AYV News, July 1, 2026
The World Bank has approved US$60 million in financing to support the expansion of electricity access in Sierra Leone, marking the country’s first phase of participation in the Regional Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (Regional DARES) programme.
The funding forms part of a broader US$200 million regional financing package that will also benefit Benin, the Central African Republic, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, with the aim of accelerating access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity across participating countries.
The investment is expected to strengthen Sierra Leone’s efforts to increase electricity coverage, particularly in underserved and rural communities where access to power remains limited. By expanding energy infrastructure and promoting renewable energy solutions, the programme seeks to improve living standards, stimulate economic growth, support small businesses, enhance healthcare and education services, and create new employment opportunities.
The Regional DARES initiative is designed to help participating countries address persistent energy challenges by scaling up renewable energy deployment and improving electricity distribution networks. It also aligns with broader regional and international efforts to achieve universal energy access and support sustainable development.
For Sierra Leone, the approval of the US$60 million package represents a significant boost to the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the country’s energy sector and expand access to electricity for households, institutions, and businesses.
Further details on the implementation timeline, project components, and targeted beneficiary communities are expected to be announced as the programme moves into its execution phase.
