Sierra Leone Targets 78% Electricity Access as World Bank Backs Expansion
Sahid Bangura Sierra Leone is targeting a significant expansion in electricity access, with the Government expecting $100 million in World Bank support for the sector.
Minister of Energy Cyril Grant disclosed the planned financing during the Civic Day USA Edition in New York, where he outlined ongoing and proposed investments aimed at expanding access to electricity across the country.
Grant said the World Bank financing is linked to proposed reforms that would involve concessioning the distribution operations of the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority to a private company, while EDSA and the Government would retain oversight responsibilities.
He said the Government is targeting an increase in national electricity access from approximately 35 per cent to 78 per cent, a goal that would require investment across generation, transmission and distribution.
The Minister also highlighted a $20 million European Union-supported renewable energy project expected to cover 78 sites in towns and villages.
In addition, he disclosed that a further $60 million World Bank-supported DARES project is expected to benefit approximately one million people through renewable energy and rural electrification.
Grant further said the 108-megawatt Nant power plant is expected to begin operations by the middle of next year, adding new generation capacity to the national electricity system.
The developments, he said, form part of broader efforts to expand electricity access and strengthen the infrastructure needed to support economic and social development.
The energy update was among several sectoral presentations delivered by government ministers at the Civic Day USA Edition, which brought senior officials together with Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora.