By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has been widely recognized as the driving force behind Sierra Leone’s successful approval of the $480 million Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact; one of the largest U.S. investments in the nation’s history.
The MCC Compact, formally approved by the U.S. Government in July 2025, seeks to transform Sierra Leone’s energy sector by expanding the national grid, improving electricity distribution and strengthening governance within the power industry. The landmark deal, signed in 2024, is expected to unlock economic growth, create jobs and enhance essential services such as education and healthcare through reliable electricity access.
As Chair of the National MCC Steering Committee, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh played a pivotal role in steering the process. His leadership ensured policy reforms, fostered inter-agency collaboration and demonstrated Sierra Leone’s readiness to development partners and MCC officials. “This compact reflects Sierra Leone’s commitment to policy reform and investment in infrastructure that will drive long-term growth and reduce poverty,” remarked MCC CEO Alice Albright, underscoring the Vice President’s efforts.
Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has long championed energy access as “the backbone of our economy,” using his office to advocate for reforms aimed at boosting productivity and improving living standards. Under his guidance, the country successfully completed the MCC threshold program, which focused on anti-corruption and regulatory reforms, earning commendation from the U.S. Embassy. “Sierra Leone’s completion of the MCC threshold program, especially reforms led by the Office of the Vice President, demonstrates a real commitment to transparency, accountability and impact,” noted U.S. Ambassador David Reimer.
Beyond domestic reforms, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh served as Sierra Leone’s chief diplomatic envoy for the compact. He led high-level engagements with MCC officials in Washington, represented the country at the United Nations General Assembly and highlighted Sierra Leone’s progress at international forums, including his role as Co-Chair of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development in Sevilla, Spain.
With the compact now entering its implementation phase, the Government of Sierra Leone has pledged $14.2 million as part of its commitment to national ownership. Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh is expected to continue overseeing progress to ensure that the investment delivers tangible benefits.
For a country where electricity access remains a major hurdle to development, the MCC Compact symbolizes hope. At the heart of this achievement is Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh; a leader whose quiet diplomacy and strategic vision helped secure one of Sierra Leone’s most transformative energy deals.
