Moyamba Town, Moyamba District, Saturday, May 17, 2025 — Sierra Leone has taken a bold step toward energy sustainability and national development as President Dr. Julius Maada Bio officially commissioned a 1-megawatt solar energy generation plant in Moyamba.
The launch marks a historic achievement for the town, which has gone over four decades without access to electricity.
Addressing a gathering of dignitaries, traditional leaders, and residents, President Bio described the occasion as a defining moment in the country’s quest for sustainable energy and economic transformation.
“This project is a clear indicator of the progress we are making in the energy sector,” President Bio declared. “The Moyamba solar plant stands as a beacon of how energy access can transform lives and livelihoods. It is a pilot initiative that we intend to replicate across other district headquarter towns.”
Welcoming the President, Paramount Chief of Kaiyamba Chiefdom, PC Foday Momoh Gulama, expressed the community’s gratitude.
He hailed the project as a long-awaited blessing, bringing an end to more than 40 years of darkness. He also commended the President’s broader development agenda, citing numerous social and economic programs that have reached the district under his leadership.
In his keynote address, President Bio reaffirmed his government’s commitment to delivering affordable, reliable, and clean energy.
He emphasized the far-reaching impact of the new facility, particularly in improving education, healthcare services, commerce, and entrepreneurship in Moyamba.
He lauded the efforts of development partners—including the World Bank, UNOPS, African Development Bank (AfDB), and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)—for their unwavering support to Sierra Leone’s energy ambitions.
“This achievement reflects the power of partnerships,” President Bio noted. “Through collaboration with our partners and the private sector, we are making strides toward a brighter and more prosperous Sierra Leone.”
Energy Sector Lead Dr. Kandeh Yumkella called the commissioning a pivotal moment in the nation’s energy journey.
He applauded the local leadership and stakeholders in Moyamba for their cooperation throughout the implementation phase.
Highlighting ongoing and future energy projects in the district, Dr. Yumkella pointed to the Sigimi waterfalls’ hydropower potential, the 1MW solar project at Njala University, and the Moyamba Township Electricity Project as indicators of sustained progress.
World Bank Senior Energy Specialist Paul Kagaba praised the initiative as a strategic success under the Bank’s Mission 300 program, calling the project “a transformational compact” between Sierra Leone and its partners.
UNOPS Director for West Africa, Silvia Gallo, described the event as a symbol of hope and momentum for further transformation. She reaffirmed UNOPS’ commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s journey toward a sustainable energy future.
With energy access closely tied to the government’s broader Feed Salone agenda, the commissioning of the Moyamba solar plant is expected to catalyze further reforms and investments in the sector.
