AYV News, July 14, 2025
The Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) has been officially commissioned to begin developing three essential digital systems that will transform Sierra Leone’s energy sector. This milestone marks the formal launch of a strategic partnership between DSTI and the Ministry of Energy (MoE), following a project kickoff meeting led by DSTI’s Director and Chief Operating Officer, Jasper Sembie, alongside the DSTI Product Team, with Energy Sector Lead Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella at his office in Freetown.
The partnership supports ongoing efforts to modernize energy governance and improve transparency, efficiency, and service delivery within the sector.
Sustainable energy is among the top priorities in President Julius Maada Bio’s flagship agenda. Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Jasper Sembie emphasized that DSTI takes this mandate seriously, viewing the delivery of critical digital infrastructure as a national responsibility. “At DSTI, we are under clear instruction and strong conviction to support the President’s sustainable energy vision through innovation, efficiency, and system reform,” he said.
During the session, three core digital solutions – first introduced by Deputy Minister of Energy I, Ing. Edmond Nonie – were presented by Mr. Sembie and his team to Dr. Yumkella for his blessing and strategic alignment. These include:
1.National Energy Dashboard: A centralized platform offering real-time monitoring of energy performance indicators and operational data.
2.National GIS Database of Energy Sector Assets: A comprehensive geospatial tool to map and manage energy infrastructure, including transformers, poles, cables, and meters.
3.System Market Operations Portal: A platform designed for Independent Power Providers (IPPs) to manage electricity procurement, delivery, validation, and compliance.
DSTI, tasked with developing these systems, has already prepared draft Product Requirements Documents (PRDs) and shared them with key stakeholders to ensure alignment with sector priorities and feedback.
Dr. Yumkella welcomed the initiative and emphasized the urgent need for a centralized Project Tracking Dashboard to monitor all energy sector interventions. He outlined several key functions:
•Monitoring the status of projects under construction or awaiting completion
•Identifying delays and the responsible parties, whether ministerial or operational
•Enhancing communication around major contracts, particularly Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)
Drawing inspiration from digital tools in the health sector and global best practices, Dr. Yumkella called for the development of a tailored, real-time platform to close critical visibility gaps within the Ministry.
He also proposed the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Energy website and integrated public portal to communicate the Ministry’s mandate, update citizens on project progress, and promote transparency. He noted that the Ministry’s current lack of a digital presence undermines public engagement and accountability.
Importantly, Dr. Yumkella instructed DSTI to work closely with Deputy Minister Nonie – whose trusted and proven technical expertise was instrumental in shaping the proposed solutions – to ensure successful implementation.
DSTI will lead the design and development of both the internal project tracking dashboard and the public-facing portal. Next steps for the Product Team include:
•Drafting a comprehensive proposal for the project tracking system
•Preparing a second proposal for the Ministry of Energy website and portal
•Initiating requirements-gathering sessions in collaboration with MoE’s technical teams
While the initial focus is on the energy sector, these systems are being designed with scalability and adaptability in mind, allowing for future deployment across other Ministries and government entities. This effort is part of DSTI’s broader commitment to building digital solutions that support evidence-based decision-making and institutional reform.
The launch of this partnership reflects a shared vision for using digital infrastructure to drive sustainable energy reform and improve public service delivery in Sierra Leone. With Dr. Yumkella’s leadership, Ing. Nonie’s technical acumen, and Mr. Sembie’s unwavering commitment to President Bio’s agenda, the implementation process is now officially underway.
