NAIROBI, Kenya — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. has presided over the signing of a landmark US$26 million Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Government of Liberia, through the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), and Kenya-based Thames Electrical Limited to establish Liberia’s first electrical manufacturing plant.
The agreement, signed Tuesday on the sidelines of the Africa Forward Summit 2026 in Nairobi, represents a major step in Liberia’s efforts to strengthen its energy sector, accelerate industrialization, and deepen economic cooperation with Kenya.
According to the Executive Mansion, the planned facility will produce transformers, conductors, switchgears, smart meters, and other electrical materials locally. Officials say the initiative will reduce Liberia’s reliance on imported equipment, improve efficiency, and expand access to reliable power infrastructure nationwide.
President Boakai hailed the deal as a breakthrough in Liberia’s modernization drive.
“This represents the beginning of the end of Liberia’s dependence on imported electrical materials,” he said. “By producing these materials locally, we will drastically reduce procurement and delivery timelines while creating opportunities for industrial growth and job creation.”
Boakai emphasized that reliable energy infrastructure is central to economic growth, regional integration, and improved living standards. He added that the investment could position Liberia to meet domestic energy needs while tapping into opportunities across West Africa.
The president noted that the agreement aligns with his administration’s broader agenda to promote industrial development, infrastructure expansion, technology transfer, and private sector investment.
“Liberia is open to business, and my administration remains committed to creating an environment where credible investors can partner with us,” he said.
Boakai also urged African nations to prioritize manufacturing and value addition rather than relying heavily on imported finished goods. He highlighted Liberia’s strategic location and growing energy interconnections with Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire, suggesting the project could eventually make Liberia a regional hub for electrical equipment supply.
The deal follows recent bilateral engagements between Liberia and Kenya, including talks between Boakai and Kenyan President William Ruto, where electrical manufacturing was identified as a priority area for cooperation.
Thames Electrical Limited CEO welcomed the partnership, pledging to deliver quality service and strengthen collaboration with Liberian partners. He expressed hope that the investment would encourage more Kenyan businesses to explore opportunities in Liberia.
“We will do our best to make Kenya proud in Liberia and ensure that Liberia feels that our countries are not just on the same continent, but are like family,” he said.
LEC Managing Director Mohammed Sheriff also praised the investment, noting that local manufacturing would significantly shorten procurement timelines for critical electrical materials and equipment.
