Liberian President Joseph Boakai is confident the West African nation will achieve its universal energy access to bolster economy and reduce poverty.
Boakai outlined gains Liberia has made in expanding electricity access in a speech at the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit of Heads of State. The 80-year-old leader said that the current electrification rate stands at only 33%.
“Access to reliable energy is the foundation upon which we can build thriving economies. It powers industries, supports education, and enhances healthcare,” he said.
“For countless communities, energy access means the difference between stagnation and growth, between despair and opportunity.”
The summit serves as a pivotal platform for African leaders to discuss collaborative efforts towards meeting the urgent energy needs of their nations, with a collective goal of universal energy access by 2030.
Liberia’s ambitious plans aim to electrify 100,000 households annually, with the goal of achieving 75% electricity access by 2030.
This strategic initiative seeks to address urban-rural disparities through an expanded grid and innovative distributed renewable energy solutions.
Among the key projects highlighted by the President are the development of the 150 MW Saint Paul 2 Hydropower Project and the promotion of utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) projects, which are expected to attract significant private sector investment.
Recognizing that public and private investments are crucial for meeting these targets, President Boakai announced the establishment of a high-level steering committee, led by the Vice President, to mobilize financing and ensure the country is well-prepared for competitive bidding on Liberia’s first solar Independent Power Producer (IPP) project by October 2025. Additionally, plans are in place for the SP2 project to move forward by November 2026.
The President celebrated Liberia’s progress, noting that electricity access has grown from a mere 3% in 2012 to 33% today and highlighted improvements in reducing commercial losses in the energy sector from over 40% to below 30%.
He acknowledged the vital role of international partners, including the African Development Bank Group and the World Bank Group, in supporting these energy initiatives.
“Together, we can empower every person in Africa with the energy they deserve, driving prosperity, fostering inclusion, and ensuring a sustainable future for all,” President Boakai said.
