By Festus Poquie
The European Union and the Liberian Government have initiated a follow-up technical mission to inspect and audit the €42 million Light Up Southeast (LUSE) electrification program after a previous inspection identified multiple compliance and implementation deficiencies.
The mission, led jointly by the EU, the National Authorizing Office (NAO) at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, the Rural and Renewable Energy Agency (RREA) and other energy-sector agencies, will run from 26–29 January 2026.
Its stated purpose is to confirm that corrective measures recommended in the earlier inspection have been implemented, to review newly completed and ongoing works against contractors’ scopes, and to assess overall progress across LUSE project sites.
According to the EU statement, the technical team will carry out a comprehensive review of distribution and transmission infrastructure, contractor performance, and conformity with approved final designs and implementation schedules. Inspectors will pay particular attention to areas flagged during the prior inspection to ensure noncompliance issues have been properly addressed.
A central concern for the mission is the Barclayville Solar Mini Grid Project in Grand Kru County, where work has been slowed by requirements to meet Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) grid code standards.
Resolving grid-code compliance is listed as a top priority for the NAO and RREA, which will work closely with the implementation contractor, Constar Inc., to harmonize outstanding technical and financial issues. RREA also says it will engage directly with the contractor to expedite resolution.
“The European Union reaffirms her commitment to expanding access to reliable, sustainable, and affordable electricity in south-eastern Liberia,” EU Ambassador to Liberia Nona Deprez said in the statement, describing LUSE as a “flagship investment” aimed at inclusive development and economic growth in underserved regions.
The mission is described as strictly technical and intended to reflect the shared commitment of the EU and the Government of Liberia to quality assurance, regulatory compliance and timely delivery of energy infrastructure.
The $42 million EU-funded Rural Electrification Program aims to target Buchanan and the wider Southeast corridor, aiming to serve over 12,000 households.
This region of Liberia, comprising counties such as Sinoe, River Gee, Grand Kru, Maryland, and Grand Gedeh, sits at the margin of development, characterized by extreme infrastructure deficits, high poverty levels, despite natural resource riches.
