Senior government officials and representatives of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) have described the ongoing NANT Project at Kissy Terminal in Freetown as a major intervention aimed at improving electricity supply and supporting Sierra Leone’s economic growth agenda.
The inspection tour, held on Wednesday, brought together Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh, Energy Minister Cyril Arnold Grant, Acting Vice President for Compact Operations Africa at Millennium Challenge Corporation Alicia Robinson-Morgan, officials from the Millennium Challenge Account Sierra Leone, and representatives of the U.S. Embassy in Freetown.
The delegation toured the construction site at Kissy Terminal, where civil works are ongoing as part of efforts to strengthen Freetown’s electricity network and address long-standing power challenges in the capital.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Sengeh commended the pace of work and the collaboration between the government, MCC and contractors implementing the project.
He said the progress demonstrated what could be achieved through strong coordination and timely execution, adding that the project forms part of the government’s broader strategy to improve reliable electricity access for homes, schools, health facilities and businesses.
Energy Minister Cyril Grant said the NANT facility would play a key role in stabilising electricity supply within Freetown’s grid once completed.
According to him, the project is expected to boost generation capacity, improve load management and reduce frequent outages affecting consumers in the city.
“This is a direct investment in improving electricity stability in Freetown,” the minister said, noting that the facility would also help reduce technical losses and encourage private sector participation in electricity distribution.
He disclosed that the project remains on course for completion during the first quarter of 2027, with ongoing activities including transmission line upgrades and installation of modern switchgear equipment.
Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Sierra Leone, Jared Yancey, said the United States was pleased to support energy sector investments in Sierra Leone through the MCC Compact programme.
He noted that the wider $480 million compact is expected to contribute to the expansion and improvement of the national electricity network.
MCA-SL Chief Executive Officer Ndeye Sesay said the compact’s energy initiatives are intended not only to improve infrastructure but also to strengthen reforms that will ensure long-term sustainability in the sector after MCC funding ends.
Project engineers also briefed officials on the remaining phases of implementation, including equipment installation, testing and integration into the national grid, which are expected to take place later in 2026.
The NANT Project is among several energy sector initiatives being pursued under the government’s Feed Salone development agenda, which links improved electricity access to economic productivity and national development.
