By: Julius Konton
Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. on Thursday delivered a powerful call for deeper African cooperation, investment-driven reforms, and innovation-led development as he addressed the Inaugural Imo State Economic Summit 2025 at the Imo International Conference Center in Owerri.
President Boakai, speaking before Heads of State, investors, cabinet ministers, development partners, and traditional leaders, praised Imo State’s economic potential and Nigeria’s long-standing support to Liberia, noting that regional progress hinges on shared commitment and unified action.
“When spider webs unite, they can tie a lion,” Boakai said, invoking an African proverb that became the thematic anchor of his address.
“Partnership multiplies strength. Collective effort turns potential into progress.”
Imo State: An Emerging Economic Force
Boakai saluted the host governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, acknowledging Imo State’s growing economic influence.
With a GDP estimated between US$18–20 billion, Imo ranks among Nigeria’s top four wealthiest states and remains the nation’s third-highest in the Human Development Index, driven by strong education rates and a dynamic service economy.
The President highlighted similarities between the two regions population size, flag colors, and a reliance on agricultural commodities, especially palm oil, which contributes more than 7% of Liberia’s GDP and remains a major staple in Imo’s rural economy.
“Your vision to unlock Imo’s economic potential is both timely and essential,” Boakai told Governor Uzodinma.
“And Liberia stands ready to partner with Imo State in this new era of economic transformation”, he added.
Three Pillars for Transformation: Partnership, Investment, Innovation
Boakai outlined three strategic pillars he believes are crucial for Imo State and Africa to unlock sustainable economic growth.
- Partnership
The President reinforced that no African nation can achieve durable progress in isolation.
He cited Liberia’s diplomatic and developmental gains over the last year, including:
Election to the UN Security Council (2026–2027 term)
Strengthened regional cooperation within ECOWAS
Broad support for agricultural modernization and major transport infrastructure projects
“The greatest development stories were built on cooperation between governments, the private sector, and communities,” he emphasized.
- Investment
Describing investment as the “lifeblood of development”, Boakai stressed that credible investors require regulatory clarity, transparency, and a corruption-free environment.
He outlined Liberia’s recent governance and fiscal achievements, including:
Restoration of fiscal discipline
Elimination of more than 2,000 ghost workers
Stronger procurement and digital financial systems
National budget surpassing US$1 billion for the first time in history
94% generated from domestic revenue—one of the highest domestic-revenue ratios in West Africa
These reforms, he said, offer a model that Imo State can adapt as it seeks to attract foreign direct investment across agriculture, energy, tourism, and light manufacturing.
“When institutions are strong, investors gain confidence. When the rule of law is upheld, economies expand.”
- Innovation
Boakai urged African states to embrace innovation as a fundamental requirement for global competitiveness.
Imo State, with one of Nigeria’s youngest and most educated populations over 65% under age 35 is well positioned to lead in technology, digital enterprise, and research-driven growth.
He highlighted Liberia’s own investments under the ARREST (Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation & Tourism) Agenda, including:
Digital government systems
Education reforms
Renewable energy pilots
Youth innovation hubs
Entrepreneurial training programs
“Africa’s future will not be shaped by what we import, but by what we invent, what we produce, and what we export,” he declared.
A Call for Elections That Deliver Development
In a striking political message, Boakai challenged African leaders to ensure that elections yield real economic benefits for the people.
“Our elections must not only be peaceful they must deliver development dividends. The lives of the people must improve.”
Africa Rising: Imo State, Liberia, and the Continent
Boakai emphasized the shared history and aspirations between Liberia and Imo state resilience, peace, governance reform, and development-driven leadership.
He suggested future collaborations in:
Agriculture and agribusiness
Post-conflict governance
Regional peace and mediation
Youth skills development
Infrastructure and energy
Boakai called Liberia’s Security Council seat not merely a national achievement but a continental opportunity for African states to shape global peace and development strategies.
A Continent on the Rise
The Liberian leader closed with optimism and a rallying call for African unity:
“Unlocking Imo’s economic potential is not just an economic challenge, it is a leadership, governance, and collective responsibility.
Like Liberia, Imo State is rising. Nigeria is rising. And Africa is rising”, he maintained.
Editor’s Note
In this report, the author captures one of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s strongest regional policy speeches to date delivered at a moment when African states are increasingly redefining their development strategies, investment priorities, and collective political influence.
Speaking at the Inaugural Imo State Economic Summit 2025 in Owerri, President Boakai’s message went beyond ceremonial goodwill; it was a strategic appeal for continental unity, economic cooperation, and governance reforms anchored in partnership, credibility, and innovation.
His use of the African proverb, “When spider webs unite, they can tie a lion,” framed a powerful argument: fragmented nations cannot compete in a rapidly transforming global economy, but a united Africa can shape its own destiny.
The speech merged political clarity with economic realism, grounding its arguments in data including Liberia’s fiscal reforms, Imo State’s GDP profile, and the demographic strength of Nigeria’s youth population.
The story underscores themes crucial to Africa’s development narrative today:
- Improved governance and transparency as preconditions for investment
- Youth-driven innovation as the engine of competitiveness
- Cross-border partnerships as catalysts for regional prosperity
- The need for elections that translate into measurable social and economic progress
The author report highlights not only the content of the speech but its timing coming as Liberia prepares for its UN Security Council tenure, Nigeria advances subnational economic reforms, and Africa faces increasing pressure to boost intra-continental trade under the AfCFTA.
This article provides readers with a balanced, data-rich account of a significant diplomatic and economic moment one that positions both Liberia and Imo State within the broader trajectory of Africa’s rising economic ambitions.
