from our International contributors
BRUSSELS — The Government of Liberia has made a high-stakes pitch to European investors, showcasing a pipeline of projects valued at over €1.5 billion (or about 2.0 billion $USD) during the opening day of the Liberia–EU Business Forum on Tuesday, 24 February 2026.
Under the theme “The ARTS in the ARREST – Invest in Liberia 2026,” the forum marks Liberia’s most aggressive economic diplomacy effort in recent years, aimed at transitioning the nation from a recipient of aid to a destination for strategic, sustainable capital.
A Narrative of Reform
Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, anchored the day’s discussions by outlining Liberia’s current economic trajectory. Ngafuan emphasized that the administration’s ARREST Agenda—focusing on Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism—is more than a policy framework; it is a commitment to institutional credibility.
“Liberia is no longer just running toward development; we are sprinting,” Ngafuan told a hall of European business leaders, citing recent fiscal discipline markers and a renewed engagement with the IMF.
High-Level Opening and Diplomatic Support
The ceremony, moderated by CNN’s Larry Madowo and MC Nancy Miriam Kawaya, opened with a warm reception from Ambassador Teeko Tozay Yorley, Liberia’s envoy to France.
European officials signaled strong alignment with Liberia’s goals. Koen Doens, Director-General for International Partnerships at the European Commission, highlighted how Liberia fits into the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy, a plan to mobilize up to €300 billion in global investments. Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti added that Liberia’s strategic location and natural resources make it a “prime frontier” for European trade, particularly under the Everything But Arms (EBA) initiative, which allows duty-free access to EU markets.
Key Discussion Highlights
A high-level panel brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to discuss “Investment Readiness” and “Sectoral Opportunities.” Here is a table of participants;
| Key Participant | Role/Organization | Focus Area |
| Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan | Minister of Finance (Liberia) | Fiscal reforms & investment pipeline |
| Sara Beysolow Nyanti | Minister of Foreign Affairs (Liberia) | Economic diplomacy & regional stability |
| Koen Doens | European Commission | Global Gateway & sustainable partnerships |
| Patricia Llombart Cussac | EEAS (Africa Director) | Political cooperation & security |
| Marc de Buytswerve | Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Bilateral trade & host relations |
| Stephen Cashin | International Bank Liberia | Private sector financing & banking |
Looking Ahead
While “Day One” established the “why” and “how” of investing in Liberia, “Day Two” and moving forward, is set to dive into the “where.”
The schedule includes sector-specific breakout rooms for energy, mining, and agribusiness, matchmaking sessions (B2B and G2B) to connect Liberian entrepreneurs directly with EU capital, signing ceremonies for anticipated technical and financial partnerships.
With more than 60% of Liberia’s population under the age of 25, the forum’s success is viewed as critical for long-term job creation and economic resilience.