
In his keynote speech at the Liberia Technology Summit 2026 on Tuesday, July 21, at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, Boakai stated that digital transformation is now a national necessity for promoting government, generating employment, drawing in investment, and boosting economic growth.
“Our administration recognizes that digital transformation is no longer optional. It is essential to effective governance, economic competitiveness, and national development,” the president declared.
Boakai added that Executive Order No. 163, which created the Office of Technology, Digitalization, and Innovation within the Office of the President to coordinate a whole-of-government digital transformation agenda, has already set the groundwork for the nation’s digital future. The president insisted that the status quo can no longer be maintained, criticizing years of disjointed government systems and antiquated technologies that have hindered the delivery of public services and angered citizens. “That must change, and change it must now,” he stressed.
The Liberian leader, however, presented a vision of a modernized digital Liberia in which businesses register and pay taxes online, citizens access government services more effectively, ministries share information seamlessly, students gain from increased digital learning opportunities, farmers receive real-time market information, and healthcare delivery is strengthened through electronic health systems.
He urged Liberians to view technology as a powerful tool for innovation, entrepreneurship, and national promotion rather than just a means of communication. Speaking to young engineers, cybersecurity experts, software developers, and entrepreneurs, Boakai promised that his government will support innovation and promote the growth of startups.
“Liberia believes in you. We want to create an environment where your ideas can flourish, where startups can grow, and where breakthroughs can proudly carry the label Made in Liberia.”
Mr. Boakai reiterated the administration’s dedication to boosting cybersecurity, increasing internet access, improving digital literacy, and promoting investment in the latest innovations like artificial intelligence, financial technology, and digital public infrastructure. He emphasized that improving the lives of regular Liberians is the ultimate purpose of digital transformation.
“It is about improving lives. It is about making government more responsive. It is about creating opportunities for our youth. It is about building a more competitive economy and ensuring that every Liberian benefits from the opportunities of the 21st century,” Boakai said.
A delegation of potential investors, including South Korean businessman Hans, who is looking into investment prospects in banking, shipbuilding, manufacturing, and other areas, was welcomed by President Boakai. The president urged participants to create workable solutions that will speed up Liberia’s digital transition, calling for increased cooperation between the public and private sectors, academic institutions, development partners, and civil society.
Boakai expressed optimism about Liberia’s future, stating that increased interest from abroad indicates better economic possibilities for the nation. “I can see on the horizon that Liberia is going to be blessed. A lot of interest has been generated, good friends are coming, our country is going to move, and you are going to have a great future because you will be thinking Liberia and you will love Liberia.”
