World Bank Backs Liberia’s Clean Energy Push with $57m Solar, Battery Storage Investment

Liberia is set to expand its renewable energy capacity and strengthen electricity supply after the World Bank approved a US$57 million financing package to support solar power expansion and battery storage infrastructure.

The funding forms part of a broader US$125 million financing agreement signed between the Liberian government and the World Bank to accelerate investments in energy, digital connectivity and transport infrastructure.

The agreements were signed at the Mount Coffee Hydropower Complex shortly after President Joseph Boakai commissioned a new 20-megawatt solar photovoltaic (PV) plant, marking another step in the country’s transition toward cleaner and more reliable energy sources.

Under the Regional Emergency Solar Power Intervention Project (RESPITE), the World Bank will finance the expansion of the Mount Coffee Solar Park from 20 megawatts peak (MWp) to 30MWp, deploy battery energy storage systems and upgrade the national electricity network to improve grid stability and expand access to power.

The additional solar capacity and storage systems are expected to enhance the reliability of electricity supply while reducing dependence on costly fossil fuel generation.

Beyond the energy sector, the financing package includes US$50 million for the second phase of the Western Africa Regional Digital Integration Program (WARDIP 2), which will support broadband expansion, strengthen cybersecurity, promote digital innovation and improve e-commerce and digital payment systems across Liberia.

A further US$18 million has been allocated to the Southeastern Corridor Road Asset Management Project to complete works along the 100-kilometre Ganta–Tappita road corridor, improving transport links, reducing logistics costs and boosting regional trade.

Liberia’s Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, signed the agreements on behalf of the government, while World Bank Country Manager for Liberia, Georgia Wallen, signed for the international lender.

President Boakai described the projects as strategic investments aligned with the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, noting that they would strengthen critical infrastructure, expand access to clean energy, drive digital transformation and support inclusive economic growth.

The government also reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with development partners to ensure the timely implementation of the projects and maximise their long-term economic and social impact.