President Joseph N. Boakai with Robert Friedland, the majority shareholder of Ivanhoe Atlantic (top right), at the inauguration of Guinean President Mamady Doumbouya (far left). (Bottom right to left): US delegation and Ivanhoe Atlantic Executives at the inauguration — Mary Daschbach, Chargé d’Affaire at the US Embassy, Conakry; Govind Friedland, IVA; Robert Friedland, IVA; Oumar Sylla, IVA; Nick Checker, Senior Official at the Bureau for Africa Affairs of the US State Department
Speaking at the opening of the National Infrastructure Conference on Monday, January 19, 2026, the President emphasized that sound infrastructure is the primary requirement for creating a resilient and wealthy nation. President Boakai challenged citizens and stakeholders to look beyond temporary fixes, advocating for a “build back better” philosophy. President Boakai also spoke candidly about the “visible deterioration” of the nation’s assets, which he described as a lingering legacy of years of civil conflict. Ultimately, the President framed the rebuilding of Liberia’s infrastructure as an act of national healing. Concluding his address, President Boakai reaffirmed that his administration will keep infrastructure at the center of national recovery, ensuring that future systems protect the dignity of all Liberians and secure the nation’s long-term stability.
By Amos HarrisThe Director-General designate of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), J. Cyrus Saygbe, has pledged to strengthen governance, boost local fish production, and safeguard Liberia’s marine resources if confirmed as the head of the institution. Appearing before the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries on Monday, January 19, 2026, Saygbe emphasized the critical role that fisheries and aquaculture play in ensuring national food security, job creation, and economic growth. During the hearing, Saygbe outlined a vision centered on transparency, institutional reform, and increased support for local fishermen and fish farmers. In response to Senate concerns regarding revenue leakages and the empowerment of coastal communities, Saygbe highlighted plans to expand inland fish farming. To achieve this, he intends to prioritize technical training and provide better access to fingerlings and support for local farmers.
"In this era of global instability, Africans must unite, integrate, and develop Africa for Africans." In Cameroon, electronic visas were rejected, forcing the team to drive ten hours back to Nigeria to reapply, Mubarak revealed. A visa-free Africa, he argues, would dramatically boost intra-African trade, complementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by removing the human mobility barriers that still choke cross-border commerce. According to Mubarak, tourism connects hospitality, transport, crafts, food, and entertainment--creating jobs and government revenue across value chains. "Visa-free Africa creates opportunities at home."
Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC), a Daimler Truck company, has officially launched the new eCanter, its all-electric light-duty truck, in the United Arab Emirates, marking an important milestone in advancing sustainable commercial mobility in the region. The launch event, held in Dubai in collaboration with Al Habtoor Motors, the authorized distributor of FUSO vehicles in the UAE, brought together key customers, partners, and stakeholders from across the commercial vehicle sector. The introduction of the New eCanter reinforces FUSO’s commitment to supporting customers in their transition toward zero-emission transport solutions, particularly for urban and last-mile operations. The new eCanter is Japan’s first mass-produced electric light-duty truck and has already been introduced in multiple global markets. Built on FUSO’s proven light-duty truck platform, the new eCanter combines electric driveline technology with the brand’s long-standing standards of reliability and practicality.
QNB Group, the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa (MEA), is proud to continue as Diamond Sponsor of Web Summit Qatar 2026. This three-year collaboration reinforces QNB’s role as a key driver of digital innovation and fintech development in Qatar and across the wider MEA region, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. Abdulla Mubarak Al-Khalifa, CEO of QNB Group, said:“As a Diamond Sponsor of Web Summit Qatar, QNB shares Qatar’s ambition to build a knowledge-based, diversified economy. Together, we are shaping a future where innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology thrive, strengthening Qatar’s position on the global stage.”He added:“This partnership enables QNB to translate innovation into measurable impact. Engage with QNB at Web Summit Qatar 2026Visitors can explore QNB’s exhibition booth to experience cutting-edge banking technologies and join expert-led sessions showcasing how QNB is driving a digital-first future while supporting sustainable economic growth.
Without a cost implementation strategy, the country's climate promises remain largely on paper, even as the physical impacts of climate change accelerate across the nation. "We don't have a fixed cost for the NDC," Becker admitted. Under the NDC, Liberia clearly laid out its plans, as one of the low-emitting nations, to reduce emissions. Liberia is among the countries that have developed and submitted its National Adaptation Plan (NAP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Beyond the uncosted NDC and NAP, Becker said the country will have to look at two fronts: internally and externally.
Monrovia– PayLink Corporation has launched operations in Liberia, joining the country’s growing financial services sector with a promise of integrity, regulatory compliance, and a strong focus on financial inclusion. He said PayLink was established to respond to long-standing gaps in access to formal financial services, compliance support, and professional business advisory in Liberia. Bridging Financial and Advisory GapsPayLink Corporation is a Liberian-owned financial services, digital solutions, tax, legal, and business advisory company providing integrated services to individuals, businesses, and institutional clients across the country. PayLink’s services span microfinance and SME lending, money remittance, agency banking, mobile money, foreign exchange, digital and IT solutions, tax and legal advisory, investment facilitation, car rental, and hospitality services. With full regulatory approval, diversified services, and growing partnerships, PayLink Corporation enters Liberia’s financial sector, aiming to expand access to finance while supporting compliance, innovation, and inclusive economic growth.
Kangar-Lawrence explained that farming communities in Grand Bassa suffer not because they do not produce, but because they lack buyers, storage, and processing facilities. When it goes further into Grand Bassa County, produce are cheaper because of the rural condition. “Our job as an authority is to regulate Special Economic Zones and to also attract developers, investors that have the appetite for working within our economic zone model,” he explained. When I say we, we mean Grand Bassa County,” Goshua said, describing the SAPZ as “a huge opportunity” that leaders across the county fully embrace. Senate, County Authorities Pledge SupportGrand Bassa County Senator Gbenongar Fanley described the SAPZ as a major step toward industrializing Liberia.
Alongside its live programming, Doha Debates released a new season of its flagship debates online, reaching global audiences with Majlis-style conversations on freedom, justice, identity and belonging. Throughout the year, Doha Debates convened a series of international town halls that brought students into direct conversation with leading global thinkers. Doha Debates later returned to Doha, convening students with Dr. Omar Suleiman, Dr. Gregg Caruso and Professor Jeremy Koons to examine how science, faith and philosophy shape justice and moral responsibility. Through town halls, Community of Practice training initiatives and the Doha Debates Ambassador Program, more than 400 young people from over 80 nations participated annually in dialogue-driven leadership development. In 2026, Doha Debates builds on this momentum with a new Doha Debates Podcast season, opening with “Has disagreement become disinformation?” featuring Glenn Greenwald, Renée DiResta and Siva Vaidhyanathan, alongside town halls, another flagship show season, and the continuing season of The Negotiators.
