By Amin Kef-Ranger
In a significant development for Sierra Leone’s energy sector, the Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Energy (MoE) has officially renewed its contract with Karpowership, ensuring continued and improved electricity supply in Freetown. The agreement, signed on June 30, 2025, extends the existing power generation deal by one year and includes commitments to enhanced output and financial restructuring.
The agreement was finalized by representatives from the Ministries of Finance and Energy, along with the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) and Karpowership’s management team. Under the new terms, Karpowership will provide 25 megawatts (MW) of electricity during the rainy season and ramp up to 45MW in the dry season critical periods that determine power demand and supply stability.
The contract extension follows the conclusion of the original five-year agreement on the same day, June 30, 2025. As part of the renewed deal, officials confirmed that while the core structure of the initial agreement remains in place, minor adjustments have been introduced to enhance cost-efficiency and operational effectiveness.
In a related move, the government and Karpowership reached a negotiated settlement on outstanding payments owed by Sierra Leone. This includes a restructuring of the national debt to the company, which stakeholders described as a breakthrough in ongoing financial discussions and a sign of mutual cooperation.
A spokesperson for Karpowership expressed appreciation for the Government’s continued trust, reaffirming the company’s commitment to providing uninterrupted and reliable power to the people of Sierra Leone. “We are grateful for the confidence placed in us and remain dedicated to delivering on our obligations,” the spokesperson stated.
The Ministry of Energy also extended its gratitude to Karpowership for its consistent support, noting that the partnership continues to be instrumental in advancing the country’s socio-economic development. The Ministry highlighted that stable electricity remains a cornerstone of the government’s national development agenda, supporting both domestic needs and commercial activities.
Energy analysts and civil society actors have welcomed the announcement, citing the extension as a timely and strategic move to ensure steady power generation and distribution—particularly in Freetown and other urban centers where demand is high.
Both the Ministry and Karpowership reaffirmed their joint dedication to supporting the country’s socio-economic growth and advancing national energy goals in line with the government’s broader policy objectives.
The announcement comes as Sierra Leone continues efforts to expand and stabilize its energy supply, with electricity access seen as a critical pillar for development and service delivery nationwide.
