By Amara Thoronka
The Government of Sierra Leone and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) have signed a Four Hundred and Eighty Million United State Dollars (US$480m) agreement to transform the energy sector of Sierra Leone on Friday, 27th September, 2024.
This came after a bipartisan support from the United States Congress, approving the said MCC money for Sierra Leone.
“The compact for Sierra Leone in a groundbreaking ceremony today at the MCC Headquarters in Washington, D.C. The single-sector Energy Compact is poised to make transformational investments that will expand and strengthen the national transmission backbone, increase access to electricity in major towns, and improve the sector’s financial viability through governance reforms and institutional strengthening. It builds on the successes of the 2016 MCC funded $44.4 million Threshold Program, which supported Sierra Leone’s efforts to improve water and electricity services. This landmark signing with the MCC strengthens the partnership and economic cooperation between the Government of Sierra Leone and the United States,” a government press release, through the Ministry of Information and Civic Education explained.
Reacting to the signing of the agreement, His Excellency Julius Maada Bio reflected on the relationship between the United States and Sierra Leone and said “We are grateful for the long-term meaningful commitment of the American people to Sierra Leone’s progress.”
“The MCC Compact reflects a shared commitment of the two countries to democracy and good governance to drive sustainable development and reduce poverty. The signing affirms President Bio and Sierra Leone’s unrelenting commitment to these values as demonstrated by the advancement of electoral reforms, the passing of landmark laws to empower and protect the rights of women and girls, and the implementation of the free quality school education program, among others.
This Energy Compact is expected to benefit over 4 million Sierra Leoneans and will create opportunities for economic development by increasing the availability of affordable and reliable electricity for households, businesses, and social institutions. The Government of Sierra Leone will contribute $14.2 million towards the MCC Compact,” the press release added.
Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh also reacted to the development as he shared praises on President Bio for realizing such massive development.
“Join Sierra Leoneans to congratulate President Bio on the signing of the US$480 million MCC Energy Compact. This feat is a demonstration of his unwavering commitment to social, economic and governance reforms. His directive and encouragement to deliver the compact has paid off,” VP Jalloh wrote on X (formerly Twitter).