Liberia’s energy and development landscape is set to benefit from strengthened stakeholder engagement and investment coordination following the recruitment of Hon. Karishma Pelham-Raad, former Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs as Stakeholder Engagement and Investment Coordination Specialist for the Saint Paul 2 (SP2) Hydropower Project under the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC).
The SP2 project is a World Bank–funded initiative designed to expand Liberia’s renewable energy capacity, improve electricity access, and support long-term economic growth through sustainable hydropower development.
In her statement on the new role, Pelham-Raad described the role as a continuation of her long-standing commitment to the private sector, public service, diplomacy, and development leadership.
“I am honored to step into the role of Stakeholder Engagement and Investment Coordination Specialist for the Saint Paul 2 (SP2) Hydropower Project with the Liberia Electricity Corporation,” she said. “This opportunity reflects years of dedication to the private sector, public service, strategic engagement, diplomacy, and leadership.”
She emphasized that the project will require close collaboration between government institutions, development partners, investors, local communities, and technical stakeholders to ensure successful implementation.
“The SP2 Hydropower Project represents a significant step toward sustainable energy development, economic growth, and expanded opportunities for the people of Liberia,” she added, expressing optimism about contributing to what she described as a transformative national initiative.
Pelham-Raad is widely recognized for her extensive experience in international relations and multilateral diplomacy.
She previously served as Assistant Minister for International Organizations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where she coordinated Liberia’s engagement with key global institutions including the United Nations, African Union, ECOWAS, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
In that role, she also served as the INIS officer, AFRA National Coordinator, Liberia’s National Liaison Officer to the IAEA for all Technical Corporation projects, overseeing technical cooperation programs and supporting national capacity-building in peaceful nuclear applications and technology.
As National Focal Person to IRENA, she led Liberia’s engagement on renewable energy and sustainability initiatives.
Her diplomatic portfolio further includes serving as National Campaign Chairperson for Liberia’s successful election to the United Nations Security Council for the 2026–2027 term, a milestone that significantly elevated the country’s international standing.
Pelham-Raad has represented Liberia at major global platforms including the United Nations General Assembly, the 65th session of the United Nations Committee for Programme and Coordination (CPC), AU Summits, ECOWAS Ministerial Councils, and IAEA General Conferences, where she has consistently advocated for inclusive development, peacebuilding, and regional cooperation.
Academically, she holds a Master’s degree in International Relations (with distinction) and a Bachelor’s degree in Management (with distinction) from the African Methodist Episcopal University (AMEU).
She also completed executive training at Harvard Business School under the program “Changing the Game: Negotiation and Competitive Decision-Making.” And Study Governance, Leadership and Diplomacy at Peking University, China, Beijing.
Beyond government service, she is the Founder and CEO of the HRH Charity Foundation, which focuses on education, healthcare, and social support for vulnerable groups across Liberia.
As Liberia continues its push toward energy diversification and infrastructure modernization, the SP2 Hydropower Project is expected to play a key role in expanding electricity access and supporting industrial growth, with Ms. Pelham-Raad’s appointment seen as strengthening its stakeholder and investment coordination framework in the success of the SP2 Project.
