On Thursday, December 4, 2025, Liberian President Joseph N. Boakai made a compelling call for deeper regional cooperation, responsible investment, and innovation-driven growth. He made the call while addressing the inaugural Imo State Economic Summit in Owerri, Nigeria. Speaking before a distinguished audience of Nigerian leaders, development partners, investors, and traditional authorities, President Boakai praised Imo State’s economic strides and urged African governments to unite in transforming potential into prosperity.
Boakai, who received a warm welcome from host Governor Hope Uzodinma, described Imo as a state of “remarkable resilience and tremendous promise,” noting its high ranking in Nigeria’s Human Development Index and its position among the country’s wealthiest states.
The Liberian leader emphasized that Africa’s future hinges on collective action. “An African proverb reminds us that when spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion,” stressing that partnership is the cornerstone of sustainable development. “No government succeeds in isolation,” he added.
President Boakai highlighted Liberia’s recent gains, from securing a seat on the UN Security Council to expanding agricultural and infrastructure investments, as evidence of what strategic collaboration can achieve.
He outlined three pillars he believes are essential for Imo’s transformation: partnership, investment, and innovation. However, Boakai encouraged Imo to strengthen regulatory clarity, promote transparency, and deepen anti-corruption efforts to attract credible investors, drawing parallels to Liberia’s governance reforms that pushed the country’s national budget beyond US$1 billion, 94 percent sourced domestically, for the first time in history.
“In today’s world, innovation is not a luxury. The regions that will thrive are those that embrace digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and technology-driven skills,” he narrated. Meanwhile, the Liberian President commended Imo’s vibrant youth population and strong academic institutions, urging the state to channel its demographic power into innovation hubs, research centers, and technology parks. He also called for African elections to yield “developmental dividends” beyond peaceful transitions.
Boakai concluded by reaffirming Liberia’s readiness to deepen bilateral cooperation with Imo State and Nigeria, especially in peacebuilding, governance, and sustainable development.
“Unlocking Imo’s economic potential is not just an economic challenge. It is a leadership and collective responsibility,” the President stated. The summit, which brought together policymakers and global investors, is expected to set a new economic direction for Imo State and strengthen ties with regional partners, including Liberia.
