On Monday, October 6, 2025, the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) launched a four-day capacity-building workshop focused on the Mini-Grid Tariff Tool and Methodology.
This event was organized in collaboration with the African Forum for Utility Regulators (AFUR).
The workshop, held at a local hotel, gathered policymakers and key stakeholders from the electricity sector, including representatives from the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME), the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP). Mini-grid operators, such as the Totota Electric Cooperative and Energicity (Starlight Inc.), also participated.
During the opening remarks, Commissioner Amara M. Kamara of LERC welcomed attendees on behalf of the Board of Commissioners and management. He described the training as a significant step in strengthening Liberia’s regulatory capacity for off-grid electrification.
“Your presence today reflects our shared commitment to advancing Liberia’s off-grid electricity future,” Commissioner Kamara stated. “This training builds on our collective vision to ensure transparent, data-driven, and cost-reflective tariffs that provide developers with the clarity and confidence needed to invest.”
He noted that LERC has been a member of AFUR for two years, as part of its commitment to regional collaboration and regulatory excellence. Since then, the Commission has participated in several AFUR capacity-building programs, including the Mini-Grid Project Adopter Training held in Accra, Ghana, earlier this year.
Commissioner Kamara emphasized that achieving Liberia’s electricity access target of 75% by 2030, up from the current 32%, will require both the expansion of the grid in urban areas and the rapid development of mini-grids in remote communities.
“The AFUR mini-grid tariff tool will support our collective efforts to accelerate energy access by ensuring fairness and predictability in tariff setting,” he explained. “Let us take full advantage of this opportunity to learn, share experiences, and build lasting partnerships that drive our sector forward.”
In his remarks, Mr. Samuel S. Bunnya, a representative of AFUR, explained that the Mini-Grid Project was initiated from the recognition that governments alone cannot achieve universal electrification, highlighting the crucial role of private sector investment.
“Mini-grids are essential for bridging Africa’s electricity gap,” Bunnya stated. “However, inconsistencies in tariff methodologies across countries have hindered private sector expansion. AFUR’s mini-grid tariff tool offers a harmonized, flexible framework that balances investor confidence with consumer protection.”
He added that the tool was developed in collaboration with partners such as the African Minigrid Developers Association (AMDA), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the African Development Bank (AfDB), aiming to standardize and streamline tariff setting across Africa.
Mr. Amon Ngure Mwadime of AMDA highlighted the association’s efforts to improve the policy, financial, and regulatory environments for mini-grid operators.
“Since our founding in 2018, AMDA has worked to accelerate the pathway to scale and profitability for mini-grid companies,” Mr. Mwadime noted. “With over 61 members across 24 countries, our focus remains on policy coordination, access to capital, and data-driven research to support investment readiness on the continent.”
Additionally, Mr. Nunudeh S. Johnson, acting Director for Economic Regulation at LERC, welcomed participants on behalf of the Commission’s management. She encouraged them to engage fully in the hands-on training sessions, noting that the knowledge gained would enhance the regulatory framework for mini-grids in Liberia.
“Your active participation and engagement are essential to unlocking the full potential of this training,” she said. “Together, we can build a stronger, more harmonized regulatory environment that accelerates mini-grid investment and moves us closer to achieving our 2030 target.”2030 target.”
