-A Year After Elon Musk’s Chat
By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia, Liberia – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., received a telephone call from United States President Donald J. Trump on Sunday, December 21. The conversation between the two leaders focused on matters of mutual interest to both nations. According to official information, the discussion included areas of regional peace and stability.
Cooperation in key sectors such as governance, economic development, and security was also addressed. President Trump conveyed his greetings to President Boakai and the people of Liberia. He acknowledged the longstanding historical relationship between the United States and Liberia.
President Boakai welcomed the engagement from the American leader. He spoke to Liberia’s national priorities aimed at fostering good governance, growth, and development. Both leaders expressed optimism about continued dialogue and engagement. They emphasized the importance of sustained interactions between their two countries.
This high-level contact reflects ongoing diplomatic relations. It occurs as Liberia advances its national development agenda. The call also follows Liberia’s recent assumption of a seat on the United Nations Security Council. Liberia is serving as a non-permanent member of this body.
Earlier this year, President Boakai traveled to Washington, D.C., for an official visit. He was one of five African heads of state invited by President Trump in July 2025. During that visit, President Boakai met with President Trump at the White House on July 9. Their in-person talks centered on deepening economic relations.
A specific focus was placed on Liberia’s mineral sector. Discussions covered critical minerals, gold, and iron ore development. President Boakai formally invited the United States Geological Survey to assist Liberia. The proposed collaboration would involve mapping the nation’s natural resources.
In a separate engagement last year, President Boakai held a strategic virtual meeting with entrepreneur Elon Musk. The Executive Mansion described the discussion as high-level. During that virtual meeting, Mr. Musk expressed gratitude for the engagement. He commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its coordination.
President Boakai highlighted the importance of technology for Liberia’s youthful population. He noted the need for collaboration in key service delivery sectors. Mr. Musk emphasized the significance of the Starlink satellite internet program. He articulated support for advancing initiatives in education and healthcare through connectivity.
The Starlink service officially launched in Liberia in January 2025. It followed an agreement with the Liberia Telecommunications Authority.
The service aims to provide high-speed internet to remote and underserved areas. A key project will connect 156 public high schools across the country.
Starlink operates under a one-year agreement with the LTA to assess its services. The goal is to expand coverage to nearly 100% of Liberia.
This initiative seeks to bridge a significant digital divide. Prior to its launch, only about 30% of Liberia’s population had internet access.
The government states these diplomatic and technological engagements support its national development agenda. This agenda, known as ARREST, focuses on Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism.
