- Liberia, AfDB, EIB and EU have commissioned the Liberia Energy Efficiency and Access Project.
- Beyond infrastructure, LEEAP has significantly impacted Liberia’s socio-economic landscape.
The European Union (EU), EU Member States, the European Investment Bank, the African Development Bank (AfDB), and the Government of Liberia, through the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), have commissioned the Liberia Energy Efficiency and Access Project (LEEAP).
The project signifies a significant step forward in expanding electricity access, improving energy efficiency, and fortifying institutional and human capacity within Liberia‘s power sector.
The commissioning of LEEAP underscores the unwavering commitment of the EU, the Liberian government, and their partners in driving sustainable energy solutions and ensuring that thousands of Liberians access reliable electricity.
LEEAP has made remarkable strides in bolstering Liberia’s electricity network. Among its key achievements, the project has successfully connected 39,792 new customers to the national grid. This includes 50 health facilities and pharmacies, 65 academic institutions, 43 government and public facilities, and 250 small businesses.
Infrastructure development under the initiative has been pivotal. A 45-kilometer (66kV) double-circuit transmission line was constructed from the Paynesville substation to the Roberts International Airport (RIA) substation.
Additionally, new substations were established at Schefflin (66/22kV) and RIA (66/33kV), with 980 kilometres of distribution networks extended across the Paynesville-RIA-Owensgrove and Pleebo-Fish Town corridors.
Beyond infrastructure, LEEAP has significantly impacted Liberia’s socio-economic landscape. Over 6,000 jobs were created, with approximately 22 per cent filled by women. Communities have experienced a reduction in crime rates due to improved street lighting, while social cohesion has strengthened, allowing for enhanced communication and economic activity.
Furthermore, the project has prioritised capacity building, training over 110 staff members from the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), the Rural and Renewable Energy Agency (RREA), and the Monrovia Vocational Training Center (MVTC). Additionally, essential tools and equipment were provided to boost operational efficiency within the sector.
During the commissioning ceremony, EU Ambassador Nona Deprez hailed the remarkable progress made in expanding Liberia’s electricity network. She highlighted the EU’s financial contribution of EUR 107 million to the sector, positioning the bloc as the main donor through grants to reduce electricity costs and advance climate-friendly energy solutions.
Vice President Jeremiah Koung thanked the EU and its partners while calling on communities to uphold their responsibilities. “Electricity is business. It must contribute to the government. It cannot be a liability,” he emphasised, urging residents to ensure timely payments for electricity services.
LEC Interim Managing Director Thomas Z. Gonkerwon highlighted LEEAP’s transformative role in Liberia’s energy landscape.
Gonkerwon noted, “The successful completion of this project demonstrates our unwavering commitment to providing sustainable and reliable electricity for all Liberians. LEEAP’s impact extends beyond power access–it drives economic growth, creates jobs, and enhances the overall quality of life in communities across the country.”