Freetown, Sierra Leone – April 8, 2026 — The Government of Sierra Leone has announced plans to transfer the operational management of the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) to a private operator before the end of 2026, in a move aimed at improving efficiency, service delivery, and financial sustainability within the country’s electricity sector.
The announcement was made by Deputy Minister of Energy I, Edmond Nonie, during the weekly government press briefing held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the Miatta Civic Center.
According to the Deputy Minister, the reform will involve a public-private partnership arrangement in which government retains full ownership of EDSA’s assets while a private company assumes responsibility for the institution’s day-to-day operations.
“By the end of this year, the operations of EDSA will be privatized. A private company will be engaged to run the institution with a clear focus on efficiency and performance,” Nonie stated, emphasizing that the government is not selling the institution but rather introducing private sector management expertise to strengthen performance.
EDSA has long faced operational challenges, including high technical and commercial losses estimated at about 50 percent, weak revenue collection systems, and significant dependence on government subsidies. These issues have contributed to persistent electricity outages and financial pressure on the state despite recent improvements in power generation capacity.
Government officials say the planned reform forms part of wider efforts to modernize the energy sector, supported by initiatives such as the Electricity Sector Reform Roadmap and World Bank-backed programmes focused on improving metering systems, reducing losses, and strengthening institutional efficiency.
While details regarding the bidding process and selection criteria for the private operator have not yet been disclosed, authorities expect the transition to be completed by December 2026.
The development has generated discussion among key stakeholders, including electricity consumers, EDSA employees, and development partners, as the country seeks more reliable power supply to support economic growth and national development.
