MONROVIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai departed Liberia earlier today, June 19, 2025, to attend the West Africa Economic Summit (WAES), which takes place from June 20 to 21 in Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria. The summit brings together Heads of State, senior government officials, private sector leaders, and development partners from across the region to explore strategies for accelerating trade, investment, and regional economic integration.
The forum is considered a vital platform for shaping regional policies that promote sustainable economic growth, job creation, and industrial development. President Boakai is scheduled to deliver a keynote address outlining Liberia’s vision for economic transformation and presenting investment opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, energy, infrastructure, tourism, and digital innovation.
In addition to addressing the forum, the Liberian leader will engage in a series of bilateral and multilateral meetings with fellow regional leaders, investors, and international institutions. These engagements are intended to strengthen Liberia’s development agenda and secure key economic partnerships.
The West Africa Economic Summit is being convened as part of a commitment made by Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his 2023 chairmanship of ECOWAS to host a regional gathering focused on trade and investment. The event will conclude with the ECOWAS Summit of Heads of State and Government on Sunday, June 22, where leaders are expected to discuss pressing regional issues including economic cooperation, peace and security, and sustainable development.
President Boakai is accompanied by a high-level Liberian delegation comprising Minister of Foreign Affairs Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Finance and Development Planning Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Minister of Commerce Magdalene Dagoseh, Minister of Agriculture Alexander Nuetah, Minister of Mines and Energy Wilmot Paye, Minister of Information, Tourism and Culture Jerolinmek Piah, and National Investment Commission Chairman Jeff Blibo.
Others on the delegation include Minister of State Without Portfolio for Special Services Samuel A. Stevquoah, National Security Advisor Samuel Kofi Woods II, Senior Economic Advisor to the President Morley Kamara, National Port Authority Managing Director Sekou Dukuly, Liberia Petroleum Refining Company Managing Director Amos Tweh, Special Envoy for Tourism Christopher Onanuga, and Special Envoy for Trade and Investments Mohammed Bah. The President is also traveling with his communications, security, and protocol teams.
While the President is away, Minister of Justice Cllr. Oswald Tweh will chair the Cabinet in consultation with President Boakai via telephone, ensuring that governance and national oversight continue uninterrupted. The President and his delegation are expected to return to Liberia on Monday, June 23, 2025, following the conclusion of the summit.
