Liberia Calls for End to Aid Dependency, Pushes Strategic Partnerships at Global Forum
Liberia has issued a strong call for a shift away from aid dependency, urging African nations to embrace strategic partnerships, industrialization, and self-reliance as the foundation for sustainable development.
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Speaking at a high-level international forum in the United Kingdom, Ambassador-at-Large for Special Duties and Special Presidential Envoy, Sheikh Al-Moustapha Kouyateh, said Africa must redefine its economic future through ownership, innovation, and equitable global engagement.
Addressing global policymakers, investors, and development stakeholders, Kouyateh emphasized that the continent can no longer rely on traditional models of external support to drive progress.
“Africa’s future cannot be built on aid alone,” he declared.
“We must transition to partnerships that empower local industries, create jobs, and retain value within our economies.”
He highlighted Liberia’s current role as a Non-Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council, noting that the country is leveraging its position to advocate for peace, stability, and Africa’s collective interests on the global stage.
Push for Industrialization and Local Value Creation
Kouyateh stressed the urgency of shifting from raw material exports to industrial production, warning that failure to industrialize will continue to limit Africa’s economic potential.
“Industrialization is not optional—it is essential for sovereignty and competitiveness,” he said.
He outlined Liberia’s ARREST Agenda as a framework for transformation, focusing on agriculture, rule of law, infrastructure, education and energy, sanitation, and tourism as key drivers of growth.
Call to Redefine Global Partnerships
The Ambassador also called for a fundamental rethinking of concession agreements and economic partnerships, advocating for models that prioritize equity, technology transfer, and local capacity development.
“Africa must take ownership of its resources and negotiate partnerships that reflect mutual benefit and long-term prosperity,” he stated.
Unity and Leadership for Africa’s Future
Kouyateh urged African leaders to embrace accountable governance, invest in human capital, and strengthen regional cooperation to unlock the continent’s full potential.
“Our strength lies in unity, resilience, and responsible leadership,” he added.
He concluded with a call for collective action across the continent:
“Africa must rise—not through dependence, but through determination, partnership, and self-belief.”
Liberia Calls for End to Aid Dependency, Pushes Strategic Partnerships at Global Forum