Monrovia, Liberia - Finance and Development Planning Minister Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan has expressed delight with the provision of electricity in three coastal Liberia counties through support from the European Union.
Monrovia, Liberia - Finance and Development Planning Minister Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan has expressed delight with the provision of electricity in three coastal Liberia counties through support from the European Union.
A €42 million grant from the European Union (EU) will ensure that the "Light Up the Southeast" (LUSE) initiative connects over 12,000 homes in Buchanan, 4,344 households in Greenville, and the Barclayville area to clean, reliable electricity by end of 2026.
As part of the project hundreds of LED streetlights will be installed, a 2MW mini-hydro power plant will be built on the Sinoe River to meet Greenville's energy needs, and a solar photovoltaic (PV) plant and mini-grid network will be established in Barclayville to enhance power access in remote communities.
The announcement was made during a field monitoring visit to the Buchanan substation by the Government of Liberia and the European Union on Monday, March 24, 2025. In his remarks, Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan,
Liberia’s Minister of Finance and Development Planning, expressed his satisfaction with the project’s progress, praising both local and foreign engineers. He highlighted the significance of the development by saying, “Power is coming to Buchanan " This is a remarkable achievement, and I’m grateful for the strides we are making as a country.thanks to the European Union for making this possible."
Minister Ngafuan emphasized that the project aligns with the government's commitment to expanding electricity access nationwide. “Increasing energy access from 33% to at least 75% within five years is a core priority of the Joseph Nyuma Boakai administration,” he said. He further affirmed that Liberia is on track to meet its energy targets under the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID). Minister Ngafuan also reiterated the government’s dedication to rural electrification, underscoring that expanding electricity access in rural communities is essential for Liberia's economic transformation. "Our partnership with the EU ensures that southeastern communities are fully integrated into our national development agenda,” he stated.
For her part, Nona Deprez, the EU Ambassador , reaffirmed the European Union strong support for Liberia's energy transition.
She said, "We rely on all stakeholders to work together effectively and meet project deadlines, as the people in these areas need electricity now. I also trust that the Government will address all resettlement plans and related matters promptly.”