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Rabat, Morocco – Liberia’s Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Richard Nagbe Koon, has reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to fostering investment opportunities and empowering young people as key drivers of national development. Delivering a speech at the Meeting of Speakers of Parliaments of the African Atlantic States in Rabat, Morocco, Speaker Koon called for stronger regional collaboration to advance economic growth, tackle transnational crime, and promote sustainable development across the Atlantic corridor.
Representing President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and the 55th Legislature of Liberia, Speaker Koon extended gratitude to the Government and Parliament of the Kingdom of Morocco for hosting the crucial summit. He stressed that Liberia stands ready to work with regional and global partners to attract investment, enhance trade, and create job opportunities for its youthful population.
Africa, despite its vast resources, remains underrepresented in global trade, with its share standing at less than 3%. Speaker Koon highlighted Liberia’s potential in sectors such as iron ore, timber, and agriculture, positioning the country as a strategic destination for industrialization and value-added processing. He urged investors to seize the opportunities presented by Liberia’s natural wealth and its alignment with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“We must transform the Atlantic Ocean from a historical corridor of exploitation into a gateway for economic expansion and regional integration,” he stated. “Liberia welcomes investors to engage in sustainable development initiatives that will uplift not only our nation but the entire continent”
Speaker Koon expressed deep concern over the growing threats posed by transnational organized crimes, illicit financial flows, and money laundering in the Atlantic region. Citing a report from the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), he noted that Africa loses approximately $88.6 billion annually due to illicit financial outflows, severely hampering economic growth.
To address these challenges, he called for: Strengthened regional coordination in maritime security and financial regulation, Enhanced intelligence-sharing among Atlantic states and A parliament for the African Atlantic States, headquartered in Morocco, to lead legislative efforts against financial crimes and terrorism“We must enforce rigorous regulations and dismantle terrorist financing networks operating within the Atlantic corridor,” he emphasized.
Recognizing economic disparities among African nations, Speaker Koon urged Africa’s stronger economies to invest in underdeveloped nations like Liberia. He emphasized that regional trade, investment, and capacity-building programs are essential to achieving true Pan-Africanism; a united Africa where no nation is left behind “It is time for Africa’s economic powerhouses to support smaller nations by directing investments into high-impact sectors, fostering regional stability, and driving economic resilience,” he asserted.
Speaker Koon also used the platform to rally support for Liberia’s candidacy for a Non-Permanent Seat on the United Nations Security Council (2026-2027). He emphasized Liberia’s long-standing commitment to peacekeeping and its democratic resilience as a strong basis for its bid.
“Liberia remains a pillar of stability in the region and is ready to champion Afri…
