Liberia making headway in implementing reforms—George Weah 

Liberia President  George Weah has said that his country is making headway in implementing a series of reforms aimed at boosting its economy and overcoming existing challenges. Speaking at the Global Business Forum Africa 2019 in Dubai, Weah said he is optimistic about Liberia’s potential to become a strong African economy as more players in the country’s political sphere work together to address pressing issues and improve ease of doing business. During the one-on-one discussion, the Liberian President shared his insights on a wide range of matters impacting the African country, including corruption, currency depreciation and hyper-inflation. The former professional football player said several reforms are underway to develop and grow Liberia’s agriculture sector with the aim of creating sustainable economic growth.

“We don’t export or grow our food. We spend millions importing rice which is not the right thing to do. We’re trying to grow the sector so we can sustain ourselves. What we are trying to do is add value. What we are trying to do with the new IMF programme is bring forward foreign investment,” he said. When asked about the ongoing anti-corruption drive, H.E. Weah stated that tax issues need to be addressed in order to provide the right support for business growth in the country. “Investors want to come and we have to encourage them, but some come in and they are not honest with the people they do business with. There are a lot of companies that are supposed to grow the country that are not paying their taxes, they are 30-50 million in debt, but they are not paying their taxes. If you are not paying your taxes, we want you to stay, we want to harmonise your taxes so you know what you owe and you can grow,” he said.

Other high-level attendees at GBF Africa 2019 include H.E. Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe; H.E. Carlos Agostinho do Rosario, Prime Minister of Mozambique; H.E. Ruhakana Ruganda, Prime Minister of Uganda who are participating in interactive sessions focusing on their respective countries. GBF Africa 2019 is organised by Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Dubai Chamber) under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.