AYV News, June 18, 2025
Acting in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, under the leadership of Mr. Sheku Fantamadi Bangura, Hon. Dr. Kandeh Yumkella has concluded meetings with OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) to discuss progress of Bumbuna 1. This is a critical part of Sierra Leone’s long-term energy transition plan and Mission 300 compact.
Held on the margins of the OPEC Fund Development Forum taking place in the Austrian capital of Vienna, the meeting confirmed OFID’s commitment to funding the rehabilitation of Bumbuna 1 with USD 45M while they are in talks with another partner to co-finance the project with OPEC being the major funder. The co-financing partner has requested for the Government of Sierra Leone to send a letter officially requesting their support and involvement.
A few weeks ago, a joint appraisal mission was conducted by IRENA and OFID— in close coordination with the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Energy, Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC), Electricity Distribution and Supply Agency (EDSA) and the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security (PI-CREF) – confirming the project’s technical viability, developmental impact, and strong alignment with Sierra Leone energy priorities.
The Bumbuna I expansion will double the facility’s generation capacity to 100 MW by installing the two remaining turbine-generator sets — an efficient, climate-resilient solution that directly supports Sierra Leone’s power sector transformation, climate commitments, and just energy transition goals.
Hon. Dr. Yumkella also concluded discussions on the OFID – Sierra Leone Country Strategy Programme ($260 Million) which will be signed in a few weeks by Minister Bangura who was unavoidably absent due to other high-level country engagements.
