MONROVIA, LIBERIA — In a recent statement on OK FM, departing U.S. Ambassador Mark Toner emphasized the critical role of investment in driving economic progress in Liberia. While expressing a preference for American investments, he acknowledged the value of diversifying partnerships with other countries. “What I hope we laid the seeds for is economic development,” Toner stated, underscoring the urgency of creating robust economic opportunities for the youth of Liberia.
Ambassador Toner pointed to significant investment initiatives, including a landmark deal with Ivanhoe Atlantic, an American mining company projected to inject $1.8 billion into the Liberian economy. He also highlighted the commitment of ArcelorMittal to expand its operations in the region, signaling a long-term investment strategy. During a recent visit to Lofa, Toner engaged with local entrepreneurs and identified access to credit as a key challenge facing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). He believes that addressing this issue could substantially enhance Liberia’s entrepreneurial landscape.
Advocating for increased local opportunities, Toner stated, “I don’t want Liberians to have to seek that opportunity in the United States—certainly not illegally. I want them to find it right here,” positioning this endeavour as vital for Liberia’s development trajectory.
The Ambassador’s remarks come amid mixed reactions to his retirement announcement and the recent investment news, leading to some speculation about their implications. Toner took the opportunity to clarify the investment figures after correcting an earlier misstatement. His significant diplomatic initiatives are expected to leave a lasting impression on Liberia’s economic future as he prepares to conclude his tenure.
In addition to discussing economic development, Ambassador Toner announced his impending retirement from the State Department and the Foreign Service, a decision he revealed would take effect sooner than initially planned. Reflecting on his year in Liberia, he described his service as a significant culmination of his career, noting the personal importance of ending his diplomatic journey in the country where he began as a Peace Corps volunteer.
“This has been a big decision, honestly, one I didn’t take lightly,” Toner remarked, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve in Liberia. He acknowledged the challenging balance between personal and professional considerations that ultimately influenced his decision, stating, “It was time for me to get back to my family in the U.S.”
Despite the difficulty of leaving Liberia, Toner emphasized the positive progress made during his tenure, affirming, “We’ve made a lot of changes in our bilateral relationships,” and expressing hope for continued collaboration between Liberia and the United States.
