Liberia, Maryland Sign Historic Partnership Agreement to Strengthen Economic, Educational Cooperation
June 24, 2026
By Laymah Kollie
Maryland, USA: Liberia and the State of Maryland have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), establishing Maryland’s first-ever national-level partnership with an African country and opening a new chapter in relations between the two governments.
The new agreement is being build on a Sister-State relationship established in 2007 between Liberia’s Bong County and Maryland County and the State of Maryland, expanding cooperation into a broader framework covering economic development, trade, investment, education, technology, innovation, agriculture, renewable energy, transportation, life sciences, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, climate resilience, tourism, and cultural exchange.
The landmark agreement was signed Wednesday at the Governor’s Reception Room in Annapolis by Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, on behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and by Wes Moore on behalf of the State of Maryland.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Susan C. Lee and Liberia’s Ambassador to the United States, Al-Hassan Conteh.Officials described the agreement as a significant milestone in Maryland’s engagement with Africa.
While Maryland has maintained partnerships with subnational entities on the continent, this marks the first time the U.S. state has entered into a formal partnership agreement with an African nation at the national level.
According to the Foreign Ministry, the partnership aligns with Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, particularly in the areas of economic transformation, infrastructure development, and human capital development.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Minister Nyanti said the agreement reflects the enduring historical ties between Liberia and Maryland while creating new opportunities for future collaboration.
“This Memorandum of Understanding represents more than a formal agreement; it is a reaffirmation of our shared history and a bold commitment to our shared future as we seek to create meaningful opportunities for investment, innovation, education, cultural exchange, and sustainable development that will benefit the people of Liberia and Maryland alike,” Nyanti stated.
The partnership is rooted in nearly two centuries of historical connections between Liberia and Maryland.
The U.S. state has maintained close ties with Liberia since the 1830s, and Liberia’s second president, Stephen Allen Benson, was born in Cambridge, Maryland.Governor Moore welcomed the agreement, describing it as an opportunity to deepen relations between Maryland and Liberia while creating new pathways for economic growth, educational exchange, technological innovation, and cultural understanding.
Officials from both sides noted that the agreement reflects a shared commitment to fostering mutually beneficial partnerships that will expand opportunities for businesses, students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and communities in both Liberia and Maryland.
As part of the implementation process, the MoU establishes a Liberia-Maryland Working Group tasked with overseeing the partnership, identifying priority projects, facilitating institutional and business exchanges, and coordinating activities aimed at delivering measurable outcomes.
The Embassy of the Republic of Liberia in Washington, D.C., will serve as the coordinating agency responsible for monitoring and implementing the agreement.
The signing ceremony was attended by members of Governor Moore’s cabinet, former Maryland state officials, and representatives of the Liberian diaspora community in the Washington metropolitan area.
Among those present was Sebastian Teclar and members of his leadership team.
Minister Nyanti was accompanied by Assistant Minister for American Affairs Christiana Konneh, Minister Counselor for Political and Diaspora Affairs Charles H.V. Allen, Minister Counselor for Press and Public Affairs Al-Jerome Anastas Chede Sr., and Communications Officer Stephenie Wesseh.
The agreement is expected to strengthen diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between Liberia and Maryland while creating new opportunities for cooperation and development on both sides of the Atlantic.
