By Rufus Divine Brooks Jr.
Washington, D.C. – In a passionate address at a recent Diaspora conference in Washington, D.C., Liberia’s Minister of Finance, Augustine Ngafuan, delivered a compelling call to action, urging Liberians abroad to go beyond remittances and take an active role in transforming the nation’s economy.
Ngafuan emphasized the government’s strategic efforts to create a more welcoming and enabling environment for investment. He highlighted a range of tangible initiatives now in place, designed specifically to facilitate Diaspora engagement and encourage their return—not just physically, but financially.
Describing what he termed a “New Liberia,” the Minister portrayed a nation no longer merely reliant on aid, but one focused on building a strong and sustainable economic framework.
“Liberia now offers a host of concrete programs that will attract Liberians back home,” he asserted, signaling a shift from past promises to present realities.
A key element of this renewed economic vision, according to Ngafuan, is the involvement of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). He encouraged Liberians in the Diaspora to take full advantage of DFC’s investment opportunities, particularly its accessible financing options offered at competitive rates.
This collaboration, he explained, is part of a broader strategy to increase American business presence in Liberia, creating a familiar and stable investment environment for those accustomed to the U.S. financial system.
In addition to individual investment opportunities, the Liberian government is working to strengthen the broader business landscape. Ngafuan revealed ongoing partnerships with the World Bank through its International Finance Corporation (IFC), focused on promoting fairness and transparency in business—key components for building investor confidence and long-term stability.
For those ready to engage, the DFC presents specific pathways, especially in agriculture—a sector with vast untapped potential in Liberia. Ngafuan also highlighted the expanding ease of doing business, citing digital solutions that now allow investors to “sit anywhere and do transactions,” reducing the barriers posed by distance and bureaucracy.
Importantly, the Minister acknowledged the historical concerns and obstacles that have discouraged investment in the past.
“There are challenges,” he admitted, “but the government is steadily working to address them.”
This includes efforts to improve infrastructure, streamline regulations, and reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies—part of an ongoing commitment to reform and progress.
Ngafuan’s core message was unmistakable: Liberia is changing. The country is transitioning from a post-conflict, aid-dependent state to an emerging economy focused on self-reliance, investment, and inclusion. And at the heart of this transformation, he emphasized, is the Liberian Diaspora—its most vital and untapped asset.
VPC: Fortune Tv
