When I stepped off the plane and into the terminal in Liberia, something unique—something that immediately set this place apart struck me. From outside, I heard singing. It wasn’t just the faint hum of a melody; it was vibrant and full of life, like a celebration. I can only assume it was a large group welcoming home a loved one, but it set the tone for what was to come.
As I moved through the airport, I noticed how different the atmosphere was from anywhere else I’d been. The security guards joked with me, making me feel less like a traveler passing through and more like a guest being welcomed. There wasn’t that usual sense of urgency you find in airports—the hurried looks, the rush to move on. Instead, there was laughter, connection, and this indescribable energy that seemed to flow through everyone I met.
That energy carried through the entire trip. A standout moment was a dinner Baurau hosted, bringing together around 50 Liberians we had recommended as potential leaders and entrepreneurs. We passed around a microphone and asked if anyone wanted to share a business idea. At first, there was a bit of hesitation, but then it started—one person took the mic, and it didn’t stop.
One after another, they shared their ideas. Each person was full of excitement, offering insights into what they believed could benefit their country. It wasn’t just the ideas themselves that were inspiring—it was the passion, the optimism, and the drive in every voice. They didn’t just see problems; they saw solutions and were ready to act. By the end of the night, I couldn’t help but feel inspired by the determination and vision shared in that room.
Our time in Liberia has been full of moments like these—connections that have deepened our understanding of the country and its potential. We’ve spent many hours working with local leaders, listening to their insights, and learning from their experiences. This trip wasn’t about us coming in with answers; it was about working together, side by side, to build something meaningful.
We also had the honor of meeting Liberia’s President, President Joseph Boakai, who shared a powerful vision for the nation’s future with us. During our conversation, he said something that has stuck with me ever since: “Think Liberia, Love Liberia, Build Liberia.” It’s a mantra that perfectly captures the essence of what we’re working to achieve.
We’ve narrowed our focus to a few areas where we believe we can make the most impact. While we’re not quite ready to share the details, what we can say is this: our goal is to invest in Liberia in a way that reflects the spirit of the people we’ve met.
This is just the beginning of our journey, but it’s a journey we’re excited to take—with the incredible people of Liberia as our partners every step of the way.