By Amin Kef-Ranger
Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has informed Sierra Leoneans living in the United Kingdom that the Government is making significant progress in transforming the country’s energy sector, with the newly commissioned 40-megawatt Newton Solar Plant now supplying electricity to the national grid and a target of increasing electricity access to 78 percent by 2030.
Speaking at the London Civic Day Townhall held on Thursday, 18 June 2026, at Westminster Chapel in London, Dr. Jalloh described energy as a critical pillar of President Julius Maada Bio’s Big Five Game Changers agenda, emphasizing that reliable electricity remains essential for economic growth, industrial development, agricultural productivity, and digital transformation.
Addressing hundreds of Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora, the Vice President highlighted the recent commissioning of the 40MW solar facility in Newton, describing it as the largest single addition of renewable energy capacity ever connected to Sierra Leone’s national electricity grid. The project, implemented under the Regional Emergency Solar Power Intervention Project (RESPITE), is expected to reduce dependence on costly thermal power generation while providing cleaner and more reliable electricity to Freetown and surrounding communities, including Waterloo, Fogbo, and Mile 6.
Dr. Jalloh explained that the Government’s energy strategy is built on three key pillars: expanding renewable energy sources, maintaining thermal generation as a reliable base-load supply, and increasing hydroelectric production. He disclosed that the NANT Power Project at the Kissy Terminal is progressing steadily and is expected to commence operations during the first quarter of 2027.
He further assured the audience that maintenance works at the Bumbuna Hydroelectric Dam are nearing completion, with power generation gradually resuming to complement the additional solar capacity now available on the national grid.
“Our target is to increase national electricity access to approximately 78 percent by 2030 through strategic investments and international partnerships,” Dr. Jalloh stated. He noted that achieving the target would require substantial investments not only in electricity generation but also in transmission lines, substations, and distribution infrastructure to ensure efficient delivery of power to homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses across the country.
The Vice President also stressed the importance of ongoing reforms at the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA). According to him, Government is advancing Private Sector Participation (PSP) initiatives and strengthening revenue management through a dedicated EDSA Collection Account. These measures, he said, are aimed at improving billing efficiency, reducing technical and commercial losses, and ensuring that revenue generated from electricity services is reinvested into fuel procurement, maintenance, and network expansion.
Linking energy development to the Government’s flagship Feed Salone initiative, Dr. Jalloh said stable and affordable electricity would play a pivotal role in boosting agro-processing, food storage, healthcare delivery, education, manufacturing, and digital services. He encouraged members of the diaspora to view the growing energy sector as an opportunity for investment and economic participation.
The Townhall also provided a platform for discussions on broader national development issues. Participants heard updates on the Government’s agricultural reforms, with Dr. Jalloh highlighting improvements in local food production. He noted that Sierra Leone is now producing onions domestically, has significantly increased rice production, and has drastically reduced rice import volumes as part of efforts to strengthen food security and achieve greater self-sufficiency.
Prominent entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer of TAF Africa Global, Mustapha Njie, described the event as an important opportunity for citizens abroad to engage directly with senior Government officials. He commended the Ministry of Information and Civic Education for expanding civic engagement and strengthening dialogue between Government and the diaspora.
Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, also praised the turnout and level of participation during the Townhall. He thanked President Julius Maada Bio for creating space for meaningful civic engagement and commended the Vice President for what he described as a calm, substantive, and inspiring presentation.
Bah noted that more than 400 Sierra Leoneans attended the event, which featured robust discussions, questions, and exchanges on national development issues. He emphasized that despite differing views, participants demonstrated a shared commitment to the progress of Sierra Leone.
The London Civic Day Townhall formed part of a broader series of engagements during Salone Week in London, including the Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference. Government officials described the events as important platforms for strengthening ties with Sierra Leoneans abroad, attracting investment, and promoting collaborative solutions to national development challenges.
Participants expressed optimism about the country’s ongoing reforms and welcomed the opportunity to engage directly with Government leaders on issues affecting Sierra Leone’s future.
