By Foday Moriba Conteh
The Government of Sierra Leone and the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security (PI-CREF) have on Tuesday 24th October, 2023 successfully concluded the first National Dialogue on Energy Transition Plan, aiming to create a just and inclusive transition to sustainable energy systems. This effort is in line with the Government’s commitment to drive socio-economic benefits, social inclusivity and empowerment while addressing climate change.
The two-day National Dialogue took place at the Freetown City Council in Freetown. It was inaugurated by His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and enjoyed support from the Ministries of Energy, Agriculture & Food Security, Environment & Climate Change, Finance, and Planning and Economic Development. Participants included private sector investors, representatives from the UN systems, the World Bank, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, Civil Society, Local Councils, Paramount Chiefs, sector experts, and academics from Africa, the United States, and the University of Sierra Leone.
In his opening remarks, PI-CREF Chairman, Hon. Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella highlighted the intertwined challenges of climate change, limited access to energy, subsistence agriculture, unemployment, and poverty. He stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to address these challenges while keeping gender inclusivity central to the energy transition plan.
Senior Advisor to HE President William Ruto of Kenya and Special Presidential Climate Envoy, Ambassador Ali Daud Mohamed, emphasized that climate change necessitates collective action and commitment at local, national and regional levels. He urged African countries to invest in climate-resilient programs and develop legislation supporting climate-positive growth. He also expressed Kenya’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s energy drive.
In his keynote address, President Julius Maada Bio underlined his Government’s commitment to a clean energy system that could drive socio-economic benefits and social inclusivity. He acknowledged that Sierra Leone is highly vulnerable to climate variability and change and urgent efforts are needed to adapt to changing weather patterns.
President Bio noted the progress made in increasing electricity access and the establishment of mini-grids but recognized the necessity to reduce energy poverty. He revealed the Government’s long-term vision to position Sierra Leone as an agricultural powerhouse and a regional energy hub.
To achieve this vision, President Bio pledged to mobilize investments for one gigawatt of energy generation capacity over the next 10-15 years. This would provide local consumption and allow for export to the sub-region. He emphasized the importance of developing policies and programs for climate resilience and an inclusive energy transition.
In conclusion, President Bio stressed Sierra Leone’s renewable energy potential and the need to combine it with conventional energy to power homes and businesses supporting the nation’s economic growth and climate action goals.
Key ministers from various Government departments, the World Bank, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation also delivered statements during the opening ceremony. The event featured panel discussions on various topics and was brought to a close by the Vice President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh.
