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The Africa Minigrid Developers Association (AMDA) officially launches the Sierra Leone country chapter to bolster its support for the country’s electrification efforts.
Sierra Leone adds to the growing list of AMDA country chapters. Having successfully launched chapters in Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria and Zambia, AMDA is now expanding its operations in Sierra Leone in an effort to promote the development of the minigrid sector for the benefit of rural communities in the country where 74% of Sierra Leoneans still lack access to electricity.
AMDA currently represent 3 members in Sierra Leone namely Energicity , PowerGen and Winch Energy who have connected so far 98 rural communities serving about 24,126 households, businesses, and schools with a total power supply of 2,472 MWh of electricity and with electricity supply to 54 community health centers.
“We are extremely delighted to launch the Sierra Leone chapter today. Sierra Leone is a market which has seen positive developments in regards to minigrids deployment and we look forward to supporting Sierra Leone’s efforts as well as enhancing collaboration to ensure effective and implementable regulations, accountable governance and donor coordination, so as to deliver access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all Sierra Leoneans thus advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 7).” AMDA’s Policy Lead, Pacifique Niyonkuru stated on the launch occasion.
“Access to energy has long been seen as a key lever for unlocking and consolidating socio-economic growth and sustainable development. The government of Sierra Leone shares this belief and is working with private companies and the donor community to accelerate the country’s electrification and the development of key infrastructure.” affirmed Ing. Benjamin Kamara, Chief Director of Energy, at the Ministry of Energy, in his remarks on the launch event.
The Country Coordinator, Mrs. Aminata Dumbuya-Jarr, acknowledged the presence of key Sector Players such as, The Renewable Energy Association of SL (REASL), Donor Partners, Government Agencies, especially The Ministry of Energy, EWRC, EPA and National Standards Bureau.
