MONROVIA, LIBERIA: In a move that could redefine Liberia’s economic landscape, the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) has announced an ambitious plan to overhaul the nation’s power sector; aiming for stable electricity, cleaner energy, and universal access by 2030.
On Friday, August 15, 2025, LEC Managing Director Mohammad Sherif stood before stakeholders to launch Powering Liberia’s Future, an internal campaign signaling what he called a “transformational era” for the nation’s energy sector.
From Blackouts to Breakthroughs
Sherrif outlined significant progress already achieved: electricity connections have surged from just 35,000 in 2018 to over 282,500 by 2023. The notorious days of relentless load shedding have eased, thanks to repaired infrastructure, tighter financial controls, and more efficient operations.
But he didn’t shy away from the remaining hurdles. Power theft, unpaid bills, and fragile finances continue to threaten LEC’s momentum. “These challenges are real,” he said, “but so is our resolve to overcome them.”
The 2030 Vision: 100% Access
LEC’s roadmap includes Universal Electricity Access; a pledge to connect every Liberian household and business by 2030. This will be achieved through a mix of grid expansion, densification, and innovative off-grid solutions.
The strategy is now anchored on four central pillars:
- Financial Sustainability — securing revenue through stronger collections, reduced power theft, and improved efficiency.
- Operational Excellence — modernizing infrastructure, cutting system losses, and ensuring consistent supply.
- Customer-Centric Service — improving billing systems, expanding access, and responding more effectively to consumer needs.
- Governance and Institutional Effectiveness — enforcing accountability, transparency, and long-term stability within LEC’s operations.
Mega Projects in Motion
Two flagship projects stand out.
First, the Mt. Coffee Hydropower Plant Upgrade backed by a $62 million investment will boost output by more than 50%, providing a dependable backbone for the national grid.
Second, a 20MWp Solar Power Plant, with room to expand to 30MWp, will inject clean energy into the system and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. This $16 million initiative marks a decisive step toward diversifying Liberia’s energy mix.
Fighting Power Theft, Securing Revenue
Recognizing that financial leaks are as damaging as technical ones, LEC is intensifying its revenue protection strategy; deploying advanced metering systems, strengthening anti-theft measures, and ensuring customers are billed and paying accurately.
Why It Matters
According to the World Bank, universal access to electricity is a cornerstone of economic growth, enabling industry, improving public services, and enhancing household well-being. In a nation where economic aspirations are growing as fast as its power demand, LEC’s mission is more than infrastructure; it’s about unlocking Liberia’s full potential.
“By investing in renewables, embracing technology, and enforcing financial discipline, we are not just powering homes,” Sherrif declared. “We are powering opportunity, development, and the future of every Liberian.”
If successful, Powering Liberia’s Future could mark the moment Liberia moved from an energy-constrained nation to one where electricity fuels innovation, prosperity, and inclusive growth.
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