By Josephihne Sesay
The Government of Sierra Leone has announced plans to add 70 megawatts (MW) of electricity generation capacity by the first quarter of 2027 through the Nant energy project, as part of ongoing efforts to address persistent power shortages across the country.
The announcement was made by Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh in a public statement, in which he noted that the initiative will be supported by private sector participation in the operations of the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA).
The arrangement is intended to strengthen distribution efficiency and improve the reliability of electricity supply nationwide.
According to the government, the planned interventions are expected to significantly ease long-standing electricity constraints, particularly in the Western Area, including Freetown, where demand continues to exceed available supply.
Dr. Sengeh linked the development to President Julius Maada Bio’s broader governance and infrastructure reform agenda, which prioritizes improvements in energy access and public service delivery.
Sierra Leone has faced chronic electricity supply challenges for years, characterized by limited generation capacity, distribution inefficiencies, and frequent power outages affecting households, businesses, and public institutions.
Authorities maintain that expanding generation capacity alongside distribution reforms is essential to improving service delivery and supporting economic growth.
While the government has outlined the expected benefits of the initiative, detailed implementation plans, financing structures, and timelines for private sector engagement in EDSA have not yet been fully disclosed.
The energy sector reform is part of broader national efforts to modernize infrastructure and expand access to reliable electricity across the country. If implemented as planned, the additional 70MW is expected to represent a significant improvement in national power supply and resilience.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 22nd June 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
