Liberia: Liberia Economic Update: Energy Sector Shows Progress, but Significant Investment Needed

MONROVIA- The World Bank today released the fifth edition of its annual Liberia Economic Update, titled Powering Growth with Reliable, Affordable, and Sustainable Energy Access. The report offers a comprehensive analysis of recent economic developments in Liberia, underscoring the crucial role of reliable energy in fostering sustainable growth.

The update highlights key advancements in Liberia’s energy sector, including notable progress in power generation and the expansion of energy access. However, despite these gains, the country faces significant power shortages, calling for substantial investments to achieve reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy access for all Liberians.

 “The National Electrification Strategy of Liberia, developed by the Government with support from development partners, sets out bold plans to achieve universal energy access by 2030 through a combination of grid expansion, densification, utility revenue protection programs, and off-grid solutions,” said Georgia Wallen, World Bank Liberia Country Manager. “The World Bank is actively backing these initiatives, with strong focus on increasing generation capacity to reach Liberians nationwide and promote Liberia’s transition toward sustainable growth and development.”

 The report also underscores the importance of strengthening fiscal discipline to ensure macroeconomic stability, a critical factor in attracting foreign and domestic investments. This stability – essential for improving the business climate – requires a comprehensive approach, combining legal, regulatory, and practical reforms to foster private sector growth.

 “Ambitious reforms are essential to foster private sector participation in both the economy and the energy sector,” said Gweh Gaye Tarwo, Liberia Country Economist and lead author of the report. “Without transformative reforms to enhance the business environment and competitiveness, increased private sector involvement cannot be achieved,” he added.

New Republic Liberia

Alphonso Toweh

Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets  including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and  did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters 
 He holds first  MA with honors in International  Relations and a  candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict  Resolution from the University of Liberia.