Liberia has been elected to host the 23rd Annual Conference and General Assembly of the African Forum for Utility Regulators (AFUR) in March 2027. The election was held during the 21st AFUR Annual Conference and General Assembly, which took place on March 6, 2025, in Douala, Cameroon. During this event, the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) submitted a successful bid to host the 23rd AFUR Conference and General Assembly.
A delegation from the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) led by the Chairman, Board of Commissioners, Hon. Claude J. Katta, including Commissioner Amara M. Kamara, Managing Director Augustus V. Goanue, and Engineer Abu Dekontee Sanso, attended the 21st AFUR Annual Conference and General Assembly in Doula, Cameroon from March 4 – 7, 2025. The theme was “The Use of Intelligent Technologies in Utilities – How Does the Regulator Promote Innovation while Protecting Consumers.”
The 21st AFUR Conference and General Assembly brought together regulators, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss how technologies like artificial intelligence, smart grids, and data analytics can improve utility services. LERC’s delegation shared valuable insights on Liberia’s regulation of utilities, particularly electricity, and discussed integrating these technologies into Liberia’s energy sector by exchanging best practices with counterparts from across the continent.
During his presentation, LERC Managing Director Mr. Augustus V. Goanue highlighted the Commission’s significant accomplishments as the newest regulator in Africa and its role in Liberia’s electricity market reform. He noted that LERC is currently ranked 10th out of forty-three (43) member states in Africa by the African Development Bank’s latest Electricity Regulatory Index, climbing from 37th position in 2021. He also highlighted LERC’s involvement in the West African regional electricity market reform by serving on various committees of the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERERA).
The delegation held bilateral meetings with African regulatory bodies to discuss knowledge exchange and partnerships for stronger regulatory frameworks and faster adoption of intelligent technologies. Insights from the conference will guide LERC in creating a modern, efficient, and inclusive energy sector for Liberia.
It can be recalled that the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission was admitted into the membership of AFUR in August 2024 after a rigorous admission process and was later invited to the 21st Conference and General Assembly for induction and certification into the continental body.
