Liberia’s Deputy Minister for Energy, Charles Umehai, has urged European investors to seize opportunities in the country’s energy and mining sectors, highlighting the government’s commitment to expanding electricity generation and adding value to mineral exports.
Speaking on behalf of Mines and Energy Minister R. Matenokay Tingban at the Liberia–EU Business Forum held in Brussels from February 24–25, 2026, Umehai underscored the “win-win” potential of foreign direct investment in Liberia. He encouraged Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to consider Liberia as a viable business destination, citing incentives designed to attract investment in electricity generation.
“We encourage more Independent Power Producers to look at Liberia as a business destination and take advantage of all the incentives in generating electricity in Liberia,” Umehai told participants.
Beyond energy, Umehai called for greater European involvement in geological mapping and surveys to unlock Liberia’s critical minerals sector. He emphasized the importance of value addition, particularly in iron ore and gold, to strengthen Liberia’s export profile and economic resilience.
The EU Business Forum, focused on oil, gas, mining, and energy, comes at a pivotal moment for Liberia. The government has intensified efforts to attract foreign direct investment, aiming to create jobs and stimulate growth through partnerships with international companies.
Liberia’s delegation to Brussels reflected the seriousness of this push. Foreign Minister Sara Besolow-Nyanti, Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpahe Ngafuan, Public Works Minister Roland Giddings, and Information Minister Jerolimek Matthew Piah joined Umehai in presenting Liberia’s case to European investors. Sector leaders, including National Port Authority Managing Director Sekou H. Dukuly and Liberia Electricity Corporation Managing Director Mohammed Sheriff, reinforced the delegation’s strength.
Other key representatives included Roberts International Airport Managing Director Ernest R. Hughes and National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) CEO Fabian Michael Lai. Ambassadors and senior government officials also lent weight to the country’s investment pitch.
The private sector was represented by ArcelorMittal Liberia, with CEO Michiel van der Merwe and Vice President and CFO for Mining, participating in the panel alongside Umehai. Their presence underscored the role of established investors in shaping Liberia’s investment narrative.
The panel discussion was moderated by experienced Liberian journalist and financial communications specialist Cyrus Wleh Badio, who guided exchanges between government officials and corporate leaders.
The Liberia–EU Business Forum sought to deepen ties between Liberia and European companies, positioning the West African nation as a frontier market for energy and mining investment. With abundant natural resources and a government eager to provide incentives, Liberia’s message in Brussels was clear: the country is open for business and ready to partner with investors to drive sustainable growth.
