By Stephen N. Sonpon
MONROVIA, June 10 (LINA) – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has officially dedicated Liberia’s new 20-megawatt solar farm at Mount Coffee, describing the project as a landmark achievement in the country’s drive toward reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity as a foundation for economic transformation.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, President Boakai emphasized that expanded access to electricity remains central to Liberia’s development agenda, noting that power generation is directly linked to industrial growth, job creation, improved public services, and national competitiveness.
The President said the successful completion of the solar facility—delivered in less than 24 months since groundbreaking in October 2024—reflects his administration’s urgency in delivering essential infrastructure under the Rural Energy Strategy and Performance Improvement Project (RESPITE), with support from international development partners.
“It marks significant progress in our efforts to address one of Liberia’s longstanding challenges: access to reliable, affordable electricity,” President Boakai stated, underscoring the importance of energy access to national development.
He further noted that the rapid execution of the project demonstrates the government’s commitment to accelerating service delivery. “We are dedicating this project in less than 24 months since we broke ground. We are in a hurry to deliver services to the Liberian people,” he added.
President Boakai highlighted that reliable electricity is a critical driver of productivity across all sectors, including education, healthcare, communication, and technology.
He stressed that energy stability is essential for attracting investment and sustaining industrial growth.
According to him, inadequate electricity supply has historically constrained economic activity and limited opportunities across the country.
He said the new solar investment forms part of the broader Infrastructure Pillar of the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, which prioritizes energy, roads, ports, water systems, and digital infrastructure.
The President also pointed to the role of electricity in advancing Liberia’s industrialization agenda, particularly in supporting value addition for agricultural products, minerals, and timber.
He said factories and processing plants require stable power to operate efficiently and compete in regional and global markets. “Reliable electricity is essential to that effort.
A modern economy should not come to a halt when daylight ends,” he remarked, adding that expanded power supply would help drive a 24-hour economy, extend business operating hours, and create new employment opportunities, especially for young people.
Beyond economic benefits, President Boakai noted that improved electricity access would enhance public safety through better street lighting, strengthen communication systems, and support community development initiatives.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding renewable energy while strengthening Liberia’s overall energy security. “This solar farm represents an investment in economic growth, job creation, safer communities, and a more resilient future,” he said.
The President commended the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), development partners, engineers, contractors, and local communities for their collaboration in delivering the project.
While celebrating the milestone, he acknowledged that significant work remains to expand electricity access nationwide, improve transmission and distribution systems, and ensure equitable energy access across all regions of Liberia.
“Our goal is clear: to remove the obstacles to growth, improve public services, create opportunities for our citizens, and build a more prosperous and inclusive nation,” President Boakai concluded.
The 20MW solar farm is expected to strengthen Liberia’s national grid, increase renewable energy share, improve power reliability, and support the country’s long-term goals of sustainable development and economic transformation.