The Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) has achieved a significant milestone by gaining full membership in the African Forum of Utility Regulators (AFUR), a prestigious body that brings together regulatory agencies from across the continent. The admission follows a rigorous evaluation process and marks a new chapter in LERC’s efforts to strengthen its regulatory oversight within Liberia’s electricity sector.
In a formal communication to the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners (BoC), Dr. Lawrence D. Sekajipo, AFUR’s Executive Secretary, Debbie Roets, expressed her delight in welcoming LERC to the forum. “It is with great pleasure that I write to inform you that the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) is now a full member of AFUR,” Roets stated.
The letter also extended an invitation for LERC to make a presentation at AFUR’s 21st Annual Conference, scheduled for March 2025 in Kribi, Cameroon, where LERC will be formally introduced to the broader membership.
Dr. Lawrence D. Sekajipo, the Chairman of LERC’s Board of Commissioners, hailed the Commission’s acceptance into AFUR as a historic achievement in the relatively young history of the organization. He noted that this membership is a testament to the strides LERC has made in its regulatory role since its inception.
“As one of the nascent regulators on the African continent, LERC will leverage this membership to learn, share experiences, and explore opportunities that will enhance our capacity to regulate Liberia’s electricity sector effectively,” Dr. Sekajipo remarked.
AFUR plays a crucial role in fostering collaboration among utility regulators across Africa, addressing regulatory challenges in key sectors including energy, telecommunications, transportation, and water and sanitation. The forum emphasizes the importance of cross-sectoral issues and aims to develop cohesive regulatory frameworks that facilitate sustainable development and socio-economic progress across the continent.
By joining AFUR, LERC will have access to a wealth of knowledge, best practices, and regulatory experiences shared by seasoned regulators from various African countries. This access will be instrumental in helping LERC refine its strategies, develop robust regulatory frameworks, and oversee the growth of Liberia’s electricity market.
Additionally, LERC’s participation in AFUR will enable it to contribute to the harmonization of market structures and the facilitation of trans-border initiatives, which are essential for regional integration and economic development.
The upcoming conference in Kribi will not only serve as an introduction of LERC to its fellow regulators but also provide a platform for the Commission to present its achievements, challenges, and aspirations as it continues to build its regulatory capacity. This event will be a significant opportunity for LERC to forge strategic partnerships, gain insights from other regulatory bodies, and align itself with the broader objectives of AFUR.
The African Forum for Utility Regulators, established to promote cooperation among utility regulators, serves as a pivotal platform for discussing and addressing the complex regulatory issues that impact Africa’s utilities. By fostering collaboration and sharing expertise, AFUR aims to drive the continent’s growth and ensure that utility services are delivered efficiently and equitably to all African citizens.
LERC’s membership in AFUR symbolizes not only a step forward for the Commission but also a broader commitment to improving the regulatory landscape in Liberia. As LERC continues to evolve, its involvement in AFUR will undoubtedly contribute to its mission of ensuring reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity services for all Liberians.
