Parliament Ratifies Energy Agreements

By Desmond Isaac Macauley
The Parliament of Sierra Leone has debated and unanimously ratified energy agreements aimed at improving electricity and enhancing accessibility in the country, with a particular focus on rural electrification.
The following agreements were ratified by Parliament.
The African Development Fund Project Preparation Agreement for the Sierra Leone Rural Electricity Access Project (SLREAP), signed on January 15, 2025, and the Subsidiary Grant Agreement between the Republic of Sierra Leone represented by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Energy for the preparation phase of the SLREAP.
Presenting the agreements to Parliament, Deputy Minister of Finance 1, Kadiatu Allieu, outlined key components and emphasized on the strategic importance of enhancing the country’s energy infrastructure.
During the debate, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Energy Hon. Alhaji Keikura Vandi from Bo District welcomed the initiative.
Highlighting the importance of the agreements, Hon. Vandi categorically stated that the project is primarily targeting rural electrification. He stressed the high cost of electricity supply and provided a statistical breakdown of how the kilovolt (kV) lines and transmission networks would be distributed nationwide.
He concluded by assuring colleague MPs that the agreements were not controversial and revealed that it is in the interest of the State.
The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo praised the agreements and mentioned it significance to the energy sector. He acknowledged the complexity of coordinating such projects and advised the government to take a leading role in overseeing implementation. He also suggested that loan arrangements be considered for the project’s execution phase.
Concluding the debate, Acting Leader of Government Business, Hon. Bashiru Silikie assured Parliament that a Special Implementation Unit has already been established by the Ministry of Energy to manage the project. He outlined the objectives of the agreements and confirmed that, following the preparation phase, full-scale implementation would proceed as planned.
“The ratification of these agreements mark a critical step in Sierra Leone’s efforts to expand electricity accessibility, particularly in underserved rural communities,” he concluded.