LONDON/BANJUL, July 7, 2026: Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) Executive Governor Henry F. Saamoi has received the African Central Banking Award in recognition of his leadership in advancing monetary stability, financial sector development, financial inclusion and institutional reforms in Liberia.
Governor Saamoi received the honor during the 16th African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA) in London, where he called on African countries to build trustworthy, bankable and investable markets to attract greater volumes of global capital for the continent's development.
The CBL Governor was honored at the United Kingdom's House of Lords and was also recognized among Africa's Top 40 Finance Leaders.
He additionally received a certificate of recognition from the South Carolina House of Representatives for his contributions to promoting financial stability and inclusion in Liberia.
Speaking during the awards ceremony on the topic, "Liberia's Capital Moment: Aligning Financial Sector Reforms with Global Investment to Drive Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development," Saamoi said Africa's challenge is not a lack of investment opportunities but the need to consistently build credible markets and institutions that inspire investor confidence.
"Africa does not lack capital opportunities. What we must deliver consistently and credibly are bankable, investable and trustworthy markets. When we do, global capital will not hesitate—it will follow," he declared.
Saamoi said sustainable investment flows require sound macroeconomic management, strong institutions, transparent regulatory frameworks, deeper financial markets and a pipeline of well-structured projects capable of attracting long-term capital.
He highlighted several sectors where reforms are creating investment opportunities in Liberia, including agriculture and agro-processing, energy and infrastructure, financial services and fintech, small and medium-sized enterprises, and tourism.
According to the Governor, agriculture and agro-processing offer significant export potential, while energy and infrastructure remain critical to industrial expansion.
He said financial services and fintech are experiencing rapid innovation and scalability, while SMEs and local enterprises offer a strong pipeline for impact investment. Tourism, he added, remains an emerging sector with significant long-term potential.
Earlier, Saamoi participated in a high-level roundtable on "Strategic Convergence: Aligning Global Capital with Africa's Growth Imperatives," alongside counterparts from Ghana, Zambia and Tanzania.
Reflecting on the award, the CBL Governor described the recognition as a testament to the collective efforts of the Central Bank of Liberia and its partners in strengthening the country's financial system.
"This recognition is not solely a personal achievement. It reflects the commitment and professionalism of the staff of the Central Bank of Liberia, our stakeholders and the Government of Liberia, who continue to support reforms aimed at safeguarding stability, expanding financial inclusion and creating opportunities for economic growth," he said.
The African Business Leadership Awards brought together policymakers, finance ministers, central bank governors, financial sector leaders, investors and development partners from across Africa and beyond.
The event was held under the theme, "From Vision to Velocity: Driving Africa's Next Wave of Growth and Leadership."
Saamoi used the gathering to underscore the need for deeper financial systems, stronger regional integration, consistent reforms and effective governance to strengthen investor confidence across Africa.
Following his engagements in London, the CBL Governor traveled to Banjul, The Gambia, to participate in the IMF/World Bank African Consultative Group, also known as the African Caucus Meeting.
The gathering brings together African finance ministers, central bank governors and senior policymakers to discuss economic resilience, sustainable growth, fiscal reforms, investment mobilization and the continent's engagement with the Bretton Woods institutions.
The CBL said Saamoi's participation underscores Liberia's commitment to contributing to regional and global economic policy discussions while advancing reforms aimed at promoting macroeconomic stability, financial sector resilience and inclusive economic development.