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By Princess C Kossigba
Addressing a high-level delegation at the Inaugural Imo State Economic Summit in Owerri, Nigeria Imo State, on Thursday, December 4. 2025 President Joseph Nyuma Boakai acknowledged Africa’s effort for its stand on the global stage through partnerships and international representation.
The two days event brought together esteemed leaders, investors and visionaries from across Africa and other parts of the world to discuss critical pressing issues intended to deepen cooperation among African states and strengthen economic ties between Liberia and Nigeria specifically in the area of investment, resources management and post conflict development planning under the theme “Unlocking Imo’s Economic Potential, Partnership, Investment and Innovation.
Speaking during the event, Liberia’s Chief Executive President Boakai disclosed that, the theme for the summit speaks directly to the opportunities and challenges facing many African states today.
According to him, Imo state desire to transformed natural blessings into tangible prosperity, moving from potential to productivity, and to shift from dependency to innovation-driven growth is not being unnoticed, like other African countries Liberia is on similar path, noting that when partnership is strong, progress becomes possible,
with responsible investment, industries flourish and with innovative encouragement society transforms
“As we reflect on the task before us, an African proverb reminds us that, “When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion”, stating that the proverb teaches that even the most complex challenges can be overcome collectively”.
As a country our elevation to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council is not only an honor, it is also reminder that Africa can play a constructive role in shaping global stability and post-conflict recovery. Imo State and Liberia can collaborate in several including, building stronger regional alliances based on peace, development, and democratic governance to help both nations collaboration.
Convening the importance of the summit, President recognized Nigeria contributions in Liberia’s history
Appreciating the efforts of Senator Hope Uzodinma for his vision to unlock Imo State’s economic potential terming as timely and essential.
As the fourth-richest state in Nigeria and the third-highest on the Human Development Index, Imo State is an inspiration he added.
Speaking further, the Liberian Leader emphasized that, without investors, potential remains unrealized, in his words investment must be smart, realistic, sustainable, and inclusive, it must empower local businesses, create decent jobs, and uplift communities.
Imo State possesses abundant economic potential. From agriculture to energy, from manufacturing to services, from mining to tourism, the foundations are already here. The next step is to build a stable, predictable environment where investors feel confident committing resources Boakai stated.
This includes regulatory clarity, streamlined processes, transparency, and a commitment to fighting corruption. In Liberia, we have taken bold steps to restore fiscal discipline, eliminate ghost workers, strengthen procurement systems, and modernize financial governance.
Referencing Liberia’s national Budget, he mentioned for the first time in history exceed the one billion United States dollar threshold with 94% coming from domestic revenue sources is a testament to what is possible when governance is strengthened.
Imo State can similarly leverage reform-driven governance to attract credible investors. When institutions are strong, investors gain confidence. When processes are clear, investment grows. When the rule of law is upheld, the economy expands the president urged.
In today’s world, innovation is not a luxury. It is a necessity for survival and competitiveness. The countries and regions that thrive in this century will be those that embrace digital transformation, promote entrepreneurship, expand research capacity, and train a skilled, technologically fluent workforce.
Innovation begins with mindset, not machines.
”No society advances alone, “No government succeeds in isolation, the greatest development stories in history were built on cooperation between the public sector, the private sector, and communities. Imo State has the opportunity to build new alliances that bring together government, investors, researchers, entrepreneurs, and global partners within a shared framework of progress
Linking the narration to Liberia, Boakai said partnership has help Liberia growth, noting that, over the year as nation it has strengthened cooperation with regional partners, secured Liberia’s election to the United Nations Security Council, and mobilized support for agricultural expansion, railway modernization, and institutional reform.
To conclude President Boakai reaffirms that if Africa must progress, elections shouldn’t just be peaceful, but must bring about developmental dividend to those who elect them.
