MONROVIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has revised his travel plans to Japan, cutting short his participation in activities surrounding the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9).
Deputy Information Minister Daniel Sando announced Tuesday that President Boakai will attend the main TICAD conference in Tokyo but will not proceed to Osaka for the TICAD Business Expo 2025 as initially scheduled.
“The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, will represent the President at the Expo,” Sando disclosed.
The Business Expo, one of the flagship side events of TICAD 9, brings together global leaders, investors, and policymakers to discuss business opportunities and partnerships between Africa and Japan.
President Boakai’s change of plans comes in the wake of growing public criticism over what many Liberians see as excessive spending on foreign travels amid pressing economic challenges at home.
While government officials have defended such trips as necessary for diplomacy and investment promotion, critics argue that the costs far outweigh the benefits, fueling public frustration.
For now, all eyes will be on the Tokyo conference, where President Boakai is expected to deliver Liberia’s position on development cooperation, investment, and Africa-Japan relations.
