MONROVIA, November 2, 2026: A United States trade and investment delegation from Prince George’s County, Maryland, has proposed a youth, cultural and tourism exchange program with Liberia as part of efforts to strengthen economic cooperation, attract investment and create employment opportunities.
The delegation, led by Prince George’s County Councilwoman At-Large Wala Blegay and accompanied by Dr. Akilah S. Alleyne, arrived in Liberia on October 30 for a series of engagements with government officials and private sector representatives.
The visit follows the signing of a Sister-State Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Liberia and the U.S. State of Maryland on June 24, 2026, in Annapolis, by Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti and Maryland Governor Wes Moore.
The agreement, described as Maryland’s first formal sister-state partnership with an African nation, focuses on four key areas: trade, education, public health and civic exchange.
The delegation began its official engagements at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where members presented investment and partnership proposals covering tourism, agriculture, healthcare technology, education, waste management, telecommunications and workforce development.
Among the participating businesses are Clear Kayak Liberia and Kairos Kids Collection, represented by Kubahki “Kuki” Vincent Osei, which are proposing the Maryland-Liberia Youth, Culture and Tourism Exchange Program.
Other investors include Clyopatra Winery & Vineyard, headed by founder and CEO Ifeoma Clyopatra Onyia, which is developing a 40-acre agritourism resort in Prince George’s County.
The delegation also includes the Juxtopia Group and JUICE Network, led by Dr. Jayfus Tucker Doswell, with interests in healthcare technology, nursing workforce development and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) entrepreneurship.
Additional investment interests include agro-processing, recycling, cybersecurity, responsible mining and vocational training.
Welcoming the delegation, Foreign Minister Nyanti called for the Maryland-Liberia partnership to move beyond diplomatic agreements toward practical investments and job creation.
“When we signed this memorandum with Governor Moore, we committed to more than a ceremony,” Nyanti said.
“We committed to real projects that create jobs for Liberians, open markets for our farmers and entrepreneurs, and give our young people new skills. This delegation shows that Maryland is serious, and Liberia is ready.”
Minister Nyanti also acknowledged the role of the Liberian diaspora in Maryland, describing Councilwoman Blegay’s leadership as an important link between the two communities.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Councilwoman Blegay said the mission was intended to establish practical partnerships capable of generating investment, employment and long-term economic benefits for Liberia and Maryland.
She emphasized that the delegation’s objective extends beyond diplomatic engagements to developing concrete projects and sustainable business relationships.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it would coordinate the delegation’s activities through November 5, including meetings with the Presidency, Legislature, relevant government ministries, National Investment Commission, National Port Authority, Liberia Chamber of Commerce, universities and private sector institutions.
The engagements are expected to explore investment opportunities and identify projects that could be implemented under the Maryland-Liberia Sister-State agreement.
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