Boakai Pleads for Patience at Diaspora Conference as Economic Strains Deepen in Liberia
- Michael T
- Sep 28
- 2 min read
President Joseph Boakai’s plea for patience at a Diaspora conference comes against a backdrop of worsening economic turmoil and mounting frustration in Liberia as 2024 and 2025 gradually give way to 2026.
Despite campaign assurances of swift reform, Boakai is now facing public discontent as the consequences of earlier “reckless” government policies continue to ripple through the economy.
Inflation, which eased from over 10% to 8.4% in 2024, rebounded sharply to 13.1% by early 2025, pushing the cost of basic goods and food far beyond the reach of millions. Extreme poverty, which had peaked at 40.9% in 2022 before easing to 26.4% at the end of 2024, still leaves more than half the population struggling to survive below the poverty line.
Public debt remains a persistent concern, hovering at about 57% of GDP despite a modest decline since 2023. The burden continues to crowd out investment in the health, education, and infrastructure that Boakai had vowed to prioritize.
The president cites “broken institutions and depleted coffers” inherited from his predecessor, but critics say that by late 2024 and deep into 2025 little has changed. Job creation remains stagnant, corruption is entrenched, and essential reforms lag far behind promises. Allegations of mismanagement and leniency toward officials accused of wrongdoing have further eroded confidence in his administration.
“Boakai is asking for patience, but Liberians see little change in their lives,” said Mr. Jimmy Forkpa, A diaspora Liberian,. “Food prices keep rising, opportunities are few, and the infrastructure is in disrepair.”
While fiscal indicators showed some improvement — with the deficit narrowing to 2.7% of GDP in 2024 — many argue this came at the cost-of-service cuts and weak job growth rather than genuine reform. Repeated corruption scandals and a lack of transparency have fueled public skepticism over the government’s credibility.
Boakai’s call for patience has grown more urgent as hardship persists and campaign optimism fades. At home and abroad, Liberians are increasingly questioning whether his government can deliver on its pledges, or whether, once again, promises will expire before meaningful relief arrives.
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