By: Rufus Divine Brooks Jr-rufusbrooks091@gmail.com
Davos-Klosters, Switzerland – For the first time in its history, Liberia is officially participating in the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting, marking a transformative moment in the nation’s global economic engagement.
The 56th edition of the WEF, held from January 19–23 in Davos-Klosters under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue,” sees a high-level Liberian delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, representing the country on one of the world’s most influential platforms for economic cooperation and policy dialogue.
This landmark participation follows months of intensive diplomatic outreach and strategic engagement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which successfully secured Liberia’s entry into the prestigious forum.
The achievement underscores a renewed national commitment to proactive foreign policy, economic diplomacy, and international investment attraction.
At the helm of the Liberian delegation is Foreign Minister Nyanti, who emphasized that Liberia’s presence at Davos is not merely symbolic, but a strategic step toward building enduring partnerships for sustainable development.
“Liberia is open for business and ready to engage,” Minister Nyanti declared upon arrival in Switzerland.
“Our participation reflects a whole-of-government approach to economic diplomacy, with foreign policy serving as a bridge to global markets, investors, and multilateral cooperation.”
Joining Minister Nyanti are Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Minister of Finance and Development Planning, and Mr. Jeff Blibo, Chairman of the National Investment Commission—key figures in Liberia’s economic leadership.
Their collective presence reinforces the government’s unified strategy to position Liberia as an emerging investment destination in West Africa.
A centerpiece of Liberia’s engagement is an invitation-only roundtable titled “The Future of Liberia: Global Partnerships and Economic Diplomacy,” hosted on Tuesday, January 20, at the Financial Times House in Hotel Parsenn, Davos.
The session, sponsored by Foreign Policy Magazine in collaboration with strategic partners, will convene global investors, chief executives of multinational corporations, and senior leaders from international financial institutions.
Minister Ngafuan will deliver the keynote address, outlining Liberia’s progress in building institutional and regulatory frameworks that enhance investment readiness.
He will spotlight opportunities in priority sectors including agriculture, renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and mineral resources—areas critical to the country’s inclusive growth agenda.
The roundtable will also explore the broader implications of Liberia’s recent assumption of a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
As one of Africa’s voices on the global stage, Liberia is leveraging its diplomatic influence to champion peace, climate action, and sustainable development—issues that align with both regional priorities and the WEF’s 2026 theme.
With nearly 3,000 participants from over 130 countries—including heads of state, top policymakers, and corporate leaders—the 2026 WEF meeting unfolds amid complex global challenges, from geopolitical tensions to climate disruption and economic inequality.
In this context, Liberia’s debut is seen as both timely and strategic.