IT Specialist Urges President Boakai to Address Liberia’s Digital Image on YouTube
Monrovia, Liberia — An Information Technology (IT) specialist at the Liberia Maritime Authority, Mr. Isaac P. Korboi, has called on the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to take urgent steps to improve Liberia’s global digital image, particularly on the video-sharing platform YouTube.
In a formal communication addressed to the President, Mr. Korboi raised concerns that search results related to Liberia on YouTube continue to highlight the country’s civil war history rather than its present-day peace, development, and democratic progress.
According to him, this digital imbalance risks undermining investor confidence and distorting international perception about Liberia’s current realities.
“Before investors make decisions, they rely heavily on online platforms for information,” Korboi noted. “Unfortunately, when Liberia is searched on YouTube, the dominant content reflects our past conflicts instead of our progress and achievements.”
Liberia endured a devastating civil war that ended in 2003. Since then, the country has made significant strides, including multiple democratic elections and peaceful transfers of power. Recently, Liberia secured a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2026–2027 term, a move widely seen as a testament to its growing international credibility.
Mr. Korboi emphasized that such milestones, along with economic and institutional advancements, are not adequately reflected online. He warned that outdated digital narratives could discourage foreign investment and weaken efforts to boost the nation’s economy.
To address the issue, he is proposing the establishment of a dedicated national ICT task force to collaborate with Google and other global digital platforms. The team, he suggested, would focus on updating, promoting, and optimizing accurate and positive content about Liberia.
“Liberia’s story has changed,” he stated. “It is time we take control of our narrative and present a true reflection of who we are today.”
The appeal comes as the Boakai administration continues efforts to attract foreign investment and reposition Liberia on the global stage. Analysts say strengthening the country’s digital footprint could play a critical role in shaping investor perception and enhancing economic growth.
Mr. Korboi concluded by urging the government to prioritize digital reputation management as part of its broader development strategy, noting that in today’s world, a nation’s image online is as important as its realities on the ground.
