By Josephine Sesay
In a bold move toward inclusive and sustainable national development, President Julius Maada Bio who also serves as Minister of Energy has secured a major victory in Sierra Leone’s energy sector, following the ratification of a $100 million financing package by Parliament for the Sierra Leone Rural Electricity Access Project (SLREAP).
The funding, facilitated through the African Development Bank (AfDB) under its Project Preparation Facility (PPF), will deliver clean, reliable electricity to over 60 rural communities, directly improving the lives of more than 50,000 Sierra Leoneans who have long lived without access to power.
At the heart of the project lies the Bo–Mile 91 interconnection, a critical infrastructure upgrade that will integrate Mile 91 and its surrounding areas into the national electricity grid. But beyond technical achievement, the project signals a transformative leap in rural development boosting access to essential services like education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship, while unlocking opportunities for economic growth.
The Ministry of Energy hailed the strategic leadership of Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, Energy Sector Lead, whose efforts were instrumental in driving the project forward. Also recognized were Deputy Ministers of Energy, particularly Deputy Minister I, Ing. Edmond Nonie, who accompanied Dr. Yumkella during the parliamentary ratification process.
Appreciation was extended to Deputy Minister I of Finance, Hon. Kadiatu Allie, who formally presented the proposal to Parliament on behalf of both the Ministries of Energy and Finance. Her involvement showcased the strength of inter-ministerial coordination at the core of the initiative’s success.
“This is not just about lighting homes—it’s about lighting up futures,” said President Bio. “Reliable energy access is fundamental to education, healthcare, job creation, and climate resilience. This project is a promise fulfilled for thousands of Sierra Leoneans.”
The electrification initiative forms a key pillar of Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan and is fully aligned with AfDB’s strategic priorities, including its Energy Policy, Gender Strategy, and Climate Change Action Plan (2020–2031). To further demonstrate national commitment, the Government of Sierra Leone has contributed NLe6,080,960 (approximately USD 262,000) toward the project’s implementation.
President Bio’s administration continues to prioritize inclusive infrastructure development, aiming to build a modern, equitable, and climate-resilient energy ecosystem across the country, as the electrification project progresses, Sierra Leone is increasingly viewed as a regional model for sustainable energy transformation powered by visionary leadership and strategic international partnerships.
This milestone affirms President Bio’s broader vision: that energy is not just a utility, but a catalyst for national transformation.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday,14th July, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
