Liberia took its story to the world stage at Expo 2025 in Osaka, where the government made a deliberate push to put the country on the radar of global investors. The centerpiece of that effort came this week at the Liberia Business Forum, where Ambassador Christopher H. Onanuga, the President’s Special Envoy on Tourism and Chairman of the Liberia Tourism Authority, spoke plainly: Liberia is open for business.
Why Osaka Matters
For a small West African country like Liberia, showing up at Expo 2025 was more than ceremony. It was a chance to get in front of serious investors, especially in Japan — a country admired for its discipline, rule of law, and well-planned cities.
By making its case there, Liberia showed that it wants to learn from Japan and bring some of those lessons back home.
“This is not about just talking,” Onanuga told the gathering of Japanese business leaders and Liberian officials. “It’s about real partnerships that can create jobs, strengthen our institutions, and grow our economy.”
Where the Opportunities Are
Tourism topped the list. Liberia, with its untouched beaches, national parks, and rich cultural history, has long had the raw ingredients for a tourism industry. What it lacks is investment in infrastructure — hotels, eco-resorts, reliable transport, and professional training.
Onanuga said that building these will not only bring in visitors but also force better standards in areas like environmental protection and governance.
But tourism is only the start. The envoy pointed to opportunities in green development, urban planning, and environmental management — areas where Japan has world-class experience. Liberia, with its youthful population and vast natural resources, could benefit from partners willing to invest in both people and projects.
“With nearly 67 percent of Liberians under 35, we are not just a country of potential — we are a country of energy and talent, ready to be put to work,” he said.
Turning Words Into Action
What made Liberia’s pitch in Osaka stand out is that it came with concrete steps. Onanuga announced a Liberia–Japan Tourism and Investment Task Force to move deals from talk to reality, along with youth exchange programs focused on tourism and environmental skills.
These initiatives are designed to build trust — a critical factor for investors who want stable, transparent partnerships.
A Partnership With Identity
Onanuga introduced the idea of “Jalib” — a Liberia–Japan partnership built on more than transactions. The goal, he explained, is a relationship that blends culture with commerce, and positions Liberia as a bridge between Africa’s youthful dynamism and Japan’s experience in building modern, well-run economies.
“This is the moment to take Japan to Liberia, and to bring Liberia to Japan,” he said. “Together, we can build not just businesses, but a shared future.”
Stepping Onto the Global Stage
For Liberia, Osaka was a signal moment. With millions of visitors expected at Expo 2025, the forum has given the country visibility it rarely enjoys. The message is straightforward: Liberia has the people, the resources, and the political will to become a new destination for global investment.
Whether Japanese businesses and others respond with capital remains to be seen. But in Osaka, Liberia made it clear it is ready to compete — and confident that its story, told in the right place and at the right time, can attract the partnerships it needs to grow.
