By Sampat JMB Kpakimah
MONROVIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has declared that Liberia’s digital transformation agenda is not merely about technology but about improving the lives of ordinary Liberians through efficient governance, economic growth, and expanded opportunities.
Speaking Tuesday at the official launch of the Liberia Technology Summit 2026, the President described digital transformation as an essential pillar of his administration’s development agenda. He stressed that nations embracing innovation are better positioned to improve public services, strengthen transparency, create jobs, and enhance national security.
The President commended the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA)—the brains behind the initiative—alongside development partners, the private sector, and other stakeholders for organizing what he called Liberia’s premier platform for advancing digital innovation.
He welcomed international investors attending the summit and invited them to participate in Liberia’s 179th Independence Day celebrations, expressing optimism that their engagements would encourage greater investment in the country.
Executive Order Signals Commitment
To demonstrate his administration’s commitment to digital governance, President Boakai highlighted Executive Order No. 163, which established the Office of Technology, Digitalization and Innovation within the Office of the President. According to him, the office serves as the central coordinating authority for the government’s digital transformation efforts.
“Executive Order 163 represents much more than an administrative reform. It is a commitment to fundamentally changing the way government works,” he said.
The President acknowledged that for too long, government institutions have operated in isolation using fragmented systems, outdated technology, and manual processes that slow service delivery and frustrate citizens.
“Our vision is to build a modern digital government where institutions communicate seamlessly, services are citizen-centered, decisions are driven by reliable data, and technology improves efficiency, accountability, and transparency across every ministry, agency, and commission,” Boakai stated.
A Citizen-Centered Vision
Boakai explained that a fully digital government would reduce long queues for public services, simplify business registration and tax compliance, expand access to digital education, improve healthcare systems, and provide farmers with better information and market opportunities.
He stressed that digital transformation cannot be achieved by government alone but requires strong collaboration with the private sector, universities, innovators, investors, development partners, and civil society.
“This summit brings together the people who design solutions, build platforms, secure digital infrastructure, create the next generation of businesses, and inspire young Liberians to see technology not merely as a tool for communication, but as a pathway to innovation, entrepreneurship, and national service,” he said.
Addressing young innovators, software developers, engineers, cybersecurity professionals, and entrepreneurs, the President said Liberia believes in their creativity and talent and remains committed to creating an environment where startups can thrive and innovative ideas can flourish.
He pledged that his administration will continue investing in digital infrastructure, expanding internet connectivity, promoting cybersecurity, improving digital literacy, and encouraging investment in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, financial technology, and digital public services.
Reflecting on lessons from a recent visit to Ethiopia, President Boakai said the experience reinforced his belief that technology-driven governance can significantly accelerate national development. “Digital Transformation Is About People”
He concluded by emphasizing that digital transformation is ultimately about people.
“Digital transformation is not ultimately about computers, software, or networks. It is about people. It is about improving lives, making government more responsive, creating opportunities for our youth, building a more competitive economy, and ensuring every Liberian benefits from the opportunities of the 21st century,” he said.
The President urged participants to use the summit to generate bold ideas and practical solutions that will strengthen Liberia’s institutions, grow the economy, and improve the lives of its citizens. He also invited participants to attend Liberia’s Independence Day celebrations, expressing confidence that the country is entering a new era of growth driven by innovation, investment, and technology.
Also speaking at the event, Central Bank of Liberia Executive Governor Henry Saamoi called for Liberia to move beyond being merely a consumer of foreign technology and instead become a nation that develops digital solutions to address local challenges, create economic opportunities, and drive inclusive growth.
The Governor said countries embracing digital transformation are positioning themselves for stronger economic growth, greater competitiveness, and broader prosperity, stressing that Liberia cannot afford to be left behind.
He emphasized that digital transformation extends beyond technology and infrastructure, describing it as a people-centered agenda aimed at improving the lives of ordinary Liberians.
According to the Governor, an inclusive digital economy means enabling market women to receive payments safely and securely, giving young entrepreneurs access to financial services to grow their businesses, and ensuring that farmers, teachers, nurses, and other citizens can send and receive payments instantly regardless of where they live.
Concluding his remarks, the Governor urged participants to make the summit a turning point for the country by choosing innovation over limitation and collaboration over fragmentation. He reaffirmed the Central Bank of Liberia’s commitment to supporting the country’s digital transformation agenda and called on all stakeholders to work together in transforming innovation into shared prosperity.
