Liberia Hosts Pathway to Citizenship – Grants Permanent Residency to African American Investors

By Danlette G. Washington

The Government of Liberia has formally welcomed four African American investors into its Pathway to Citizenship Program, reaffirming the country’s historic ties to the African diaspora and its commitment to diaspora return and reintegration.

The ceremony, organized by the Office of Diaspora Affairs under the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs, honored Mr. Donald Earl Frost, Mr. Felix Levon James, Mr. Horace Augustin, and Mr. Philip Edwin Parker. The men have completed the legal process to obtain permanent residency status and resident identification cards, a step that officially places them on the legal pathway toward Liberian citizenship under national law.

Speaking during the ceremony on February 10, 2026, Deputy Commissioner for Administration at the Liberia Immigration Service, Mr. Nelsco A. Wolo, welcomed the delegation and encouraged them to embrace their new journey. He urged the investors to “Love Liberia, Think Liberia, and Build Liberia.”

Moreover, Deputy Commissioner for Naturalization, Attorney N. Dickson R. Tamba, emphasized that the residency permits were processed in full compliance with Liberian law. “This is a legally established pathway,” Atty. Tamba said. “We urge the recipients to view this not only as a personal milestone but as an opportunity to generate lasting investment and development for Liberia.”

Also addressing the delegation, Senior Advisor to the President of Liberia, Dr. Augustine Konneh, connected the event to Liberia’s historical founding as a nation established by formerly enslaved Africans returning from the Americas. “Liberia has always been a land of return for people of African descent,” Dr. Konneh said. Referencing Pan-African leader Marcus Garvey, he added, “While Marcus Garvey pointed the way to Africa, you have taken the decisive step to establish roots in the land of the free.”

Mr. Erasmus T. Williams, Head of the Office of Diaspora Affairs, commended the new residents for working closely with his office to explore investment opportunities and complete the residency process. He also thanked the staff of the Diaspora Office and partner institutions, including the Liberia Immigration Service, Liberia National Police, Ministry of Health, and National Investment Commission for their collaboration and professional support.

To date, officials say all applicants who have entered the Pathway to Citizenship process have come from the United States. Authorities noted that individuals of African descent from other countries would be eligible to receive similar consideration if they apply through the Office of Diaspora Affairs.

The ceremony highlights Liberia’s continued effort to position itself as a welcoming destination for members of the global African diaspora seeking residency, investment opportunities, and eventual citizenship.

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