WASHINGTON, D.C. – Liberia took a decisive step toward energy independence on October 15, 2025, with the signing of a landmark solar power lease agreement between the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) and Scatec Release. The agreement, concluded on the sidelines of the World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings, outlines the deployment of a 23.75 MWp solar photovoltaic plant complemented by 10 MWh of battery storage at LEC’s Shefflin site in Monrovia.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, LEC Managing Director Mohammed M. Sherif described the event as “a defining step in Liberia’s pursuit of energy sovereignty; a future where our nation generates, manages, and sustains its own power with resilience and dignity.” He emphasized that the project would immediately strengthen Liberia’s dry-season generation, reduce dependence on imported power, and mark a significant milestone in the country’s transition to clean, reliable, and affordable energy.
Sherif praised the leadership of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., for prioritizing the agreement, noting that the President’s directive “underscores his conviction that energy is the heartbeat of national renewal and growth.” He also acknowledged the contributions of key Cabinet officials, including Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Mines and Energy Minister Wilmot J.M. Paye, Public Works Minister Roland Lafayette Giddings, and Education Minister Jarso Maley Jallah, highlighting their collective role in advancing Liberia’s renewable energy agenda.
The project adopts a lease-to-own model, allowing LEC to acquire much-needed generation capacity without the burden of heavy upfront costs while guaranteeing eventual ownership by the Liberian people. According to Sherif, “This arrangement reflects innovation, prudence, and partnership; a model of collaboration that blends public leadership with private sector efficiency.”
Sherif also extended appreciation to international partners, including the World Bank Group, IFC, and MIGA, for their technical guidance and support. He acknowledged the collaborative efforts of Liberia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy, Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC), and the Environmental Protection Agency, describing the endeavor as “a tangible demonstration of what development partnership can achieve when collaboration translates into measurable progress.”
“This signing is more than adding megawatts to the grid; it is illuminating homes, powering industries, and fueling Liberia’s next chapter of inclusive growth,” Sherif remarked. He underscored that the project aligns with the LEC Strategic Plan 2025-2030, which is anchored on five pillars: Financial Sustainability, Operational Excellence, Customer-Centric Service, Governance and Institutional Effectiveness, and Digital Transformation.
Sherif concluded his remarks by reiterating the transformative nature of the partnership, saying, “Through this project, Liberia signals that we are open for business, committed to reform, and determined to build a power sector worthy of our people’s aspirations.”
