“Government Alone Cannot Do It” – Energy Minister Calls on Private Investors to End Electricity Crisis

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Energy, Cyril Arnold Grant, has called on private sector investors to play a greater role in addressing the country’s ongoing energy challenges, stressing that government efforts alone are not enough to fix the sector.

Speaking during an interview on AYV Television’s Wake Up Sierra Leone programme, Minister Grant said the government is already implementing solutions to improve electricity supply across the country, but admitted that significant gaps still remain. According to him, broader and sustained improvements in the energy sector will require strong private sector participation.

“Sierra Leone is in the course of entering into solutions in addressing its energy crises, but there is room for more improvements,” Grant said during the interview. He emphasized that energy development is critical to national growth and cannot be driven by the state alone.

The Energy Minister noted that the government has laid the groundwork for reforms in the sector, but investment needs are far greater than what public resources can cover.

He said attracting private investors would help expand generation capacity, improve infrastructure, and ensure a more reliable power supply for homes and businesses.

“Government alone cannot do it. We need the private sector to come and invest because energy is development,” Grant stated, underscoring the link between electricity supply, economic growth, and job creation.

Grant’s comments come amid persistent power supply challenges affecting households and businesses across the country.