By Kadiatu A. Turay
Sierra Leone is undergoing a transformative shift in its energy sector as the government signals a decisive move toward what President Julius Maada Bio has called energy sovereignty. July 2025, this bold vision, championed by the country’s energy czar and Member of Parliament, Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, aims to end the era of dependence on emergency power supplies and build a more reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy future.
For over a decade, Sierra Leone has relied heavily on temporary electricity arrangements most notably with Turkish energy provider Karpowership to meet domestic demand, but now, in a historic policy pivot, the government has opted against renewing its long-term contract with Karpowership. Instead, a one-year extension has been negotiated to allow for what officials are calling a smooth but determined transition” toward domestically sourced and regionally integrated power solutions.
This is not just a technical or economic shift it is a patriotic mission, said Dr. Yumkella. energy sovereignty means we take ownership of our destiny, it’s about reliability, dignity, and economic freedom, the urgency of this transition has been underscored by recent developments, despite experiencing intervals without emergency power in recent weeks, Sierra Leone’s electricity supply has remained relatively stable surprising many and reinforcing confidence in alternative arrangements.
A major game-changer has been a new cross-border energy deal with Guinea, under which Sierra Leone is now importing electricity at one-third the cost of what was paid to Karpowership, we’re paying less and getting more,” said a senior ministry of energy official, speaking under condition of anonymity, this proves regional collaboration can deliver real benefits.
This initiative aligns with Sierra Leone’s commitments under the West African Power Pool (WAPP), a regional effort to integrate national grids and enhance energy security across the subregion, on the ground, Sierra Leoneans are beginning to feel the impact. In Freetown’s Lumley Market, small-scale vendor Fatmata Bangura described noticeable improvements in power supply.
Light don better small these days, she said in Krio, we just hope this new plan go really make am bette. Di Karpowership dem bin too expensive, In Bo, welder Mohamed Sillah welcomed the government’s new direction, If dem fit bring cheaper, steady power, den we all go benefit, let dem invest more na Bumbuna and solar dem, he said.
Their voices reflect the hopes of many citizens who have long suffered from erratic electricity and high generator costs that cripple small businesses, a major win in this transition has been the renegotiation of financial obligations to Karpowership, the ministry of Finance successfully reduced the interest rate on outstanding debts from 16% to 12%, saving the country millions.
We’ve achieved a win-win outcome, said Finance minister Sheku Bangura, we’re honoring our debts while freeing up resources to invest in long-term energy solutions like hydropower, solar, and gas-to-power projects, and the government has committed to expanding domestic energy generation, key priorities include:
Boosting production at the Bumbuna Hydroelectric Plant, accelerating solar energy projects, supporting off-grid and mini-grid solutions in rural areas, Dr. Yumkella, an internationally recognized advocate for clean energy, emphasized the urgency of modernization, we cannot build a 21st-century economy on a 19th-century grid, our children deserve better, the time for sustainable energy investment is now, importantly, Yumkella has stressed that this transformation must transcend partisan divides.
This is not about SLPP or APC. It’s about Sierra Leone. It’s about building a future where electricity drives progress, not poverty, Political analysts say this framing could foster bipartisan backing offering a rare point of unity in a deeply divided political climate.
Despite the momentum, several challenges loom. Infrastructure gaps, limited technical capacity, and bureaucratic hurdles could delay progress, experts also warn that reliance on imported electricity though cost-effective now should not become a permanent fix, Importing from Guinea is helpful for now, said Mariatu Jalloh, an energy analyst at the Institute for governance and development, But the long-term goal must be energy autonomy through local generation and private sector investment.
As Sierra Leone phases out emergency power dependency, the country finds itself at a critical juncture, with visionary leadership, citizen support, and strategic partnerships, the journey toward energy independence has officially begun.
What started as a policy necessity may yet become one of Sierra Leone’s most transformative national achievements ushering in a future powered by the country’s own potential, energy is the foundation of everything jobs, education, healthcare, industry, said Dr. Yumkella, if we get this right, we unlock the full promise of Sierra Leone.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday,4th July, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
