By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a move to enhance the effectiveness and coherence within Sierra Leone’s energy sector, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has on Friday August 30, 2024 appointed Dr. Kandeh Yumkella as the Chair of the newly established Energy Governance Coordination Group (EGCG). This strategic initiative aims to streamline information sharing and coordination across various entities involved in energy governance.
Dr. Yumkella, who has been serving as Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security, will now take on this pivotal role as part of President Bio’s broader effort to tackle the sector’s challenges. The EGCG is designed to provide guidance on immediate and short-term issues, as well as oversee the development and implementation of investment promotion strategies within the energy sector.
The group will be comprised of key figures including the Deputy Ministers of Energy I & II, the Minister of Finance, the CEO of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and the Chairpersons of the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), the Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC) and the Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC).
Dr. Kandeh Yumkella’s appointment reflects his extensive experience and expertise in energy governance, which are expected to be instrumental in advancing President Bio’s vision for a reformed and sustainable energy sector. His role will be crucial in ensuring that the sector’s strategic goals are met and that energy governance is effectively aligned with national development objectives.
As the EGCG takes shape, it will focus on providing strategic oversight and addressing immediate challenges within the energy sector, while also guiding the rollout of investment initiatives aimed at boosting sector performance.
This development underscores President Bio’s commitment to enhancing Sierra Leone’s energy infrastructure and supporting the ongoing reforms linked to the Feed Salone agenda. Dr. Kandeh Yumkella’s leadership in this new capacity is anticipated to significantly impact the sector’s progress and reform efforts.
