Liberian President Joseph Boakai signaled he may seek a second term in 2029, as his administration faces pressure to turn improving economic indicators into jobs and higher household incomes.
Speaking at a town-hall meeting with Liberians in the US, Boakai was asked whether he would run for another term. He put the question to the audience, asking whether they wanted him to seek reelection.
After some participants responded yes, amid laughter, the president smiled and said, “I am still entitled to one term.”
The comments are his latest indication that he may seek to remain in office beyond his current six-year term.
Boakai, 81, was elected in 2023 and took office in January 2024, defeating then-President George Weah in a runoff by a narrow margin. The National Elections Commission recorded 814,192 votes for Boakai and 804,087 for Weah in the runoff.
Liberia’s economy has strengthened under Boakai, with growth reaching 5.1% in 2025, according to the International Monetary Fund. The IMF expects growth to remain at about 5.1% in 2026, citing continued activity in mining and other sectors.
The improvement in headline economic figures has yet to resolve longstanding challenges for households and businesses. Food and fuel costs remain a concern, while limited formal employment and weak private-sector activity continue to constrain incomes in an economy heavily dependent on commodities including iron ore, gold and rubber.
The government has also faced criticism over public spending, governance and its ability to translate higher domestic revenue into broader economic opportunities. Most government revenue is being consumed by public-sector overhead.
