East Harper, Maryland County — Sinoe County Senator and Political Leader of the People’s Economic Movement (PEM), Crayton O. Duncan, has outlined key elements of his proposed national agenda ahead of the 2029 presidential election, emphasizing natural-resource management, investment oversight, youth empowerment, and economic diversification.
Senator Duncan delivered the keynote address Friday during the induction ceremony of the 14th Tubman University Student Government Association (TUSGA) leadership at William V.S. Tubman University in East Harper, Maryland County.
Addressing university officials, students, community members, and other guests, Duncan said Liberia’s abundant natural resources have not translated into sufficient economic opportunities and broad-based improvements in living conditions for many citizens.
He linked the situation to what he characterized as weaknesses in leadership, investment negotiations, enforcement of contractual obligations, and the management of the country’s natural wealth.
Duncan Calls for Stronger Protection of National Interests
Duncan said Liberia needs a resource-management framework that gives greater attention to the country’s long-term economic interests while maintaining an environment that welcomes responsible foreign investment.
“Our natural resources must work for Liberia and Liberians. They must create opportunities, build communities, empower our young people, and strengthen the future of our country,” he said.
The senator argued that investment agreements should contain clear and measurable obligations relating to employment, skills development, local procurement, community benefits, technology transfer, environmental protection, and other national priorities.
He also stressed the importance of effective government monitoring to ensure that companies and investors meet commitments contained in agreements with the Liberian state.
Proposed Approach to Public-Private Partnerships
A significant portion of Duncan’s address focused on Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), which he described as an important tool that could support national development when properly structured and enforced.
He said a government under his leadership would place emphasis on ensuring that PPP agreements and other investment arrangements are implemented according to their contractual terms.
According to Duncan, Liberia should strengthen its capacity to negotiate investment agreements while ensuring that the state retains sufficient oversight to safeguard public resources and national interests.
Push for Value Addition and Economic Diversification
Duncan also called for a shift from an economy heavily dependent on the export of raw materials toward greater domestic processing and value addition.
He identified agriculture, manufacturing, technology, entrepreneurship, professional development, and technical skills as areas that could provide additional avenues for economic participation.
The senator said Liberia’s natural wealth should contribute more directly to improvements in education, healthcare, infrastructure, employment, business development, and community livelihoods.
Message to Tubman University Students
Turning his attention to students, Duncan encouraged the newly inducted TUSGA leadership to demonstrate integrity, discipline, accountability, innovation, and commitment to public service.
He urged young Liberians to become more engaged in national issues and to view education not only as a pathway to employment but also as a foundation for entrepreneurship, problem-solving, and responsible leadership.
“The future of Liberia cannot be designed without the participation of its young people. Your education must prepare you not only to find jobs, but also to create opportunities, solve national problems, and lead with integrity,” Duncan told the students.
Calls for Greater Oversight of Natural Resources
Duncan further advocated stronger institutional mechanisms for monitoring agreements involving Liberia’s natural resources.
He said government agencies should have the necessary capacity to track investment commitments, enforce contracts, protect affected communities, and ensure that national assets are administered in accordance with the law.
He also called for increased participation of Liberian businesses, professionals, and entrepreneurs in major investment projects operating within the country.
Duncan Presents 2029 Political Vision
Duncan said his proposed 2029 agenda is centered on resource accountability, responsible investment, economic empowerment, youth opportunities, and inclusive development.
He maintained that Liberia’s natural resources and human capital provide significant opportunities for economic advancement, but said stronger institutions, effective enforcement, responsible leadership, and a coherent development strategy would be necessary to translate those resources into broader economic benefits.
The PEM political leader also encouraged students and young professionals to take part in national discussions ahead of the 2029 presidential election and to examine the platforms, proposals, and development policies presented by political actors.
Duncan concluded by reiterating his emphasis on placing Liberia’s national interests at the center of decisions concerning the country’s natural resources and economic development.
His appearance at Tubman University forms part of his ongoing public presentation of his political agenda ahead of the 2029 presidential election.
