Liberia has climbed to ninth place in the African Development Bank’s 2024 Electricity Regulatory Index (ERI), scoring approximately 0.803–0.800, up from 10th in 2022 and a dramatic rise from 37th in 2021. Unveiled at the 2025 Africa Energy Forum in Cape Town, the ERI evaluates three dimensions of regulation—Governance, Substance, and Outcomes—with a new emphasis on service delivery and utility performance that placed Liberia among the continent’s standout reformers .
“This ranking is a milestone achievement for the electricity sector of Liberia,” said Atty. Kla-Edward Toomey, II, Acting Chairman of LERC, reaffirming the country’s commitment to regulatory efficiency, transparency, and inclusive electricity supply.
For electricity users in Liberia, this elevated ranking signals meaningful long-term potential. While immediate tariff reductions are unlikely—as adjustments must still undergo review and justification—gains in regulatory governance suggest that future rate changes will be based on transparent, data-driven methods, with opportunities for public input. Better regulatory substance and outcomes also support improvements in billing accuracy, accountability, and service quality over time.
In practical terms, subscribers should anticipate a gradually more reliable power supply, improved transparency in billing, and stronger channels for raising service complaints. As utilities and regulators are held to higher performance standards, investors may gain confidence to fund infrastructure upgrades, reduce losses, and expand grid access.
Liberia’s reforms have been multifaceted. LERC has implemented new licensing frameworks and performance monitoring tools and refined tariff methodologies. Importantly, the Commission has expanded stakeholder engagement—bringing together utility providers, government agencies, civil society, and partner organizations to build consensus on policy directions.
Building internal capacity through staff training and technical support for sector actors has bridged gaps between regulatory intent and operational execution.
Liberia now joins a small group of countries in the top ten, including Senegal, Kenya, Uganda, Namibia, and Tanzania, each recognized for strong regulatory independence, cost-reflective tariff regimes, and transparent outcomes. Senegal and Kenya top the list with scores around 0.892, supported by tariff reform, utility performance, and strong regulatory frameworks. Uganda and Namibia are also noted for their regulatory governance and infrastructure development.
Liberia’s ERI success does more than earn recognition—it lays the groundwork for sustainable improvements in electricity access and quality. A stronger regulatory environment builds investor trust, enabling funding for mini‑grids, rural electrification, and grid modernization projects.
While Liberia still faces challenges—only about 30% of households currently have access to electricity—the country’s steady rise within the ERI demonstrates that structural reforms, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building are paying dividends.
Moving from policy to practical improvements takes time, but Liberia’s top‑ten ranking in the AfDB’s ERI is a significant step toward a more affordable, reliable, and inclusive electricity future for all Liberians.
