By James T. Brooks
The World Bank has formally signaled its support for Liberia’s ambitious energy transformation following the official launch of the Liberia Energy Compact Delivery and Monitoring Unit (CDMU). In a statement delivered on behalf of the Bank, representatives highlighted the unit as a cornerstone of the country’s strategy to bridge the electricity gap and modernize its utility sector over the next five years. The CDMU is designed to serve as the technical engine room that will track, measure, and ensure the timely delivery of goals set out in the National Energy Compact.
Liberia’s National Energy Compact represents a far-reaching commitment to its citizens, initially endorsed by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai at the Mission 300 (M300) Africa Energy Summit in Tanzania. The roadmap is centered on a primary objective: scaling up energy access to reach 75 percent of the Liberian population within a five-year window. This initiative is not merely about extending power lines but aims to fundamentally change the quality of life for millions by increasing renewable energy production, enhancing overall sector performance, and introducing clean cooking solutions to households across the nation.
The establishment of the CDMU underscores a shift toward a more systematic and accountable approach to governance. Proponents of the unit often cite the management adage that “what gets measured gets done,” noting that the CDMU will provide the rigorous oversight necessary to turn high-level political promises into tangible results. By focusing on data-driven progress, the government and its partners intend to maintain the sustained effort required to meet these aggressive milestones.
The World Bank Group (WBG) has integrated this mission into its core strategy for the country, specifically through the new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for 2025–2030. This partnership builds on a foundation of existing success, where World Bank financing has already facilitated energy access for over 800,000 Liberians. Furthermore, the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) has demonstrated significant operational improvements, successfully reducing commercial losses from a staggering 48 percent in 2021 to 27 percent in 2024.
Moving forward, the Bank’s engagement will continue through the Liberia Energy Sector Strengthening and Access Project (LESSAP), which aims to provide electricity to an additional 1.25 million people. Similar expansion is anticipated under the Regional Program Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES). These efforts are designed to ensure that the infrastructure keeps pace with the growing demands of both residential consumers and the burgeoning private sector.
The success of Liberia’s energy transition relies on a broad coalition of international and domestic stakeholders. The World Bank praised the strong collaboration between the Government of Liberia, the African Development Bank, the Rockefeller Foundation, and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP). This collective support is viewed as vital for sustaining momentum and accelerating the implementation of complex engineering and logistical projects.
Ultimately, the launch of the CDMU is framed as a mission to connect the Liberian people to opportunity. Beyond the technical targets and statistical data, the initiative is focused on powering businesses, strengthening essential services like healthcare and education, and fostering national prosperity. The World Bank concluded its remarks by reaffirming its commitment to this journey, expressing confidence that the new unit will help transform Liberia’s energy goals into life-changing results for its people.