Government, MCC Discuss Land Acquisition for Energy Compact Project

The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, in collaboration with the National Development-Induced Resettlement (NDIR) Directorate, held a high-level engagement with a joint mission from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) to address critical resettlement and land acquisition issues under the forthcoming MCC Energy Compact.

The meeting forms part of ongoing consultations as Sierra Leone transitions into the pre-Entry-Into-Force phase of the Compact, an initiative of the United States Government aimed at promoting sustainable economic growth through strategic investments in the energy sector. The Compact, which was signed in September 2024 and subsequently ratified by Parliament, is expected to significantly enhance electricity transmission and distribution across the country.

Speaking during the engagement, Development Secretary Ambrose James reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the successful implementation of the programme. He underscored the pivotal role of the NDIR Directorate, established under the Resettlement Act of 2023, in coordinating resettlement efforts and ensuring compliance with both national laws and international standards, including those aligned with the World Bank.

Deliberations focused on land acquisition strategies for the proposed transmission corridor, which is expected to span approximately 200 to 250 kilometres. The project will include the construction of transmission lines, the development of substations, and the expansion of last-mile electricity distribution.

Officials emphasised that resettlement is a key prerequisite for the project, noting that construction activities cannot commence until affected communities are adequately compensated and project sites are cleared.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from both parties to maintain close collaboration. The MCC team is expected to onboard engineering and resettlement consultants later in 2026, who will work alongside the NDIR Directorate on corridor mapping, compensation frameworks, and the implementation of resettlement activities in line with global best practices.

The engagement marks a significant step toward operationalizing the Energy Compact and aligns with the government’s broader development priorities under the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024-2030), which places strong emphasis on expanding energy access and fostering inclusive economic growth.