Liberia: Water Project Financing Training Boosts Capacity

• The Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) and the African Union Commission (AUC) launched a five-day training in Monrovia to enhance Liberia's capacity for financing climate-resilient water projects.
• The workshop, running September 14-18, aims to help Liberia develop 'bankable projects' and mobilize investment for its water and sanitation sector.
• LWSC Managing Director Mohamed Ali initiated the request for this capacity-building support in October 2025 and renewed it in February 2026, citing significant water infrastructure needs and climate pressures.
• AUC Director Nyambe Harsen Nyambe noted that over 400 million Africans lack clean water, and the continent needs US$30-50 billion annually for water and sanitation investments.
• The training is part of broader African efforts under Agenda 2063 and the Africa Water Investment Program, with 2026 designated as the AU's year of focus on water and sanitation.

The ultimate measure of success for this Liberia water project financing training, as per the LWSC Managing Director, will be Liberia's ability to convert the knowledge gained into concrete, bankable projects capable of attracting actual investment and subsequently delivering improved services to communities across the nation.

The Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) and the African Union Commission (AUC) have launched a significant five-day training initiative in Monrovia, aimed at bolstering Liberia's capabilities in developing viable water projects and securing funding for climate-resilient water infrastructure. This specialized program, titled the Climate-Resilient Water Investment Planning Training Workshop, commenced on a Monday and is scheduled to run from September 14 to 18. It brings together a diverse group of participants, including government entities, development partners, civil society organizations, and continental experts, all focused on enhancing the nation's proficiency in planning, prioritizing, and financing crucial water and sanitation investments.

This Monrovia water sector financing workshop is a collaborative effort, spearheaded by the LWSC in conjunction with the AUC's Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy (SEBE) division. According to LWSC Managing Director Mohamed Ali, the training represents the culmination of nearly a year of engagement with the African Union. Ali initially sought technical capacity-building support during the AU Water Investment Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, in October 2025, and reiterated this request at the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa in February 2026. His persistent advocacy stemmed from a fundamental concern: while Liberia's water infrastructure needs are substantial, merely identifying them is insufficient; the nation must strengthen its institutional capacity to effectively plan, prioritize, and mobilize financing for these projects.

Mr. Ali highlighted the severe pressures currently facing Liberia's water sector, including increased flooding, erratic rainfall patterns, and coastal vulnerability. These climate-related challenges are significantly impacting the country's water sources, treatment facilities, and sanitation systems. He stressed the imperative for Liberia to move beyond simply recognizing infrastructure deficiencies and instead focus on crafting projects that are attractive to sustainable financing.

He articulated a clear vision for the future, emphasizing the need to translate identified infrastructure requirements into technically sound, climate-resilient, financially viable, and investment-ready projects. The ultimate measure of success for this Liberia water project financing training, as per the LWSC Managing Director, will be Liberia's ability to convert the knowledge gained into concrete, bankable projects capable of attracting actual investment and subsequently delivering improved services to communities across the nation.

Representing the AUC delegation, Nyambe Harsen Nyambe, Director of Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy, contextualized the training within broader African efforts to tackle the continent's significant water and sanitation financing challenges. These efforts align with the ambitious goals of Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals. Nyambe underscored the urgency of the situation, noting that over 400 million Africans currently lack access to clean water, while approximately 700 million are without safe sanitation facilities.

The African Union has responded to these critical needs through various frameworks, including the Africa Water Vision 2063 and the Africa Water Investment Program (AIP). Notably, 2026 has been designated as the African Union's year of dedicated focus on water and sanitation. Nyambe cited estimates indicating that Africa requires an annual investment of between US$30 billion and US$50 billion to meet its water and sanitation investment requirements. He emphasized that the Monrovia training should be viewed not as an end in itself, but as the initial step in a more extensive, long-term investment process. The AUC and Global Water Partnership are committed to continuing their support for Liberia in developing its water investment roadmap and packaging bankable projects to attract necessary financing, with success ultimately measured by the funding secured for these proposals.

This initiative, focusing on LWSC AUC water investment capacity, is crucial for Liberia's sustainable development. By equipping stakeholders with the skills to develop Liberia climate-resilient water projects, the nation aims to address critical infrastructure gaps and enhance public health outcomes. The emphasis on creating 'bankable projects' is a strategic move to unlock significant financial resources that are currently out of reach due to a lack of investment-ready proposals.

Chuchu Selma, Country Director for WaterAid Liberia, further highlighted the profound economic consequences stemming from insufficient investment in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services, referencing findings from a recent WaterAid study. The success of programs like the Africa Water Investment Program Liberia hinges on transforming theoretical knowledge into practical, fundable projects that can genuinely improve the lives of millions and contribute to the continent's broader development agenda.

This initiative signals future opportunities for legal counsel in project finance and infrastructure development within Liberia's water sector, particularly for climate-resilient projects. Lawyers should monitor the development of these 'bankable projects' for potential advisory roles in structuring, financing, and regulatory compliance.

Source: Original reporting via news sources