Liberia is emerging as one of West Africa’s most compelling investment destinations, with government reforms, political stability, abundant natural resources and a youthful workforce combining to attract growing interest from global investors, top business and public figures have told Forbes.
Henry R. Saamoi, Executive Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia, said the country’s track record of peaceful elections and orderly transfers of power has strengthened investor confidence.
“Investors are able to enter the market with relative ease,” he said, noting Liberia’s dollarized structure allows profit repatriation without controls. Saamoi added that the central bank’s focus on transparency, accountability and financial stability is intended to make Liberia a credible destination for long-term capital.
Telecom leader Rahul De, CEO of Lonestar Cell MTN, highlighted Liberia’s demographic advantage: more than half the population is under 24. “That gives any company a strong base of future users,” he said, pointing to a large talent pool across IT, manufacturing and other sectors.
De emphasized the balance between mineral wealth and broad-based agriculture—including cocoa and palm—as a stabilizing force that enhances long-term growth potential.
Local government and municipal officials echoed that message. John-Charuk S. Siafa, Mayor of Monrovia City Corporation, praised President Joseph Boakai’s pro-investment stance and cited a reasonable tax regime, legal protections for expatriating funds, and relatively straightforward business registration as reasons investors should consider Liberia. “Our people are warm and friendly, and it is easy to register a business,” he said.
Industry executives stressed the need for long-term commitments. Christoph Jud, Managing Director of Monrovia Breweries Inc., said government incentives and a more competitive regulatory framework are encouraging signs, but warned success requires patience, compliance and integrity.
“With these elements in place, Liberia becomes a compelling destination for sustainable and rewarding investments,” he said.
Banking and finance leaders pointed to improving infrastructure and access to capital. Salamata Diallo, Managing Director of Ecobank Liberia, called Liberia “one of the most politically stable countries in this sub-region,” and noted that investments in infrastructure, education and energy are beginning to improve financing access.
“Investors will find Liberia to be a place where returns come faster simply because so much development is needed,” she said.
In the extractive sector, ArcelorMittal Liberia’s COO Anthony P. Köcken said Liberia’s government and logistics frameworks reduce many common investment risks.
“When I look at those indicators for an investment review, stability is proven here,” he said, citing orderly transitions of power and a stable operating model as drivers of lower perceived risk.
Government officials are actively courting investors. Nathaniel Kwabo, Director General of the Cabinet, said Liberia’s renewed international image, large natural-resource base and its forests—which account for roughly 2% of West Africa’s total—create a foundation for sustainable growth. “Liberia is ready for business,” he said.
Melvin Sheriff, Executive Director of the National Investment Commission, pointed to concrete investor interest: more than 2,000 investors visited last year and many more have engaged this year. He emphasized Liberia’s dual-currency system, the legal status of the U.S. dollar, protections against expropriation and the ability to repatriate 100% of profits as competitive advantages for inbound capital.
Energy and oil-sector leaders also underscored opportunities. Fabian Michael Lai, Acting CEO of the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL), said Liberia offers transparent fiscal terms and one of the most complete geological data libraries along the West African transatlantic margin, including full 2D coverage and substantial 3D imaging—assets that lower exploration risk for international partners.
Agribusiness investors are similarly bullish. Johanes Handojo, CEO of GVL, said investment in remote areas can create jobs, boost incomes and expand domestic purchasing power, while long-term projects support skills transfer and greater local participation in the economy.
Taken together, the messages from senior bankers, corporate executives and government officials form a consistent pitch: Liberia combines political stability, regulatory reforms, resource endowments, and a young, trainable workforce—conditions that, if matched with sustained investment in infrastructure and governance, could deliver attractive returns for patient, long-term investors.
Analysts caution that progress will depend on continued reforms, infrastructure rollout and effective public-private partnerships, but executives on the ground say the country is already presenting concrete opportunities across mining, agriculture, energy, manufacturing and telecoms.
