“Diplomacy Must Deliver Jobs and Investment”: Foreign Minister Nyanti Reaffirms Economic Diplomacy Agenda as Arab Coordination Group Pledges Over $50M for Energy and Infrastructure in Liberia
BY: Rufus Divine Brooks Jr.
MONROVIA, Liberia – The Government of Liberia has reaffirmed economic diplomacy as the central pillar of its foreign policy, with Foreign Affairs Minister Her Excellency Sara Beysolow Nyanti declaring that international partnerships must translate into jobs, investment, and improved livelihoods for Liberians.
Minister Nyanti made the remarks during a high-level engagement with the Arab Coordination Group [ACG] in Monrovia, following the delegation’s participation in the inauguration of the Bangu–Salay Road Project in Lofa County.
Minister Nyanti said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is shifting focus from traditional diplomacy to results-driven engagement aimed at attracting capital and development financing.
“Diplomacy must produce tangible results by creating jobs, expanding investment opportunities, and improving the lives of Liberians,” she stated.
She highlighted President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s Omega Market Project as a flagship initiative under the ARREST Agenda, designed to empower women traders, strengthen small businesses, and drive inclusive economic growth nationwide.
The Minister also commended Liberia’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, H.E. Amara Soko Sackor, for advancing Liberia’s economic diplomacy, and praised the ACG for its sustained partnership.
Arab Partners Pledge Major Financing for Energy, Roads, and Water.
The Arab Coordination Group used the meeting to announce new commitments and express readiness to expand cooperation.
CEO Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Marshad reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to Liberia’s long-term development.
He announced a commitment of approximately US$50 million toward Liberia’s national electricity expansion project.
He added that another ACG member institution is prepared to provide matching financing.
Al-Marshad also confirmed the Saudi Fund’s interest in reviewing the feasibility study for Phase 3 of the Konia–Voinjama Road Project to improve transport connectivity in the northwest.
Director General Fatima Alnaqbi described Liberia as a “valued development partner” and expressed readiness to support the electricity expansion through coordinated financing.
She outlined additional areas of interest including education, youth empowerment, skills development, and private sector growth.
On the Omega Market Project, Alnaqbi said the Fund looks forward to receiving the government’s feasibility study for consideration under its private sector financing window.
Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development
Director General Waleed Shamlan Al-Bahar reaffirmed the Fund’s longstanding partnership with Liberia and identified a priority water sector project for possible financing, pending government prioritization and appraisal.
He stressed the need for coordinated financing among Arab institutions to maximize impact.
Members of the Arab Coordination Group encouraged Liberia to expand engagement with other Arab financial institutions, including the Islamic Development Bank and specialized investment bodies, to broaden access to development financing.
Both sides reaffirmed commitment to the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, pledging joint work on infrastructure, energy, human capital, and private sector development to drive sustainable growth.