The Liberian Government has completed the installation of solar energy systems in 121 health and education facilities across 13 counties, significantly improving electricity access in rural and underserved communities.
The project, implemented through the Rural and Renewable Energy Agency (RREA), forms part of several national renewable energy initiatives, including the Liberia Renewable Energy Access Project (LIRENAP), Renewable Energy for Electrification in Liberia (REEL), Liberia Electricity Sector Strengthening and Access Project (LESSAP-I), the Rural Electrification Programme Prioritizing the Southeast (LUSE), and the River Gee Hydropower Project (RGHP).
Speaking at a press conference in Monrovia, RREA Executive Director Samuel Nagbe said the initiative is designed to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve education by providing reliable electricity to facilities that have long faced power shortages.
According to Nagbe, the solar systems will support essential services such as lighting, refrigeration of vaccines and medicines, operation of medical equipment, and the use of digital learning tools in schools.
The project covers Grand Gedeh, Gbarpolu, Grand Kru, Maryland, River Gee, River Cess, Sinoe, Nimba, Bong, Grand Bassa, Margibi, Lofa and Montserrado counties, with several clinics and health centres among the beneficiaries.
The RREA disclosed that about US$168,710 was invested in projects in Grand Gedeh County, while US$273,676 was allocated to similar initiatives in Sinoe County.
Nagbe also highlighted ongoing energy infrastructure projects, including the Lofa Hybrid Grid, which combines diesel generation, solar photovoltaic systems, battery energy storage and expanded transmission networks to improve electricity supply.
He added that the Renewable Energy for Electrification in Liberia (REEL) project aims to expand access to affordable and reliable electricity through hydropower development and expansion of the national electricity distribution network, including plans for a 9.8-megawatt hydropower plant.
The US$15.2 million River Gee Hydropower Project, funded by the African Development Bank, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and the Government of Liberia, is expected to provide renewable electricity to approximately 35,000 people by 2028.
Nagbe further noted that the FY2026 National Budget allocated US$4.35 million in counterpart funding for LIRENAP, REEL, the River Gee Hydropower Project, street lighting and rural electrification programmes in southeastern Liberia.
He said the RREA, established in 2023, remains the country’s statutory agency for promoting renewable energy development. According to the agency, ongoing projects are expected to extend electricity access to an additional 120,000 Liberians upon completion.
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