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The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) on Monday convened a high-level technical meeting with a delegation of Chinese experts to finalise plans for a nationwide solar streetlight programme that will see 1,500 units installed across Sierra Leone.
Development Secretary Ambrose James received the delegation, led by Mr. Li, for a comprehensive review of feasibility studies and the proposed implementation framework. Discussions focused on technical designs, logistics, and regulatory requirements, as the project moves from planning to field validation and eventual installation.
Mr. Li informed the meeting that the team will conduct field assessments across all 16 districts during a two-month review period to verify site suitability and refine installation plans. He outlined a phased timeline, including a two-month technical review, a one-month design validation phase, and the deployment of an engineering team in August 2026 to commence installation.
Key operational issues discussed included equipment storage, documentation and work-permit procedures for expatriate staff, and duty-free clearance for imported materials. Mr. Li stressed the importance of accurate site mapping, clear timelines, and strong coordination among stakeholders to ensure efficiency and avoid duplication.
In response, Ambrose James reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the initiative, noting that MoPED will assign dedicated focal persons to liaise with the Chinese team and work closely with district councils to support site selection and community engagement. He also pledged coordination with the National Revenue Authority on duty waivers and the Ministry of Labour on work permits.
The Director of Public Investment Management, Alpha Bangura, and his team participated in the meeting to align public investment procedures with the project timeline.
The solar streetlight initiative forms part of a broader China-funded development package coordinated by MoPED in collaboration with various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). Complementary projects include regional market development in Bo, Makeni, Kenema, Waterloo, and Kailahun, as well as a 100-borehole water project aimed at improving access to potable water.
Officials noted that integrating these interventions is intended to maximise development impact by combining energy, market infrastructure, and water access in priority areas.
MoPED emphasised that community consultation and local capacity building will be critical to ensuring sustainability, particularly in the maintenance of the installed systems.
The project will be implemented in collaboration with district councils, relevant MDAs, and the Chinese technical team, with oversight from the Public Investment Management Division. Officials added that transparent reporting and regular progress updates will be maintained to ensure accountability.
If successfully executed, the nationwide solar streetlight programme is expected to enhance public safety, extend economic activities after dark, and contribute to Sierra Leone’s broader renewable energy and sustainable development agenda.
