How a veteran politician became Liberia's oldest president and launched a sweeping anti-corruption drive.
In short: Joseph Boakai spent decades navigating the Liberian public and private sectors before ascending to the presidency at age 79. Now, he is attempting to reshape the nation's governance through aggressive transparency measures, salary cuts, and a strategic pivot toward trade-focused diplomacy, marking a new chapter in the country's international engagement.
Born in 1944 in the village of Worsonga, Joseph Boakai’s career spans over four decades of service. Before becoming the 26th president of Liberia in 2024, he served as the 29th vice president from 2006 to 2018 under Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. His background is rooted in agriculture and business administration, having served as Minister of Agriculture in the 1980s and later working as a consultant for the World Bank. His path to the presidency was not linear; he lost the 2017 election to George Weah before successfully defeating the incumbent in 2023.
Upon taking office, Boakai prioritized government accountability. His administration initiated widespread reviews of public institutions, including the national central bank, and suspended hundreds of officials who failed to disclose their financial assets. To signal personal commitment to fiscal discipline, he reduced his own annual salary by 40%. These efforts appear to be gaining traction; recent data suggests a notable increase in public perception regarding the government's effectiveness in tackling corruption compared to 2022.
Beyond domestic reform, Boakai is steering Liberia toward economic diplomacy. He aims to move the nation away from aid dependency by fostering trade and investment partnerships. This strategy includes strengthening ties with the United States and active participation in regional and global bodies. In June 2025, this diplomatic push culminated in Liberia’s election to the United Nations Security Council for the 2026–2027 term, a milestone Boakai described as a new era for the country’s global presence.
Despite his political experience, Boakai’s presidency has faced challenges, including health-related concerns during his inauguration and a mid-air incident involving a private jet in 2025. Nevertheless, he continues to focus on his development agenda, which includes addressing the legacy of Liberia's civil wars through official apologies and leveraging the contributions of the Liberian diaspora to drive sustainable national progress.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Joseph Boakai
- Also: Wikidata — Joseph Boakai · CC0
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