Boakai Renews Tariff Suspension on Solar Products

By Lewis S. Teh

MONROVIA, Liberia, September 2, 2026 — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has renewed the suspension of import tariffs on quality-verified off-grid renewable energy products for another year as part of efforts to reduce the cost of solar equipment and expand electricity access across Liberia.

The renewed tariff suspension is contained in Executive Order No. 168, signed by President Boakai on August 27, 2026, according to the Rural and Renewable Energy Agency (RREA).

The order covers eligible renewable energy products, including solar photovoltaic components, solar batteries, solar panels, control units, energy-efficient appliances and other equipment identified under applicable Harmonized System (HS) codes.

RREA Executive Director Samuel Bocay Nagbe welcomed the decision, saying the tariff suspension could help lower the cost of renewable energy technologies for households, businesses, institutions and rural communities.

“The decision by His Excellency President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. and the Government of Liberia to waive potential government revenue through the suspension of applicable import tariffs on quality-verified off-grid renewable energy products is a clear manifestation of the Government’s commitment to increasing access to affordable, sustainable and quality energy access across Liberia,” Nagbe said.

He said the decision could also encourage greater private-sector investment in Liberia’s renewable energy industry and accelerate the adoption of off-grid electricity solutions.

“By foregoing potential revenue from the applicable tariffs, the Government is helping to create an enabling environment for lower-cost renewable energy technologies, increased private-sector participation, and wider adoption of clean and sustainable energy solutions,” Nagbe added.

According to RREA, the suspension took immediate effect and will remain in force for one year unless modified, suspended or revoked in accordance with law.

Under Executive Order No. 168, RREA will maintain an updated register of eligible renewable energy products and beneficiaries and provide relevant information to the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) and other institutions responsible for implementing the measure.

Entities seeking to benefit from the tariff suspension must be registered with the Liberia Business Registry and, where applicable, RREA.

They must also comply with applicable importation, licensing, inspection, customs, environmental, quality and safety requirements.

The executive order includes safeguards intended to ensure that only eligible renewable energy equipment benefits from the tariff suspension and that imported products meet required technical, health, safety and environmental standards.

Where questions arise over the classification of a product under an HS code or its eligibility for the tariff waiver, the LRA, in consultation with the Liberia Standards Authority and RREA, will make the final determination.

Nagbe said RREA is prepared to work with the LRA, Liberia Standards Authority, development partners and private-sector actors to ensure effective implementation of the measure.

“The Agency remains committed to supporting initiatives that advance renewable energy development, rural electrification, and increased access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity across Liberia,” he said.

The renewed tariff suspension forms part of the government’s broader effort to expand off-grid electricity access, particularly in rural and underserved communities where access to conventional grid electricity remains limited.