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Sierra Leone

President Bio prioritises National Grid Expansion

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In yet another strong demonstration of his commitment to national development, President Julius Maada Bio, who also serves as the Minister of Energy, continues to spearhead transformative investments in Sierra Leone’s energy sector, particularly through the electrification of underserved towns and villages.

With the recent ratification by Parliament of the Project Preparation Facility (PPF) for the Sierra Leone Rural Electricity Access Project (SLREAP), President Bio’s vision for an energy-secure Sierra Leone takes a major step forward.

This facility, supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB), aims to develop the critical Bo–Mile 91 interconnection and will bring power to over 60 communities and benefit more than 50,000 citizens. Connecting Mile 91 and surrounding rural communities to the national grid is not just a technical milestone, it is a bold social and economic intervention that will unlock access to public services, stimulate local economies, and improve the quality of life for thousands of Sierra Leoneans.

The Ministry of Energy extends its deepest appreciation to the Energy Sector Lead, Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, whose leadership and vision have been vital to pushing this initiative forward. We also commend the tireless work of Deputy Ministers 1 and 2 of Energy. Deputy Minister 1, Ing. Edmond Nonie was present in Parliament alongside Dr. Yumkella for the ratification of the project.

The Ministry also extends gratitude to Deputy Minister 1 of Finance, Hon. Kadiatu Allie, who ably tabled the paper before Parliament on behalf of both the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Finance. Her role in securing this critical stage of the project underscores the spirit of cross-ministerial collaboration driving the country’s development forward.

This USD 100 million strategic investment is a cornerstone of Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan and aligns with AfDB’s long-term development frameworks, including the Energy Policy, Gender Strategy, and Climate Change Action Plan (2020–2031). The Government of Sierra Leone has also demonstrated its commitment by contributing NLe6,080,960.00 (USD262,000.00) toward this effort.

President Bio’s administration remains firmly focused on building the foundation for a modern, inclusive, and resilient energy infrastructure, proving once again that when leadership meets vision and dedication, the people of Sierra Leone reap the benefits.

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