By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a remarkable achievement for Sierra Leone, President Julius Maada Bio has commended his Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, for playing a pivotal role in securing a $480 million agreement under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). This landmark deal, set to transform the country’s energy infrastructure, is seen as a testament to the leadership and capability of Dr. Juldeh Jalloh.
During a celebratory address following the signing ceremony, President Bio revealed that he had personally urged the Vice President to pursue the MCC funds with utmost determination. “Despite the challenges, I encouraged him to do everything within his power to ensure that Sierra Leone secures this vital funding,” President Bio remarked, praising the Vice President’s perseverance and successful negotiation of the significant support from the U.S. Government. He added that this achievement is a clear demonstration of Dr. Juldeh Jalloh’s unwavering commitment to Sierra Leone’s development.
The MCC Energy Compact, signed in Washington D.C., represents a major stride towards fostering economic growth, enhancing the country’s energy sector and improving the quality of life for Sierra Leoneans. “This grant will transform the energy infrastructure in Sierra Leone and unleash immense investment opportunities and private sector growth,” President Bio stated, further expressing his gratitude to the U.S. Government and the American people for their continued partnership.
The agreement is also viewed as a well-deserved recognition of Sierra Leone’s commitment to good governance. “This grant is a reward for the strides we’ve made in governance reforms,” President Bio emphasized. He also reiterated his administration’s focus on the “five transformational big game changers” aimed at achieving sustainable development for the nation.
Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, who led the negotiations, took to X (formerly Twitter) to congratulate President Bio and expressed his gratitude to all Sierra Leoneans. “This feat is a demonstration of the President’s unwavering commitment to social, economic and governance reforms,” Dr. Juldeh Jalloh tweeted. “His directive and encouragement to secure the MCC compact has paid off and I am proud to have played a part in this milestone for our country.”
First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, also lauded Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh for his instrumental role in the MCC agreement. “Let me take this opportunity to salute Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, the Vice President and the nation’s MCC chairperson,” she said. “Your leadership has made the difference we needed to see our nation achieve this monumental success.”
She further acknowledged the collective efforts of the team led by Dr. Jalloh, including Ndeh Koroma, Minister of Finance, Fantamadi Bangura and Financial Secretary Mathew Dingy. “You took the instructions of President Bio seriously and ensured Sierra Leone’s victory at the end of the day,” the First Lady noted, highlighting the collaborative spirit that made the MCC Energy Compact a reality.
Dr. Fatima Maada Bio concluded by celebrating Vice President Juldeh Jalloh’s visionary leadership. “Leading with no noise, yet delivering with a BANG. We are grateful for your dedication and hard work, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh. Thank you, Sir.”
The $480 million compact is poised to significantly boost Sierra Leone’s energy capacity and serves as a beacon of the Government’s commitment to long-term national development, with Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh’s leadership standing at the forefront of this progress.
