Freetown, Sierra Leone – July 2025 – In an exclusive interview with Global Times Newspaper, Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security—and Energy Lead at the Ministry of Energy—has laid bare his political priorities and the government’s ambitious energy agenda as the 2028 elections draw closer.
Speaking candidly about his political stance, Dr. Yumkella declared that his sole political mission is to deliver on the energy roadmap set out by His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio.
“I have only one political agenda—to deliver on the energy plan President Bio has for the country,” he stated.
Dr. Yumkella emphasized that the legacy and achievements of President Bio’s administration will play a pivotal role in determining the Sierra Leone People’s Party’s (SLPP) fortunes in 2028, describing the upcoming polls as “a hard-fought battle.” He urged party members and supporters to rise above personal ambitions and rally behind the president’s development agenda.
“The stakes are high. We cannot afford to lose the 2028 elections,” he warned. “We have to work very hard on President Bio’s vision—not only for the energy sector, but for food security, climate change, health care, and renewable energy expansion.”
Dr. Yumkella underscored the importance of unity within the SLPP and cautioned against complacency. He called for intensified efforts to regain and maintain public trust, noting that the party must prove it deserves a third term.
Turning to energy reforms, Dr. Yumkella revealed ongoing initiatives aimed at boosting national energy capacity from the current 270 megawatts (MW) to over 400MW by 2028. He highlighted several priority projects, including upgrades to the Bumbuna and Dodo hydroelectric plants, as well as new ventures such as the Bikongor, Infiniti Masdar, Africa 50, and Mission 300 projects.
He also announced plans for the installation of 200 solar mini-grids across the country, with financial backing from the European Union. These efforts, he said, are central to the government’s drive toward energy sovereignty and accessibility.
As part of the broader reform agenda, Dr. Yumkella spoke about ongoing transformation at the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), including preparations for a partial privatization of its commercial arm. He stressed the need to improve revenue collection, minimize technical and commercial losses, and expand access to electricity nationwide.
Dr. Yumkella acknowledged the scale of the challenge, pointing out that energy infrastructure development requires massive capital investment. Nonetheless, he expressed confidence in the government’s path under President Bio’s leadership.
“We are heading in the right direction when it comes to energy, food security, and climate resilience,” he concluded. He reaffirmed the SLPP government’s commitment to leaving behind a lasting and transformative legacy in Sierra Leone’s energy landscape.
