Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to deepening ties with the United States while highlighting energy development as central to the country’s economic transformation.
He made the remarks on Thursday, 21 May, during the “Freedom 250” cocktail event hosted at the Millennium Challenge Account Sierra Leone office in Freetown to commemorate 250 years of American freedom and democracy.
Addressing diplomats, government officials and development partners from the rooftop of the MCC office overlooking the capital, Vice President Juldeh Jalloh described the occasion as a celebration of the long-standing relationship between Sierra Leone and the United States.
“Our histories are deeply intertwined, some chapters very painful, but today we choose to celebrate the promise of a shared future,” he said.
The Vice President stressed that access to reliable and affordable electricity remains critical to creating jobs, boosting industrialisation and improving the lives of Sierra Leoneans.
He commended the United States Government, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and development partners for their continued support toward transforming Sierra Leone’s energy sector.
According to him, the partnership represents a strong vote of confidence in Sierra Leone’s future and demonstrates growing international support for the country’s development agenda.
Despite ongoing challenges in the energy sector, Dr. Juldeh Jalloh expressed optimism that stronger collaboration, democratic governance and sustained investment would help the country achieve long-term economic growth and expanded opportunities for citizens.
United States Chargé d’Affaires Jared Yancey also highlighted the strong bilateral relationship between both countries, noting that American support through the MCC Compact is aimed at improving electricity access, expanding economic opportunities and promoting sustainable development.
He said innovation, cooperation and self-reliance remain key pillars for building prosperity and strengthening the partnership between Sierra Leone and the United States.
Millennium Challenge Corporation Deputy Vice President for Africa, Alicia Robinson-Morgan, described the Sierra Leone MCC Compact as a landmark investment in the country’s energy sector.
She noted that the $480 million compact is expected to improve electricity access, strengthen the national power system and create economic opportunities for more than 4.6 million Sierra Leoneans.
She further stated that the investment is expected to attract private sector participation and support long-term national development.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, praised the partnership between the two countries, describing the MCC investment as a reflection of mutual respect, shared democratic values and economic cooperation.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to expanding energy solutions, attracting private investment and ensuring that Sierra Leone’s natural resources contribute to sustainable growth, employment creation and long-term prosperity.
