Liberia will invest in training and development to avoid the so-called 'oil curse' afflicting many resource rich countries, according to the nation's leader Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

Speaking to the Wall Street Journal as Liberia signs its first major oil exploration deal, she explained that the new agreement will be positioned as an enhancement to, rather than a foundation of, the African nation's economy.

"We're going for diversity," she told the paper, explaining that revenues generated from the new deal with Chevron will be channelled into human resources development.

She also stressed the importance of national security in encouraging foreign investment, as settling instability in the country has been crucial in supporting the country's recent economic growth.

Ms Sirleaf also explained that while the country still has problems with unemployment, additional funding for training and development will help to alleviate this as the country pursues upstream oil and gas projects.

Nigeria is also intensifying its focus on local training and development to increase participation in the oil and gas sector, which has long been dominated by foreign workers.

Oil and Gas Directory: Training and Development