By: Sampson W Weah
Cairo, Egypt – The Government of Liberia has set its sights on an ambitious target: raising national electricity access from 33 percent today to 75 percent by 2030, as part of efforts to power industries, improve livelihoods, and reduce the country’s dependency on costly fuel imports.
The bold plan was announced at the 21st African Power Utilities Association (APUA) Congress in Cairo, Egypt, where Liberia’s delegation presented on behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
Dire Energy Reality
Liberia’s current energy supply remains among the most unstable and expensive in West Africa. The Mount Coffee Hydro Plant, with an installed capacity of 88 megawatts, drops to zero output during the dry season, leaving Monrovia and other areas in near darkness for months. Meanwhile, the country’s thermal generation of 38 megawatts costs a staggering US$0.33 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), compared to a regional average of US$0.14.
Consumers pay some of the highest electricity tariffs in the region, with prices reaching US$0.45 per kWh in some areas.
Government’s Compact for Change
To tackle this, the Government has developed a Five-Pillar National Energy Compact, which includes:
Fully utilizing the Transco CLSG regional grid that connects Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea;
Promoting solar and other renewable energy solutions alongside clean cooking initiatives;
Opening the sector to more Independent Power Producers (IPPs); and
Strengthening the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) to deliver reliable and affordable service.
Concrete Reforms Already Underway
Officials revealed that a Net Metering Policy is set for launch, allowing private solar owners to sell excess energy to the grid.
In addition, the government has ordered ministries and agencies to move from postpaid to prepaid meters. By 2026, 145 out of 168 institutions are expected to complete the switch—an effort to stop the chronic problem of unpaid electricity bills.
Key projects include a 20MW solar park expected to be commissioned this year, and an expansion of the Mount Coffee Hydro Plant. Liberia also currently imports 80MW of electricity from Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea, but officials admit that the system still lacks proper evacuation lines to fully distribute that power.
Optimism Despite Challenges
With demand already estimated at 400MW, government officials acknowledge that challenges remain. Yet, they expressed confidence that the national goal is achievable, pointing to the strong political backing of President Boakai and the establishment of a Compact Delivery and Monitoring Unit, which will be operational in January 2026.
“Our target is ambitious, but achievable. With commitment, reforms, and regional cooperation, Liberia will power its growth and prosperity,” the delegation assured.
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