President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. on Monday, January 26, 2026, delivered his Annual Message on the State of the Republic to the 55th Legislature, outlining his administration’s progress over the past year and setting out priorities for 2026 under the theme “From Resolve to Results: Building on Progress and Delivering for the Liberian People.”
Speaking at the Capitol grounds, President Boakai said Liberia is in a stronger position than it was a year ago, citing improvements in economic stability, governance reforms, infrastructure development, education, health, and social protection, despite fiscal constraints and a reduction in donor support during 2025.
Economy and Job Creation
President Boakai reported that Liberia’s economy grew by 5.1 percent in 2025, exceeding earlier forecasts and outperforming the previous year’s growth. He attributed the performance to gains in mining, agriculture, fisheries, and services, noting that exports rose by over 31 percent and inflation fell to 4 percent, the lowest level in more than two decades.
On employment, the President said his administration has created more than 70,000 short- and medium-term jobs across sectors including infrastructure, agriculture, social protection, and small businesses. He also announced plans to expand job opportunities through a National Employment Acceleration Strategy and the Youth Entrepreneurship and Investment Bank, which is expected to support thousands of youth-led businesses.
Education and Social Services
In the education sector, President Boakai announced funding for the renovation of the University of Liberia and several public schools nationwide, describing the move as an effort to address longstanding post–civil war congestion and improve learning environments. He also disclosed that the national school feeding program has supported more than 239,000 students across the country.
Additional education interventions outlined in the address included the hiring of qualified teachers, the removal of ghost names from the payroll, the expansion of digital learning platforms, and increased access to scholarships.
Health sector achievements highlighted in the address included reductions in maternal deaths, improved immunization coverage, and major infrastructure investments such as the ongoing construction of a neuro-psychiatric hospital in Bensonville and a regional diagnostics center in Bong County.
Infrastructure, Energy, and Transport
President Boakai reaffirmed his administration’s focus on road development, reporting increased paved road coverage, ongoing rehabilitation of major corridors, and the procurement of 285 pieces of heavy-duty road equipment, commonly referred to as “yellow machines,” to support maintenance and disaster response.
In the energy sector, he said over 63,000 new electricity connections were made in 2025, with tariffs reduced to ease household costs. Plans were also announced for major power projects, including gas-to-power, solar, and hydropower initiatives aimed at boosting national generation capacity.
Public transport reforms were also noted, with the deployment of 64 buses under the National Transit Authority and the construction of a new NTA headquarters.
Sports, Youth, and Social Protection
Addressing youth development and sports, President Boakai announced that the government, in partnership with Bea Mountain Mining Corporation, will establish football academies in Bong and Montserrado Counties to nurture young talent and strengthen Liberia’s sports sector.
He also highlighted expanded social protection programs, including cash transfers to vulnerable households, reintegration of street children, and income support programs targeting women and youth.
Governance, Accountability, and Foreign Relations
On governance, President Boakai emphasized his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, citing progress in audits, anti-corruption prosecutions, and the introduction of performance management systems for public officials.
Internationally, the President pointed to Liberia’s restored global standing, including the country’s election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for 2026–2027 and renewed eligibility for a second Millennium Challenge Corporation compact with the United States.
Looking Ahead
Concluding his address, President Boakai acknowledged unresolved national challenges but pledged decisive action on concession reforms, rehabilitation of public buildings, urban planning, and reconciliation. He urged lawmakers and citizens to remain focused on service, unity, and national interest as Liberia continues implementing the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
“The gains we have recorded are not an end in themselves,” the President said, adding that the true measure of leadership lies in service to the Liberian people.
