The Government of Liberia has ramped up efforts to engage its citizens living abroad as part of a broader national agenda aimed at promoting inclusion, investment, and participation in governance. Recently, through the Office of Diaspora Affairs at the Ministry of State, the government hosted a one-day working session in Monrovia. The purpose of this meeting was to strengthen collaboration between Liberians in the diaspora and those at home, especially in preparation for the upcoming 2025 Diaspora Annual Return.
The gathering brought together senior government officials and representatives from the Liberian Diaspora community to discuss how their collective contributions can drive national development and enhance the country’s democratic processes.
During the event, Senator Francis S. Dopoe, Vice Chairperson of the newly formed Senate Caucus Committee on Diaspora Affairs, announced that the Liberian Senate has created this committee to empower Liberians living abroad to participate fully in national decision-making, which includes voting in future elections.
He stated, “Regardless of our political backgrounds, our focus is on Liberia’s development. To build Liberia’s capacity, we need the participation of Liberians in the diaspora. We have the mandate to create a ‘Diaspora Act’ that will guarantee their right to vote and participate in elections.” Senator Dopoe also revealed that the Senate is working with the House of Representatives to establish a Joint Legislative Committee on Diaspora Affairs, which will serve as the official liaison between the Legislature and Liberians abroad.
The committee aims to collaborate closely with the Executive Branch to create initiatives such as a Diaspora Investment Fund, Diaspora Investment Bond, and Diaspora Investment Bank, all designed to mobilize capital and encourage investment from Liberians living overseas. “The Legislature is working to establish the Commission on Diaspora Affairs. This commission will strengthen partnerships for diaspora investment and protect citizens from fraud,” the senator said.
Additionally, Macdella Cooper, Political Adviser to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, emphasized that Liberia’s development cannot rely solely on international partners. She urged all Liberians, especially those living abroad, to take an active role in the nation’s growth. “It will not take only development partners to build Liberia. Every Liberian—whether at home or abroad—needs to contribute to this nation. There is only one Liberia; once a Liberian, always a Liberian,” stated Madam Cooper.
Dr. Ibrahim Nyei, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, also highlighted the importance of engaging with the diaspora to promote the Liberia Investment Forum, which showcases investment opportunities in various sectors.
He reported that remittances from the Liberian diaspora accounted for about 25 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) last year. The government hopes to increase this contribution by an additional 20 percent through targeted initiatives and better communication with Liberians abroad.
“Without strong engagement, we cannot convince our people abroad of the security and potential that Liberia offers for investment,” Dr. Nyei noted. The 2025 Diaspora Annual Return is anticipated to serve as a major platform for dialogue, partnership, and investment between the Government of Liberia and its global citizens, further solidifying the country’s commitment to include its diaspora in nation-building efforts.
