Abuja, Nigeria – President Joseph N. Boakai has reaffirmed Liberia’s steadfast commitment to regional economic integration, sustainable development, and peace throughout the sub-region in an emotive address at the first-ever West Africa Economic Summit (WAES) on Saturday, June 21, 2025.
President Boakai commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership for providing the Confidence, the first of its kind to particularly discuss the region’s economic concerns, when speaking at the Summit’s High-Level Panel at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre.
The summit’s topic, “Unlocking West Africa’s Economic Potential,” brought together ECOWAS heads of state, economists, politicians, and business executives.
President Boakai characterized the Summit as a strategic and timely platform for setting a new course for economic transformation, as it coincides with the 67th Ordinary Session of the Summit of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government and follows the Community’s 50th anniversary. He said, “The challenges we face are complex, but not insurmountable.”
The Liberian leader highlighted the country’s election to a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2026–2027 term and promised to utilize the role to advance regional unity, peace, and communication.
He conveyed his sincere gratitude to the ECOWAS Community for the outstanding demonstration of solidarity demonstrated by their entire support of Liberia’s campaign for this seat.
He stressed strategic investment priorities in agriculture, port modernization, energy access, and the digital economy, all of which are aimed at enhancing participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He also highlighted Liberia’s national development agenda, which is in line with the region’s drive for integration and economic growth.
Addressing the possibility for changes that would promote inclusive growth and establish Liberia as a hub for commerce, innovation, and investment in the Mano River and ECOWAS areas, he praised the country’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
Additionally, President Boakai passionately urged ECOWAS member nations that have left the region to come back. “We need to maintain the possibility of reconciliation,” he said.
The president urged regional leaders to take strong action together as Liberia assumes its place on the international scene, lowering trade barriers, investing in people, and transforming common goals into economic freedom for millions of people throughout West Africa.
The ECOWAS leaders are still in Abuja and will meet at the Old Banquet Hall at the Presidential Villa on Sunday, June 22, for the 67th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
Photo credit: Executive Mansion
