Monrovia, Liberia – Liberia received the honor of hosting the 23rd Annual Conference and General Assembly of the African Forum for Utility Regulators (AFUR) in March 2027. The decision was made at the 21st AFUR Annual Conference and General Assembly, which was held in Douala, Cameroon, on March 6, 2025, the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) was amongst those competing for the hosting of the event and successfully became victorious.
From March 4–7, 2025, a delegation from the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC), headed by Hon. Claude J. Katta, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, and consisting of Engineer Abu Dekontee Sanso, Managing Director Augustus V. Goanue, and Commissioner Amara M. Kamara, attended the 21st AFUR Annual Conference and General Assembly in Doula, Cameroon. The topic was “Utilities and Intelligent Technology Use: How Can the Regulator Encourage Innovation While Safeguarding Customers?”
Regulators, legislators, and business executives gathered at the 21st AFUR Conference and General Assembly to talk about how technologies like data analytics, smart grids, and artificial intelligence might enhance utility services. The team from LERC exchanged best practices with peers from across the continent and provided insightful information on how utilities, especially electricity, are regulated in Liberia. They also talked about incorporating these technologies into the country’s energy sector.
Mr. Augustus V. Goanue, Managing Director of the LERC, emphasized in his presentation the Commission’s achievements as Africa’s newest regulator and its contribution to the reform of the energy market in Liberia. In 2021, LERC was ranked 37th out of 43 African member nations; according to the African Development Bank’s most recent Electricity Regulatory Index, it is now placed 10th. He also emphasized how LERC is involved in the regional power market reform in West Africa by sitting on a number of ECOWAS Regional power Regulatory Authority (ERERA) committees.
The group discussed collaborations and information sharing for more robust regulatory frameworks and quicker implementation of intelligent technology in bilateral discussions with African regulatory organizations. LERC will use the conference’s insights to help build a contemporary, effective, and inclusive energy industry for Liberia the team said.
In August 2024, following a stringent admissions procedure, the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission was invited to the 21st Conference and General Assembly for certification and induction into the continental organization.
