Published: October 16, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Government of Liberia, through the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), has signed a landmark agreement with renewable energy company Scatec for the construction of a 23.75-megawatt-peak (MWp) solar power plant and 10-megawatt-hour (MWh) battery storage system in Margibi County — a major step toward reducing the country’s chronic energy deficit.
The agreement was formalized Wednesday, October 14, 2025, at the International Finance Corporation (IFC) headquarters on the sidelines of the World Bank–IMF Annual Meetings. The signing brought together senior officials from the IFC, Scatec, and the Government of Liberia.
The project, to be built at LEC’s Shefflin site, is expected to be completed within 64 weeks and will directly support Liberia’s “Mission 300” initiative — an IFC-backed program aimed at delivering 300,000 new electricity connections across the country.
A Milestone for Energy Access
According to World Bank data, only about 30% of Liberians currently have access to electricity — and just 6% in rural areas. The new solar facility is seen as a critical intervention to help close that gap.
Signing for Liberia were Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan and LEC Managing Director Mohammed M. Sherif. Hans Olav Kvalvaag, CEO of Scatec, signed on behalf of the company.
“On behalf of His Excellency President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and the people of Liberia, I extend heartfelt thanks to Scatec, the LEC, the IFC, and the Ministry of Mines and Energy for their collaboration in achieving this milestone,” Minister Ngafuan said.
Ngafuan underscored the central role of energy in Liberia’s national development strategy, the Agenda for Accelerated Inclusive Development (AAID), and reaffirmed the government’s goal of achieving 75% electricity access by 2030 under the Liberia Energy Compact.
“It’s an ambitious goal, and we’re stretching ourselves to meet it,” he said. “But we are not alone — we are working with committed partners and strong leadership at the LEC.”
A Defining Step Toward Energy Sovereignty
LEC Managing Director Mohammed M. Sherif described the agreement as a “defining step” in Liberia’s pursuit of energy sovereignty.
“This signing represents more than a commercial transaction — it’s a step toward a future where Liberia generates and sustains its own power with resilience and dignity,” Sherif said.
He noted that the project will follow a lease-to-own model, allowing the LEC to expand generation capacity without large upfront costs while ensuring eventual ownership by Liberia.
“We’re not just adding megawatts to the grid,” Sherif added. “We’re lighting homes, powering industries, and fueling the next chapter of inclusive growth.”
Private Sector Support for Liberia’s Future
Scatec CEO Hans Olav Kvalvaag reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Liberia’s clean energy transition.
“Today marks an important step for Liberia’s energy sector,” Kvalvaag said. “This milestone reflects a shared commitment to advancing clean and reliable energy solutions. We’re proud to support Liberia’s journey and remain open to further private sector engagement.”
Also present were Mines and Energy Minister Wilmot J.M. Paye, Public Works Minister Roland Lafayette Giddings, and Deputy Education Minister Nyekeh Forkpa.
A Turning Point in Liberia’s Energy Journey
Officials described the deal as a transformative step in Liberia’s long-term push for energy independence and private sector investment.
Once operational, the Margibi solar project will not only enhance electricity access but also reduce reliance on imported diesel and stabilize supply in Monrovia and surrounding areas.
“This project marks the dawn of a cleaner, more reliable, and more sustainable energy future for Liberia,” one participant said at the signing.
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