STATEMENT BY HONORABLE JEREMIAH KPAN KOUNG SR, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA AT THE 10TH POWERING AFRICA SUMMIT HELD IN WASHINGTON DC, USA FROM MARCH 6-8, 2025

Honorable Ministers of Energy from across Africa,
Officials of the U.S. Government,
The Leadership and Organizers of the 10th Powering Africa Summit,
International Partners and Friends,
Representatives of the Private Sector,
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

I bring you warm greetings from His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., President of the Republic of Liberia.

President Boakai understands that the economic transformation of our country—and indeed the African continent—cannot be achieved without addressing the energy challenges that continue to hinder growth and development.

Recognizing the importance of energy within our government’s ARREST Agenda, the President asked me to serve as Chairman of a High-Level Steering Committee tasked with exploring immediate, medium and long-term solutions to Liberia’s energy crisis.
We gather here today to address an issue that is central to Africa’s future.

Energy is the foundation of economic growth, social progress, and technological advancement. Without affordable and reliable electricity, industrialization is impossible, and our efforts to uplift millions of people from poverty will remain difficult.

The United States has long been a strategic partner in Africa’s energy sector. Initiatives such as Power Africa have mobilized billions of dollars in investments, helping to expand electricity access across the continent.

In Liberia, we have seen firsthand the impact of these collaborations.

• Power Africa Initiative has been instrumental in supporting rural electrification and technical capacity-building in Liberia.

• The West African Power Pool (WAPP) and the Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea (CSLG) interconnector project have enhanced regional energy trade, increasing stability and access for about 2.8 million people.

These partnerships have succeeded because they are built on mutual interests, strong governance frameworks, and long-term commitments.

They have improved access to electricity by 31%, driven economic growth, and created a roadmap for further investments in clean energy and infrastructure.

The next decade presents an opportunity to build on these successes by Scaling Renewable Energy Investments. Liberia aims to increase its hydropower capacity, expand solar infrastructure, and explore wind energy solutions.

With Mount Coffee’s expansion from 88 MW to 132 MW including a 20 MW Solar farm, 16 MW SCATEC solar project, and the planned St. Paul 2 Hydropower Project (150 MW), we envision a cleaner and more resilient energy mix.

We encourage U.S. businesses and investors to explore Liberia’s energy sector opportunities, particularly in off-grid electrification, transmission infrastructure, and green energy innovation.

The CSLG Interconnector has already proven how cross-border collaboration can improve access and affordability. Strengthening regional grids and partnerships will be key to ensuring energy security for all.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

Liberia is committed to fostering a transparent and investment-friendly environment that encourages innovation and sustainable financing for energy projects.

The U.S.-Africa energy partnership is more than an economic opportunity—it is a commitment to shared prosperity, climate resilience, and energy equity.

By leveraging our collective strengths, we can power industries, create jobs, and build a sustainable future for generations to come.

As we move forward, let us reaffirm our commitment to action. The time for words is over, it is time to implement solutions that will light up Africa, empower its people, and transform its economies.

The future of Africa depends on our ability to solve the current energy crisis across the continent.

Together, we can make this vision a reality.

Thank you.