By: Jeff Jefferson
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, in preparation of the US-Africa Summit and bilateral engagement with U.S. President Donald Trump, this Wednesday July 9, at the White House, has engaged in strategic consultations and high-level briefings with influential figures in Washington, D.C.
President Boakai as part of the engagement, met with Dr. Massad Boulous, Senior Advisor to the U.S. President on African Affairs, who offered valuable insights into current developments within the U.S. political landscape and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to deepening U.S.-Africa partnerships.
President Boakai also welcomed a courtesy visit from Paula Michelle White-Cain, Spiritual Advisor to President Trump, recounting a longstanding relationship dating back to their initial meeting at the 65th National Congressional Prayer Breakfast in 2017.
Madam White-Cain offered prayers and spiritual encouragement for the success of the summit and President Boakai’s leadership.
Additionally, the President held a productive meeting with a delegation from the U.S.-Africa Business Center, led by its President, Kendra Gaither.
Discussions centered around enhancing trade, investment, and private sector collaboration between the United States and Liberia.
President Boakai expressed optimism about the outcomes of the summit, reaffirming Liberia’s commitment to regional stability, democratic governance, and inclusive economic growth.
At the same time, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, is expected to officially launch the Liberia Trade and Investment Office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, marking a bold new chapter in Liberia’s efforts to strengthen trade, attract investment, and engage the Liberian diaspora in national development.
According to an Executive Mansion release, the launch which will take place this Wednesday July 9, on the margins of President Boakai’s official working visit to the United States at the invitation of U.S. President Donald Trump, reflects the Liberian leader’s unwavering commitment to unlocking economic opportunity and positioning Liberia as a credible and competitive destination for global commerce.
The release added that in a demonstration of the importance attached to the initiative, President Boakai designated Ambassador Charles Snetter, Ambassador At-Large, to represent him at the official opening and deliver remarks on his behalf, conveying his message of partnership, progress, and shared prosperity.
The Liberia Trade and Investment Office will serve as a central resource for American businesses, diaspora entrepreneurs, and investors seeking market entry support, regulatory guidance, and partnerships across key sectors—including agribusiness, energy, digital services, light manufacturing, and sustainable tourism.
President Boakai emphasized the importance of leveraging the initiative to deepen U.S.-Liberia economic ties, while mobilizing Liberians in the diaspora to contribute their talents, capital, and innovation toward Liberia’s transformation.
The conference will conclude with the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Liberia, the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA), and the Laborers’ District Council of Philadelphia, aimed at fostering workforce development and technical exchange.
Ambassador Snetter and the Liberian delegation will also visit the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority to explore logistics collaboration and export growth.
