By: TPA News Desk | editor@thepointafricanews.com

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., departed Liberia today, June 19, 2025, to attend the West Africa Economic Summit (WAES), taking place from June 20–21, 2025, in Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The West Africa Economic Summit serves as a crucial platform, bringing together Heads of State, senior government officials, private sector leaders, and development partners from across the region. Its primary objective is to strategize on accelerating trade, investment, and regional integration, with a focus on promoting sustainable economic growth, job creation, and industrial development throughout West Africa.

During the summit, President Boakai is slated to address the WAES Forum, where he will articulate Liberia’s vision for economic transformation. He is also expected to present various investment opportunities within key sectors, including agriculture, energy, infrastructure, tourism, and digital innovation. In addition to his address, President Boakai will engage in a series of bilateral and multilateral meetings with fellow regional leaders, investors, and institutions, aiming to advance Liberia’s development agenda and secure impactful economic partnerships.

The WAES is being convened by Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, fulfilling a commitment made during his chairmanship of ECOWAS in 2023 to organize a special summit dedicated to trade and investment in the region. The forum will conclude with the ECOWAS Summit of Heads of State and Government on Sunday, June 22, where leaders will deliberate on critical regional issues such as economic cooperation, peace and security, and sustainable development.

President Boakai is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Minister of Foreign Affairs Mme. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Finance and Development Planning Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Minister of Commerce Hon. Magdalene Dagoseh, Minister of Agriculture Hon. Alexander Nuetah, Minister of Mines and Energy Hon. Wilmot Paye, Minister of Information, Tourism and Culture Hon. Jerolinmek Piah, Chairman of the National Investment Commission Hon. Jeff Blibo, Minister of State Without Portfolio for Special Services Hon. Samuel A. Stevquoah, National Security Advisor Hon. Samuel Kofi Woods II, Senior Economic Advisor to the President Hon. Morley Kamara, Managing Director of the National Port Authority Hon. Sekou Dukuly, Managing Director of the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company Hon. Amos Tweh, Special Envoy for Tourism Hon. Christopher Onanuga, and Special Envoy for Trade and Investments Hon. Mohammed Bah. The President’s team also includes personnel for communication, security, and protocol.

While President Boakai is abroad, the Minister of Justice, Cllr. Oswald Tweh, will chair the Cabinet and maintain continuous oversight and coordination of national governance through consultations with the President via telephone.

President Boakai and his delegation are scheduled to return to Liberia on Monday, June 23, 2025, following the conclusion of the summit.