NATIONAL NEWS
Monrovia — President Joseph Boakai, on Monday delivered his third Annual Message to the 55th Legislature, outlining economic recovery, major infrastructure investments, governance reforms, and an ambitious legislative agenda aimed at translating “resolve into results” for the Liberian people.
Speaking at the Capitol Building grounds—still under repair following a 2024 arson attack—the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to constitutional order, accountability, and democratic governance, warning that those responsible for the attack would face the full weight of the law.
By: Trokon Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmai.com
“The progress we continue to make will not be thwarted,” Boakai declared, emphasizing that Liberia is “in a better state than it was a year ago.”
Economic Growth and Stability
President Boakai reported that Liberia’s economy grew by 5.1 percent in 2025, surpassing both projections and the previous year’s performance.
Growth was driven largely by mining, agriculture, fisheries, and services, with mining alone expanding by 17 percent and exports rising by 31.5 percent to approximately US$2.1 billion.
He said inflation dropped to 4 percent by December 2025, its lowest level in more than two decades, down from double digits in 2024. Gross international reserves increased to US$576 million, while the Liberian dollar appreciated by about 3 percent against the US dollar, reflecting improved foreign exchange stability.
“Inflation dropped to 4 percent by December 2025, its lowest level in more than two decades, down from double digits in 2024. Gross international reserves increased to US$576 million, while the Liberian dollar appreciated by about 3 percent against the US dollar, reflecting improved foreign exchange stability,” the Liberian leader said.
Looking ahead, the President projected growth above 5 percent in 2026 and an average of 6 percent through 2028, supported by infrastructure investments, mining expansion, and agricultural reforms.
Revenue Performance and Fiscal Discipline
President Boakai highlighted what he described as a historic milestone in domestic revenue mobilization. In FY2025, Liberia generated US$847.7 million in domestic revenue, exceeding targets by US$43.1 million and marking the highest revenue collection in the country’s history.
“The national budget for FY2026 stands at over US$1.2 billion, also the largest ever approved,” He said. The President announced that, for the first time in many years, the government will submit a supplemental budget following strong revenue performance.
Public debt stood at US$2.8 billion as of December 2025, with the government remaining largely current on debt service obligations.
Legislative Agenda and Governance Reforms
The President urged lawmakers to prioritize pending legislation, including bills to establish a Civil Service Commission, a Presidential Transition Act, and amendments to strengthen anti-corruption laws by addressing illicit enrichment and removing statutes of limitation for corruption cases.
“In 2026, the administration plans to submit bills to create a National Planning Commission, a National Road Authority, a specialized land and property court, and a universal health insurance program. The government will also seek to repeal outdated decrees from the People’s Redemption Council era.”
On governance, Boakai cited progress in accountability, noting indictments and convictions secured by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission, expanded audits by the General Auditing Commission, and increased compliance with audit recommendations.
Infrastructure development the President reported that paved roads increased from under 12 percent to about 20 percent nationwide, with more than 780 kilometers of major roads maintained and hundreds of kilometers of rural and urban roads paved since his administration took office.
He announced that 285 road maintenance machines, widely referred to as “yellow machines,” are being shipped to Liberia to support county-level road works and disaster response.
“In the energy sector, more than 63,000 new electricity connections were made in 2025, including electrification of rural communities across several counties. Electricity tariffs were reduced, while Mount Coffee Hydropower recorded improved reliability and increased revenue,” the Liberian leader noted.
“Major power projects—including gas-to-power, solar, and hydropower initiatives totaling over 700 megawatts—are planned or underway.”
Investment and Job Creation
The government said it secured approximately US$4 billion in committed investments through agreements with ArcelorMittal Liberia and Ivanhoe for rail and mining infrastructure. Additional petroleum agreements are expected to generate about US$800 million in investment.
President Boakai reported the creation of over 70,000 short- and medium-term jobs, with a youth-focused employment strategy expected to generate more than 120,000 additional jobs through entrepreneurship and public works programs.
In education, the government said it has removed more than 1,000 “ghost names” from payrolls, hired qualified teachers, expanded digital learning, and supplied thousands of desks and learning materials. Over 239,000 students benefited from school feeding programs.
“Health sector improvements included reduced maternal deaths, expanded immunization coverage to 88 percent, and a sharp drop in medicine stockouts. Major hospital and diagnostic projects are nearing completion across several counties,” he noted.
“Social protection programs provided cash transfers to over 15,000 households, supported women’s economic empowerment, and reintegrated thousands of street and out-of-school children.”
Foreign Policy and International Standing
On foreign relations, Boakai cited Liberia’s election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for 2026–2027 as evidence of restored international credibility. He also confirmed that Liberia’s eligibility for a second Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact was reaffirmed in December 2025, with negotiations focusing on energy and job creation.
“Liberia deepened ties with regional and global partners while shifting toward economic diplomacy centered on trade and investment rather than aid dependency.”
The President reiterated his commitment to national reconciliation, referencing the dignified reburials of former Presidents William R. Tolbert Jr. and Samuel K. Doe Sr., and ongoing efforts toward establishing a War and Economic Crimes Court.
“Reconciliation does not mean forgetting,” Boakai said, “nor does it mean abandoning justice.”
