The outgoing General Manager of TRANSCO CLSG, Mohammed Sherif, reflected on the challenging yet rewarding journey of implementing the regional CLSG interconnection project. He credited its success to the vital support of donors, CLSG governments, the Board of Directors, and the dedicated staff.
Addressing the extraordinary meeting of the TRANSCO CLSG Board in Abidjan on Monday, March 24, 2025, Mr. Sherif expressed deep gratitude for their collective efforts as he transitions to his new role with Liberia Electricity Corporation.
Mr. Sherif has been appointed as the Managing Director of the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) by President Joseph Nyumah Boakai of Liberia. He will assume this prestigious role upon the conclusion of his tenure at TRANSCO CLSG on March 31, 2025.
Mr. Sherif expressed gratitude to donors, including the World Bank, African Development Bank, European Investment Bank, and KFW Development Bank for their financial backing and strategic oversight. He also acknowledged the essential contributions of Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea, highlighting their funding and political support.
“Today marks a significant milestone, not only for TRANSCO CLSG but for me personally, as I address you for the final time as General Manager. Reflecting on my tenure, it has truly been an extraordinary privilege to lead this visionary institution, TRANSCO CLSG, from its early days to its current operational excellence,” Mr. Sherif told the Board.
He recognized the guidance and support of the Board, as well as their strategic oversight, which was instrumental throughout his leadership. “Your confidence and decisive interventions at critical junctures significantly shaped TRANSCO CLSG into a high-performing organization.”
The outgoing TRANSCO CLSG boss also commended the resilience and commitment of his professionals and support staff for turning ambitious goals into reality. He also recognized and expressed his deep gratitude to the chairman and other esteemed members of the Board.
Mr. Sherif paid special tribute to the first Chairman of the Board, Mr. Amidou Traore, whose leadership he said was critical during challenging periods such as the Ebola crisis and COVID-19 pandemic. “His resilience and strategic vision carried us through significant obstacles and positioned us for success,” Mr. Sherif said.
According to the outgoing TRANSCO CLSG boss, his departure from the company only signifies a transition, not a farewell, adding that though he’d been appointed as the new Managing Director of LEC, he remains a part of the TRANSCO CLSG family. Mr. Sherif will continue to serve as a member of this esteemed Board of Directors. “My commitment to this organization’s enduring mission remains steadfast.”
Mr. Sherif expressed his confidence in the transition team, believing they will uphold and build upon the solid foundations established, noting that TRANSCO CLSG is well-positioned for future growth and prosperity, strategically aligned to leverage upcoming opportunities such as the Regional Energy Market and further infrastructure expansion initiatives.
“When we began this journey, the CLSG Interconnection was merely an inspiring vision. Today, we proudly oversee a fully operational and synchronized transmission line spanning 1,303 km with 12 substations and SCADA capabilities, connecting Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea. Our collective efforts have not only resulted in the commissioning and energization of 12 substations but also established TRANSCO CLSG as a cornerstone for regional integration and sustainable economic growth.”
Mr. Sherif recalled successful negotiations of foundational agreements, including Transmission Service Agreements (TSAs) and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), with foundation customers, including CI Energies, Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), and Electricity of Guinea (EDG), which he noted put TRANSCO CLSG on the sustainable path.
He also mentioned laying the groundwork for strategic partnerships with major industrial players like ArcelorMittal Liberia, Leone Rock Mining Group, and GENSER Energy, which will help enhance infrastructure use and drive revenue growth toward financial sustainability by 2026.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Sidiki Trawally
Communications Officer
TRANSCO CLSG
Email: strawally@transcoclsg.org
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