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Ndeye Fatu Koroma, the National Coordinator of Sierra Leone’s Compact Unit has announced key developments related to the Millennium Challenge Compact (MCC) project.
The signing of this project is set for August 2024, involving major stakeholders such as President Julius Maada Bio, the Minister of Finance, development partners, and the Deputy Minister of Energy.
Koroma highlighted that the MCC’s $480 million investment aims to revitalize Sierra Leone’s energy sector and support essential development areas. Initially aimed at $1 billion, the compact has refocused on strengthening energy infrastructure, marking a crucial investment period for the country. Koroma stated, “The primary thrust of our investment will be in the energy sector,” and detailed strategic plans to transform the national power grid. This includes upgrading the transmission distribution from Bumbuna to provincial power stations and Freetown to ensure reliable energy transmission nationwide.
Significant projects within the compact will see about $200 million invested in catchment centers for monitoring small-grid power stations and utilizing digital systems for sustainable project management. Expanding energy access is a priority, with plans to extend services beyond Freetown to provincial areas, including the establishment of substations in Makeni and enhancing the 1.6.1 transmission line for better service reliability.
The final phase of the MCC’s efforts, with a $122 million budget, will focus on governance improvements within institutions like the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA). Koroma discussed plans to optimize extensive transmission networks and streamline EDSA operations for efficient service delivery.
By late August, President Julius Maada Bio is expected to officially sign the MCC Compact grant. Subsequently, the agreement and necessary documents will be submitted to Parliament for ratification. This milestone will initiate the comprehensive implementation of the $480 million funding, intended to drive Sierra Leone’s development forward.
Koroma also pointed out a $42 million allocation for project design and implementation, emphasizing the use of local expertise by employing Sierra Leonean consultants over a five-year period. This strategy aims to enhance local participation and ensure the sustainable execution of projects across all phases.
With these ambitious plans, Sierra Leone looks forward to transformative impacts on its energy landscape, ushering in a new era of development and progress under the MCC Compact.
