President Boakai and Minister Nyanti Unveil Bold Diaspora Investment Plan as Liberia Pushes Global Mapping Drive

MARYLAND, USA – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has intensified efforts to map and mobilize Liberians living abroad, as Foreign Minister H.E. Sara Beysolow Nyanti joined President Joseph Nyuma Boakai at Sunday’s Presidential Town Hall Meeting in Maryland, USA.

The town hall, held as part of President Boakai’s official engagements in the United States, focused on listening to Diaspora Liberians, mobilizing development partnerships, and strengthening Liberia’s international relationships, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs playing a central role in implementing the government’s diaspora strategy.

In his remarks, President Boakai praised the Ministry’s efforts to transform diaspora engagement from occasional consultations into a more structured development partnership.

“The diaspora has not just shaped Liberia’s development story; it is part of it,” the President said.

President Boakai announced that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has begun a mission-based initiative, working through Liberian embassies and consulates, to improve data on Liberians living abroad.

The initiative, being spearheaded by Minister Nyanti following Liberia’s engagements at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, is designed to move diaspora engagement beyond conferences and toward measurable outcomes in reconciliation, health, education, investment, and trade.

The President also disclosed that the government is exploring proposals for a Diaspora Investment Fund, a Diaspora Engagement Commission, and Diaspora Savings and Investment Bonds.

“The purpose is not simply to count people; it is to connect skills, experience, investment, and professional networks to concrete national programs,” President Boakai said.

He added that accurate diaspora data could help connect Liberian doctors, engineers, educators, entrepreneurs, researchers, and other professionals with opportunities to contribute to national development.

Minister Nyanti has made diaspora engagement a key pillar of Liberia’s foreign policy, with the Ministry seeking to connect diaspora expertise, enterprise, investment, and professional networks directly to the government’s ARREST Agenda and county-level development priorities.

President Boakai also encouraged Liberians abroad to cooperate with embassies and consulates as the mapping exercise expands.

“Better data will help the government understand where Liberians live, the skills and passions they possess, and the sectors in which they can contribute,” he said.

The Maryland Town Hall marks another major diaspora engagement by President Boakai and Minister Nyanti following Liberia’s diplomatic activities at UNGA81, highlighting a growing emphasis on citizen diplomacy and diaspora participation in national development.