Liberia: Tourism – a new “pact” for economic diversification under Joseph Boakai
The creation of the Liberia National Tourism Authority (LNTA) in 2025 marks a decisive turning point. Endowed with complete autonomy, this government agency has the mission of promoting, regulating, and developing the tourism sector, which had until then been marginalized within the Ministry of Information. The objective is clear: to make tourism a major contributor to the national economy, on par with the mining and agricultural sectors.
On January 20, 2026, President Boakai officially invested Princess Eva Cooper as the first Director-General of the LNTA. During the ceremony, he described this appointment as a “pact” rather than a reward, insisting on the integrity and responsibility incumbent upon the new institution. A strong message underscoring the executive’s determination to build an exemplary tourism sector, free from the patronage practices that have often hindered the country’s development.
This vision is already yielding tangible results. Discussions are underway to transform Lake Piso in Grand Cape Mount County into an economic zone dedicated to tourism. Additionally, the LNTA has secured the support of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), which has commended the reforms undertaken by Liberia.
This strategic shift places tourism at the heart of President Boakai’s ambition for a more prosperous Liberia, where natural beauty and heritage become drivers of growth, far from the sole reliance on extractive rents.
