Liberia, France Strengthen Ties with New Hydro Project -Hydroneo to Construct Hydroelectric Power Plant in Nimba

MONROVIA – The Embassy of Liberia in Paris, France, has facilitated a significant partnership between Nimba County and Hydroneo, a French electricity production company, to develop a 20 megawatts hydroelectric power plant in Kokula, Yekepa, Nimba County, creating over 1,000 employment opportunities and improving access to reliable power for local communities and businesses. The Analyst reports.

The Embassy of the Republic of Liberia near Paris, France, is pleased to announce the successful convening of a high-level strategic meeting on October 9, 2025, between Hon. Kou Meapeh Gono, Superintendent of Nimba County, and Mr. Samuel Zekri, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hydroneo, a French electricity production company specializing in hydropower development, turnkey projects, and operations and maintenance both in France and Africa.

The meeting was facilitated by H.E. Dr. Teeko Tozay Yorlay, Sr., Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Liberia near Paris, France. Discussions focused on plans for the construction and operationalization of a hydroelectric power plant in Kokula, Yekepa, Nimba County.

Mr. Zekri underscored that the proposed project represents a significant milestone in Liberia’s energy advancement. The three-year construction initiative is projected to create over 1,000 employment opportunities for local citizens, including masons, engineers, technicians, ironworkers, and other skilled professionals.

Following technical meetings involving the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the Liberia Electricity Corporation and Hydroneo, the Kokula site has been identified for feasibility studies.

When all necessary processes are exhausted and the site concluded upon, the hydro plant, to be constructed by Hydroneo, is expected to produce approximately 20 megawatts of electricity, substantially improving access to reliable power for communities and businesses throughout Nimba County and its surrounding areas.

Plans are already underway for an official Hydroneo’s delegation to visit Liberia in the coming weeks to conduct detailed on-site feasibility studies.

For her part, Superintendent Gono expressed profound appreciation to Hydroneo for selecting Nimba County as the site of this transformative energy investment.

She emphasized that access to electricity remains a major development need across Liberia, and such an initiative will not only create jobs but also serve as a catalyst for local economic growth and national progress, aligned with the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.

“We are grateful for Hydroneo’s selection of a site in Nimba County,” Superintendent Gono stated. “This project symbolizes hope and progress for our people. The County Administration pledges its full support to ensure the successful implementation of this vital energy initiative”.

The Superintendent used the occasion to extend profuse thanks and appreciation to Amb. Yorlay and his productive team of diplomatic officers who are reimaging and rebranding the Liberian Foreign Service in a way and manner that are paving avenues for critical investments in the Liberian economy.

Ambassador Yorlay reaffirmed the Embassy’s unwavering commitment to fostering strategic partnerships that promote Liberia’s sustainable development agenda and deepen cooperation between Liberia and France in the fields of energy and infrastructure development. He assured Hydroneo of the Embassy’s continued support to see this great project come to fruition. He also thanked the Superintendent for this important visit to scout development opportunities for her county.