As stated by the AfDB, the development objective of the project remains to increase access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity in Liberia by expanding renewable energy generation and distribution. Through the completion of the hydropower plant and associated infrastructure, the project aims to generate 56.5 GWh of clean energy annually and supply approximately 6.9% of the national electricity mix. It will reduce dependence on expensive fossil-fuel generation and electricity imports, extend electricity access to underserved rural communities, and enable more affordable and reliable energy services for households, schools, health facilities, and businesses. The project also supports national economic growth by lowering energy costs, fostering private sector development, and contributing to climate mitigation through the avoidance of 44,804 tCO2eq per year, consistent with Liberia’s NDC commitments.

The project is expected to directly benefit around 60,000 people through improved access to reliable electricity, supported by the connection of 6,650 households and businesses in Nimba and Bong Counties. Local communities will gain from the electrification of schools, clinics, administrative buildings, and small industries, which will enhance service delivery, economic productivity, and living standards. Youth and women are major beneficiaries, with more than 1,048 temporary jobs already created during construction and 52 permanent jobs anticipated for the operation and maintenance of the hydropower facilities, supported by specific gender and youth inclusion targets. The national electricity system also benefits from the integration of a new renewable energy source, reducing import dependence and improving climate resilience.

The Renewable Energy for Electrification in Liberia (REEL) – Additional Financing Project aims to complete the development of a 9.34 MW run-of-river hydropower plant at Gbedin Falls, together with its evacuation line, substations, access roads, and distribution network across Nimba County. The project was originally approved in 2019 and is implemented by the Government of Liberia and the African Development Bank through the Rural and Renewable Energy Agency (RREA). Additional financing became necessary following significant cost overruns related to higher-than-expected hydropower plant construction bids and unforeseen topographical constraints affecting access road works. The revised total project cost now amounts to UA 32.11 million, compared to the initial UA 24.45 million. The African Development Fund is providing UA 5.47 million in new loan resources, bringing the Bank Group’s total contribution to UA 29.12 million, while the Government of Liberia is contributing UA 2.99 million, including UA 2.19 million earmarked for the access road. No changes have been made to the project’s scope or design; the additional financing strictly covers the funding gap required to complete the original components, including the hydropower plant, road works, safeguards implementation, project management, and the Gender Action Plan.

No project contacts provided at the time of disclosure.

ACCESS TO INFORMATION

You can submit an information request for project information at: https://www.afdb.org/en/disclosure-and-access-to-information/request-for-documents. Under the AfDBÕs Disclosure and Access to Information policy, if you feel the Bank has omitted to publish information or your request for information is unreasonably denied, you can file an appeal at https://www.afdb.org/en/disclosure-and-access-to-information/appeals-process.

ACCOUNTABILITY MECHANISM OF AfDB

The Independent Review Mechanism (IRM), which is administered by the Compliance Review and Mediation Unit (CRMU), is the independent complaint mechanism and fact-finding body for people who have been or are likely to be adversely affected by an African Development Bank (AfDB)-financed project. If you submit a complaint to the IRM, it may assist you by either seeking to address your problems by facilitating a dispute resolution dialogue between you and those implementing the project and/or investigating whether the AfDB complied with its policies to prevent environmental and social harms. You can submit a complaint electronically by emailing crmuinfo@afdb.org, b.kargougou@afdb.org, b.fall@afdb.org, and/or s.toure@afdb.org. You can learn more about the IRM and how to file a complaint at: https://www.afdb.org/en/independent-review-mechanism/