Monrovia, Liberia – January 2026 – The European Union (EU) and the Government of Liberia are set to conduct a critical follow-up technical mission from January 26–29, 2026, to oversee progress under the €42 million Light Up South East (LUSE) Program. This mission is a collaborative effort involving the National Authorizing Office (NAO) at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, the Rural and Renewable Energy Agency (RREA), and various energy-sector line ministries.
The upcoming mission is a direct response to a previous inspection that identified several compliance and implementation challenges across LUSE-supported energy infrastructure projects. The primary objective is to verify that all previously noted noncompliance issues have been resolved, inspect newly completed works, and ensure that ongoing construction aligns strictly with the contractors’ defined scopes and approved designs.
Throughout the four-day mission, the technical team will execute a comprehensive review of distribution and transmission infrastructure. They will scrutinize contractor performance and adherence to implementation schedules, with a specific focus on verifying that corrective actions from the previous mission have been effectively integrated.
A significant focal point of the mission is the Barclayville Solar Mini-Grid Project. Progress at this site has been hampered by the necessity to meet specific grid code requirements set by the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC). The NAO and RREA have identified the resolution of these regulatory hurdles as a top priority. They intend to work closely with the implementation contractor, Constar Inc., to harmonize outstanding technical and financial matters. Additionally, the RREA will engage the contractor separately to facilitate a swift resolution and get the project back on track.
European Union Ambassador to Liberia, Nona Deprez, emphasized the importance of the initiative, noting that the EU remains dedicated to expanding access to reliable and affordable electricity in the country’s southeastern regions. She highlighted the LUSE Program as a flagship investment designed to drive inclusive development and economic growth in underserved areas.
The mission is strictly technical, underscoring the joint commitment of the EU and the Liberian Government to quality assurance and the timely delivery of sustainable energy infrastructure.
About the LUSE Program
The Light Up South East (LUSE) Program is a €42 million initiative funded entirely by European Union grants. It aims to transform the energy landscape of southeastern Liberia through three major regional components:
In Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, the program is constructing a 117.5 km distribution network designed to connect over 12,000 customers, including households and public institutions. In Greenville, Sinoe County, the project features a diverse energy mix, including a 2MW mini-hydropower plant on the Sinoe River, 850 kWp of solar photovoltaic systems, and diesel generation to support over 4,300 new connections. Finally, in Barclayville, Grand Kru County, the program is installing 200 kWp of solar power and a 15 km distribution network to expand electricity access across the county.
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