- Liberia has one of the lowest electricity access rates in Africa, with only 12% of the population connected to the national grid.
- Electricity costs in Liberia are among the highest in Africa—$0.22 per kilowatt-hour, nearly four times higher than in neighbouring countries.
Liberia has struggled with unreliable electricity for decades, a major obstacle to economic growth and national development. Frequent blackouts, high costs, and limited grid access have stifled businesses and essential services and left millions without power.
As the nation seeks a path to industrialisation and economic recovery, solving its energy crisis remains the most pressing challenge.
Liberia has one of the lowest electricity access rates in Africa, with only 12% of the population connected to the national grid. Rural areas are even more underserved, leaving many dependent on expensive and polluting generators. Even for those with access, electricity costs are among the highest in Africa—$0.22 per kilowatt-hour, nearly four times higher than in neighbouring countries.
This crisis has severe consequences for businesses. Due to power instability, manufacturing plants operate at reduced capacity, while small businesses struggle to afford alternative energy sources.
A Chamber of Commerce survey found that 67% of small business owners cite electricity as their primary obstacle to growth. Additionally, Liberia has lost an estimated $300 million in foreign investment since 2015 as investors shy away from an unreliable power sector.
Beyond economics, the human cost is immense. When power fails, hospitals face life-threatening disruptions, with ventilators, incubators, and vaccine refrigerators rendered useless.
At JFK Medical Center, Liberia’s largest hospital, power fluctuations have damaged critical diagnostic equipment. Maternity wards see increased complications during outages, with maternal mortality rates rising by 18% during grid failures.
Education also suffers. Only 4% of rural schools have consistent power, limiting digital learning and evening study sessions. Students in urban areas with electricity outperform their rural counterparts by 40% on standardised tests, deepening the education gap and limiting future opportunities.
Liberia’s energy challenges require bold leadership and structural reforms, not temporary fixes. Addressing this crisis involves:
- Modernising energy infrastructure to reduce technical losses, which currently account for 35% of generated power
- Expanding grid connectivity to key economic hubs, ensuring that industrial zones and rural communities benefit from stable electricity.
- Diversifying energy sources by tapping into Liberia’s hydropower, solar, and natural gas potential.
Investment partnerships will be critical. Liberia needs an estimated $1.5 billion to overhaul its energy sector, requiring effective public-private collaborations and international funding.
As Liberia seeks economic revitalisation, a comprehensive energy strategy is non-negotiable. Powering businesses, schools, and hospitals is not just an infrastructure goal—it is the foundation for national progress.