Mombasa, Kenya - Liberia has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting Diaspora investment and engagement across Africa following the conclusion of the three-day COMESA–IOM Diaspora Investment Workshop held in Mombasa, Kenya.
The workshop, conducted under the SDE4R initiative with support from the African Development Bank, convened diaspora leaders, government officials, investment promotion agencies, regional institutions, financial organizations, and development partners from the COMESA region and beyond to explore strategies for unlocking the potential of Diaspora investment.
On the final day of the forum, Hon. Paul T. Lamin, Assistant Minister for Administration at Liberia's Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), represented the country during a pivotal session focused on financing institutions for Diaspora investment.
Throughout the workshop, Liberia's Diaspora engagement framework received considerable recognition, with participants commending the government-led approach as a model for enhancing trust and collaboration between the Diaspora and the government. Particular emphasis was placed on Liberia's Presidential Diaspora Conference, which is now entering its second year.
Liberia's broader Diaspora engagement architecture, including the Liberian Diaspora Annual Conference (LDAC) and the Diaspora Annual Return (DAR) Initiative, was also lauded for creating pathways for investment, skills transfer, and national development.
As discussions concluded, participants underscored the necessity of transitioning from dialogue to action by strengthening Diaspora umbrella organizations, linking them to continental investment platforms, and fostering robust partnerships with regional institutions such as the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, chambers of commerce, investment promotion agencies, the International Organization for Migration, and the African Development Bank.
During breakout sessions, Hon. Alpha Tongor, who joined the Liberian delegation from the United States, represented Liberia in discussions on investment relations and engaged with participants from over 22 African countries.
A key observation from the workshop highlighted Liberia's distinctive position among participating nations. While many countries have established Diaspora engagement structures through ministerial departments and units, Liberia was recognized for the strong leadership and political support it provides to its Diaspora agenda.
The Liberian delegation included: Hon. Paul T. Lamin – Assistant Minister, MFDP, Mr. Alpha Tongor – Lead Secretariat, Office of Diaspora Affairs, Mr. Serge Lenaud – Head of IOM Liberia and Hon. Erasmus Tiampa Williams – Head of Delegation
Delegates also acknowledged the sustained commitment of the Office of the President as a critical factor in ensuring continuity, authority, and trust in Liberia's Diaspora engagement efforts.
During the workshop, Hon. Erasmus T. Williams, Head of Liberia's Office of Diaspora Affairs, reintroduced a proposal for the establishment of an African Diaspora Engagement Taskforce. This proposal garnered positive attention from representatives of the African Union as a potential mechanism to strengthen coordination and collaboration on Diaspora engagement across the continent.
Liberia remains dedicated to collaborating with regional and international partners to advance Diaspora investment, strengthen global Liberian connections, and position the Diaspora as a strategic partner in Africa's economic transformation and development.