The Swedish Ambassador to Liberia, Karl Backéus, has revealed a new vision to transform the long-standing relationship between Liberia and Sweden, moving from aid dependency to a more sustainable partnership focused on trade and investment. Speaking at a business forum in Monrovia, Ambassador Backéus outlined key strategies to boost bilateral relations and attract Swedish businesses to Liberia, emphasizing opportunities in critical sectors such as energy, information and communications technology (ICT), and mobile technology.
Ambassador Backéus stressed that Sweden’s development cooperation with Liberia has been a vital support system for the country, but he underscored that the future of their partnership should evolve toward creating lasting economic growth. “Sweden is eager to support Liberia’s transition from aid dependency to self-sustaining economic growth through trade, investment, and innovation,” he said. “We believe that Swedish businesses, particularly in technology and energy, can help Liberia unlock its full potential.”
In his remarks, the Ambassador highlighted several areas where Swedish companies could find valuable opportunities for collaboration. These include clean energy initiatives, where Swedish expertise in renewable energy solutions can help Liberia meet its growing energy demands, and the ICT sector, which could be enhanced by Sweden’s advanced digital technologies. Mobile technology was also flagged as a promising area for investment, particularly in expanding Liberia’s telecommunications infrastructure.
The Swedish government has expressed its commitment to promoting Liberia’s investment potential, focusing on smaller-scale ventures that can create local jobs, build skills, and foster long-term economic growth. By encouraging small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to enter the Liberian market, Sweden aims to contribute to the diversification of the Liberian economy, which is currently heavily reliant on a few key sectors such as mining and agriculture.
Ambassador Backéus also emphasized the importance of strengthening the business environment in Liberia, highlighting that the Swedish government is working with local partners to improve infrastructure, streamline regulations, and ensure a more attractive investment climate for foreign businesses.
Sweden has a long history of supporting Liberia through humanitarian aid and development projects, particularly in areas such as education, health, and infrastructure. However, this new approach aims to shift the focus toward sustainable, private sector-led growth. The Embassy’s initiative aligns with Liberia’s vision for economic diversification and its commitment to creating an environment where both domestic and foreign investors can thrive.
As Liberia seeks to overcome its historical challenges and unlock its economic potential, Sweden’s approach could serve as a model for other nations in Africa looking to transition from aid dependency to a focus on trade and investment.
