Sierra Leone’s Energy Security Is Achievable Says President Bio

By Marilyn King
During the opening of the Climate Resilience and Energy Transition (CRET) dialogue at the Bintumani Conference Centre in Freetown, President Julius Maada Bio re-echoed that national vision for energy security is achievable.
President stated that at the first edition of CRET in 2023, his government started the green growth plans for Sierra Leone adding that the plan sought to promote climate resilience and sustainable food systems.
He further mentioned that there is another plan that he will later launch to enhance energy transition in Sierra Leone but that the present dialogue will provide an opportunity to reflect on the progress they have made so far and to renew their collective determination to advance a decisive national agenda on climate action and sustainable energy.
President Bio disclosed that they have strengthened cooperation between the government, the private sector, and development partners. He added that they have laid foundations for investment and sector policy alignment with climate actions based on the simple fact that climate change is not a distant fact.
President Bio further reaffirmed his government’s commitment towards sustainable and affordable energy for all, noting that in the mission 300 energy compact, the government has targeted itself to increase access from 36% to 78% in five years.
This, according to him, will provide at least 720,000 new household connections, combining grid expansion with off-grid and mini-grid renewable solutions.
He reiterated that the Sierra Leone Mission 300 compact encompasses investment from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and other major investments. And that it will serve as the main investment roadmap of the energy sector.
He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to establishing a rural electrification agency, and at the same time to undertake several institutional and policy reforms to facilitate increased access to cleaner energy, especially in challenging to-reach areas of Sierra Leone.
The Chairman of Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security, Hon. Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella emphasized that energy transition and food security achievements require time noting what is being witnessed or seen now, was started by the previous ministers of energy, and that it is good to recognize their efforts.
He emphasized that energy is about the past, present, and the future with a focused leadership that requires continued efforts and commitment.
In her statement, the Country Manager of the African Development Bank (ADB) Group Ms. Halima Hashi said that over the past few years, Sierra Leone has emerged as a strong voice in Africa’s energy transition conversation noting that under this leadership, the country has built momentum, anchoring policies and partnerships that are shaping a just and inclusive pathway towards climate resilience and energy security.
“The African Development Bank is proud to have walked alongside Sierra Leone on this journey. Our partnership, dating back to the 1960s, has evolved into a robust collaboration delivering real and lasting impact,” she stated.
She affirmed that the ADB will continue to stand by Sierra Leone every step of the way towards achieving Mission 300 and beyond.