‘Present & Complex, Not Insurmountable’ -Boakai Describes Challenges Facing ECOWAS at Economic Summit

MONROVIA – Since it was formed as a regional bloc in 1975, the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) continues to endeavor to meet its founding objective of promoting economic cooperation and integration, and thereby improve the living standards of its people. At 50 this year, the community appears yet too far from achieving its mission, as chronic poverty and rural isolation due to lack of infrastructures remain characteristic features in all member states. Ordinary citizens as well as some leaders are gradually become despondent. As heads of states meet in yet another session to broker solutions, the president of a pioneering founding country of the regional body, Liberia’s Joseph Nyuma Boakai, has proffered some reassuring words. The Analyst reports.  

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai is attending this year’s economic summit of ECOWAS, and taking the rostrum, he reflected on the celebration of the Community’s golden jubilee, all the efforts for reflection, coordination, and renewed commitment toward the economic transformation of the sub-region.

He however noted that even after 50 years of ECOWAS’ existence and work, “the challenges we face are still present and complex, but they are not insurmountable”.

“As we chart a path toward economic renewal, consistent with the well thought out theme of this Submit,” Boakai said, Liberia strongly supports the African Continental Free Trade Area as a transformative platform for economic integration.

“Our budgetary priorities are increasingly focused on sustainable agriculture and rural transformation, aligning with the AfCFTA’s goals,” he divulged. “We are investing in road networks and port infrastructure to support the seamless movement of goods and services across our borders.”

The said such actions reflect Liberia’s determination to play an active role in the regional and continental value chain.

According to him, Liberia has also identified several priority sectors for strategic investment, such as agriculture, “where we seek to scale productivity, increase food security, and promote agribusiness.”

He also spoke of ports and logistics, where efforts are underway to modernize the Free Port of Monrovia and other key gateways to improve competitiveness and trade efficiency, and energy, where his administration has been expanding access to affordable and reliable electricity to support economic diversification and industrial development.

The President also cited digital economy, where investment has been made in infrastructure and human capital to enable innovation and position Liberia as a destination for technology-driven enterprise.

“We are working in close coordination with ECOWAS and the Mano River Union to harmonize policies, reduce trade barriers, and enhance competitiveness,” the president said, adding, “Through the implementation of our recently launched ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, Liberia is pursuing comprehensive reform to foster economic growth, strengthen institutions, and improve public service delivery.”

He told ECOWAS leaders that his administration’s vision is to transform Liberia into a stable, transparent, and attractive destination for private sector investment and inclusive development.

Appreciation ECOWAS for Support to UNSC

President Boakia informed and thanked his colleagues about Liberia’s recent election to a Non-Permanent Seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2026 to 2027 term, calling a milestone would not have been possible without the support, encouragement, and endorsement of Member States.

Liberia is humbled by this vote of confidence, he said. “We view it not only as a national honor but as a reflection of our collective aspiration to contribute meaningfully to global peace, dialogue, and multilateralism.”

The Liberian leader pledged to carry this mandate with humility and responsibility, drawing on Liberia’s unique post-conflict experience and our unwavering belief in diplomacy, peace-building, and international cooperation.

He reminded the ECOWAS leaders that peace and stability are the foundation upon which all economic aspirations must rest, and that Liberia remains fully committed to promoting productive sub-regional interaction, peace, national cohesion, and democratic governance throughout the region.

“We continue to avail ourselves to the ECOWAS Community in critical areas of mediation, conflict prevention, and post-crisis stabilization,” he added. “At the 66th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority, Liberia called for renewed dialogue with Member States who have taken a divergent path.

“Today, I wish to echo that appeal. We must keep the door open for engagement and reconciliation, especially to our sister states that have unfortunately exited the Community.”

He said with Liberia’s ascension to the Security Council, “we are determined to be a principled voice for the region, advocating for just solutions to global and regional challenges and advancing the values that unite us. I commend each of you for your steadfast leadership and for the efforts you continue to make in advancing the goals of economic integration and prosperity.”

He asked his colleagues to “seize this opportunity to deepen our collaboration, mobilize our collective resources, and transform the potential of our region into lasting progress for our people”.