Sierra Leone Ratifies $480 Million Grant to Provide Electricity to 4 Million Citizens

Published by Eco Media on October 17, 2024October 17, 2024

By Abdul Rahman Bah

FREETOWN, (Eco Media Africa) — The Parliament of Sierra Leone has ratified a $480 million compact agreement signed with the United States’ Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).

The agreement aims to improve electricity access for millions of Sierra Leoneans, addressing one of the lowest electricity access rates in the world.

Currently, only 26% of Sierra Leone’s population has access to electricity, with a stark contrast between urban and rural areas. In urban regions, 55% of households have electricity, while only 5% of rural households are connected.

The MCC agreement seeks to increase affordable and reliable electricity for households, businesses, and social institutions across the country.

During a parliamentary session on October 15, 2024, MPs engaged in a thorough debate at Tower Hill, Freetown, discussing the potential benefits of the compact, particularly its impact on the energy sector.

Hon. Tamba Kelly strongly advocated for the MCC compact, stressing its importance in strengthening the country’s energy infrastructure. He emphasised the need for the government to prioritise the Bumbuna hydroelectric project and the Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC).

Hon. Mohamed Alpha Jalloh, representing Falaba District, supported the compact but criticised the speed of its approval. He expressed concerns that MPs were not given sufficient time to review the agreement, suggesting that the government’s haste might be driven by fears that the U.S. could retract the deal.

First opposition whip, Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, acknowledged the value of the Bumbuna Phase 2 project but argued that the government had not given it the attention it deserved. He noted that the project could reduce reliance on the expensive Turkish Karpower and called for more investment in the energy sector to attract investors.

Deputy Leader of Government Business, Hon. Bashiru Silikie, urged MPs to ratify the MCC agreement, highlighting its importance for economic growth and governance in Sierra Leone.

The five-year compact, totalling $480 million, includes a $14.2 million voluntary contribution from the Government of Sierra Leone.

The funds will be directed toward transformative investments in the energy sector, with the goal of providing affordable and reliable electricity for 4.6 million people.