By Foday Moriba Conteh
Sierra Leone’s long-standing electricity challenges were at the forefront of the Energy Sector Retreat convened by President Dr. Julius Maada Bio on November 30, 2024, in Tokeh Village, along the Peninsula, Freetown. The historic event, the first of its kind chaired by the President himself for the energy sector, brought together senior executives and experts from institutions such as the Ministry of Energy, Electricity Distribution and Supply Agency (EDSA), Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC) and Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC), alongside the Ministries of Finance and Mines and Mineral Resources.
The retreat aimed to find lasting solutions to the nation’s unreliable and unaffordable power supply, transmission inefficiencies and inadequate sector governance.
The two-day event concluded with impactful decisions aimed at overhauling the energy sector. These include:
- Establishment of a Command-and-Control Framework: Dr. Kandeh Yumkella was appointed sector head, emphasizing strategic leadership.
- A Dry Season Energy Plan: Focused on loss reduction and revenue enhancement through EDSA reforms.
- Comprehensive Training Initiatives: Designed to enhance skills across the sector.
- Creation of a Rural Electrification Agency: To expand electricity access in remote areas.
- Broad Energy Master Plan for the Mining Sector: Ensuring efficient and sustainable energy use.
All initiatives align with Pillar 4 of President Bio’s Big 5 Agenda and are tied to specific timelines to ensure prompt delivery.
In his keynote address, President Bio called for candid discussions and actionable solutions, describing the retreat as an opportunity to address the “elephant in the room”, the country’s poor energy supply and frequent load shedding.
“We are all not fit for purpose if we cannot fix this issue,” the President remarked sternly, urging stakeholders to deliver strategic, deliberate and diligent efforts. He emphasized the critical role of energy in national development and improving livelihoods.
President Bio also clarified the chain of command in the sector, reaffirming that Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, as the head of the Energy Governance Coordination Group (EGCG), holds direct oversight, with the two deputy ministers reporting to him.
- Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh focused on EDSA’s financial sustainability, calling for investments in modern infrastructure and reduced electricity theft.
- Minister of Finance Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura pledged Government support for energy projects and challenged agency heads to raise capital and deliver results.
- Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh issued a six-month ultimatum to energy agencies to meet their targets or face resignations.
- Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources Julius Mattai highlighted the urgent need to extend electricity to mining companies, predicting a sector demand of 1GW in the next five years.
The retreat approved several critical initiatives, including:
- A financing model for the dry season energy supply plan.
- Establishing a team to negotiate with Karpowership for a permanent power solution.
- Creating a Project Management Unit and a Corporate Planning Office at EDSA.
- Introducing private sector participation in EDSA operations.
- Developing a pipeline of projects with tracking systems for timely execution.
As Chair of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security, Dr. Kandeh Yumkella described the energy crisis as a “pandemic” requiring immediate and long-term solutions. He emphasized the need to transition from emergency power solutions to sustainable strategies.
“We can no longer continue to be in emergency or crisis mode with our electricity,” Kandeh Yumkella asserted, reflecting the urgency of reforms.
President Bio’s leadership at the retreat demonstrated his commitment to solving the energy crisis. The outcomes signify a turning point for Sierra Leone’s energy sector, with clear plans to provide reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity for the nation.
With bold decisions and strong accountability mechanisms in place, Sierra Leone is poised to overcome its electricity challenges and drive economic growth through a revitalized energy sector.
