The World Bank has funded a $60 million (£38m) loan to increase access to electricity in Liberia.

Around 36,000 households and businesses are expected to be connected to the grid.

Commercial and industrial customers will account for 16% of the new connections.

The Liberia Accelerated Electricity Expansion Project (LACEEP) aims to achieve “a more prosperous and inclusive society”.

Inguna Dobraja, World Bank Liberia Country Manager said: “In order to improve people’s livelihoods and to cope with the impact of the Ebola crisis it is essential houses and businesses in Liberia have electricity.”

Expanding access to electricity will help address both short term needs of health and education centres and water treatment plants, the World Bank added.

With the additional financing, the overall project will provide a total of 46,300 new customers in Liberia with access to electricity.