Liberia's Ambassador Urges Youth to Drive Economic Growth Through Tourism Innovation

Ambassador Christopher Hayes Onanuga, Liberia's Special Presidential Envoy on Tourism, delivered an inspiring address at the 2025 Liberia Technology Summit, themed "Transforming Governance, Empowering Citizens." He advocated for a comprehensive reimagining of Liberia's tourism sector, positioning it as a vital driver of the nation's economic development beyond mere leisure activities. "Tourism is a key component for national prosperity," Onanuga emphasized. "It involves all government sectors, regardless of size or function, and acts as a unifier that fosters national identity and compliance." He highlighted the significant potential of tourism to bolster employment, noting that in many countries, it contributes two to three times more to employment than the civil service. "When political support exists, tourism can be truly transformative," he stated. Addressing Liberia's youth, which makes up over 60% of the population, Onanuga called for proactive engagement: "This summit is a wake-up call for our youth. Tourism offers opportunities not just for jobs but for entrepreneurship, enabling individuals to generate multiple income streams. We must move beyond traditional employment ...