President Joseph N. Boakai has urged African leaders to collaborate intensively to address food and mineral security challenges across the continent.
Speaking at the Food and Mineral Security Forum during the Korea-Africa Summit in Seoul, President Boakai emphasized the critical need for united action in these sectors.
President Boakai highlighted the paradox of Africa’s wealth in natural resources against its persistent poverty. “Africa has 65% of the world’s uncultivated minerals, yet we still wallow in poverty,” he noted, pointing to Liberia as a prime example of how natural wealth has been exploited by concession companies with minimal developmental benefits.
At the summit, The Liberian Head of State articulated the summit’s theme, challenging African leaders to take collective actionin leveraging technology and improving mineral security on a global scale. He stressed that cooperation with Korea in these transformative sectors should focus on developing evidence-based policies to enhance mineral security and ensure sustainable development.
“The importance of improving mineral and evidence-based policies cannot be overstated,” President Boakai said. “This cooperation will empower African leaders to make informed decisions, ensuring that the natural wealth of our people is harnessed to improve their lives.”
Liberia’s 26th President believes that initiating food and mineral security through technological advancements and human-centric approaches will combat malnutrition, hunger, and climate change. Furthermore, it will improve infrastructure in these sectors, boost production, and promote sustainable agriculture.
He emphasized, “Mineral security can be guaranteed when we adopt policies that ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness. Validating concession agreements must drive reform initiatives, transform mineral security, and reduce poverty in a broader context.”
President Boakai called for reforms that prioritize the interests of the African people, ensuring that the exploitation of natural resources translates into tangible benefits for local communities. He stressed the need for policies that protect the environment and promote equitable growth.
“By working together and learning from partners like Korea, we can create a future where Africa’s natural wealth is used to better the lives of its people,” he stated.
The summit in Seoul has brought together leaders and experts from both Africa and Korea to discuss ways to enhance cooperation and address shared challenges.
The Liberia Leader call to action underscores the urgency of developing robust strategies to ensure food and mineral security, paving the way for sustainable development across the continent.
By: Â Watson Richards
