Liberia made a strong impression at the COMESA–IOM Liberia Diaspora Investment Workshop in Mombasa, Kenya, reaffirming its commitment to Diaspora investment and continental engagement after its delegation concluded the three-day forum.
The workshop, convened under the SDE4R initiative with support from the African Development Bank, brought together diaspora leaders, government officials, investment promotion agencies, and development partners from across the COMESA region to explore strategies for unlocking Diaspora investment potential across Africa.
Liberia’s engagement model drew significant attention throughout the forum, with the country recognized as a leading example of government-led Diaspora collaboration on the continent. For more on Liberia’s national development agenda, visit LiberiaMedia.com.
Liberia Diaspora Investment Workshop: Liberia’s Model Wins Regional Recognition
Throughout the three-day Liberia Diaspora Investment Workshop sessions, which ran from Monday through Thursday, Liberia’s Diaspora engagement framework stood out among participating nations. Delegates specifically referenced the country’s first-ever Presidential Diaspora Conference — now entering its second year — as a constructive model for building trust and collaboration between a government and its citizens abroad.
The recognition also extended to two flagship initiatives: the Liberian Diaspora Annual Conference (LDAC) and the Diaspora Annual Return (DAR) Initiative. Both programs are designed to transform Diaspora goodwill into meaningful investment, skills transfer, and active participation in national development.
A key observation from the workshop was Liberia’s unique distinction among participating countries. While many nations have established Diaspora engagement through ministry desks or units, Liberia’s model is backed by direct presidential interest and political support — a factor delegates identified as critical for providing the authority, continuity, and trust necessary for a successful Diaspora program. Learn more about global Diaspora investment frameworks at the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Liberian Delegation Makes Its Mark in Mombasa
On the final day of the forum, Hon. Paul T. Lamin, Assistant Minister for Administration at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), represented Liberia during a key session focused on financing institutions for Diaspora investment.
Hon. Alpha Tongor, who joined the delegation from Ohio in the United States, took to the podium during breakout sessions to speak on investment relations, representing over 22 African countries. His contribution further cemented Liberia’s voice as a leading advocate for structured Diaspora engagement on the continent.
The full Liberian delegation included Hon. Paul Lamin (MFDP), Mr. Alpha Tongor (Lead Secretariat, Office of Diaspora Affairs), Mr. Serge Lenaud (Head of IOM Liberia), and Hon. Erasmus Tiampa Williams, who served as Head of Delegation.
African Diaspora Taskforce Proposal Gets Continental Attention
One of the most notable moments from the workshop came when Hon. Erasmus T. Williams, Head of the Office of Diaspora Affairs of Liberia, reintroduced a proposal for the establishment of an African Diaspora Engagement Taskforce. The proposal drew positive acknowledgment from the African Union (AU) representative, who recognized it as a potential mechanism for strengthening Diaspora coordination across the continent.
As the workshop wrapped up, participants agreed on the need to move from dialogue to action — strengthening recognized Diaspora umbrella organizations, connecting them to continental investment platforms, and forging stronger partnerships with regional bodies such as COMESA, chambers of commerce, and development partners including IOM and the African Development Bank.
Liberia remains committed to working with regional and international partners to advance Diaspora investment and position the Diaspora as a strategic partner in Africa’s development agenda. Stay updated on Liberia’s development news at LiberiaMedia.com.
— Randall Saye | LiberiaMedia.com