Freetown, July 8, 2025 — Sierra Leone’s Energy Sector Lead, Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering robust and sustainable energy solutions, in line with President Julius Maada Bio’s energy sovereignty vision.
Speaking on both SLBC’s *Morning Coffee* radio program and AYV Television, Dr. Yumkella updated the public on sweeping reforms currently underway in the energy sector.
He described the ongoing changes as “aggressive, deliberate, and impactful,” aimed at transforming the country’s decades-old reliance on emergency power into a stable and independent energy future.
According to Dr. Yumkella, the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) has seen a significant increase in its customer base—from 150,000 to over 400,000 users. This growth, he said, has rendered the long-standing emergency power model “untenable, unrealistic, and unprofitable.”
In a move to transition away from dependency on emergency energy sources, Dr. Yumkella announced that the government had only extended Karpowership’s contract by one year instead of the traditional five.
“We are grateful to Karpowership for their eight years of service to the country,” he said, adding that the extension will allow the Ministry of Energy to fast-track the completion of more sustainable energy projects.
By January 2026, Freetown is expected to receive an additional 56 megawatts of electricity from new generation sources. Dr. Yumkella also highlighted the government’s focus on alternative energy, noting that plans are underway to harness Sierra Leone’s hydropower potential along with biomass and solar energy. He revealed that, with support from the European Union, over 50 mini-grids will be rolled out across the country this year.
Addressing broader sector reforms, Dr. Yumkella introduced the “Sierra Leone Energy Mission 300 Compact,” a comprehensive initiative aimed at expanding energy generation, metering, and consumer access. He also revealed plans to establish a dedicated electricity court to prosecute cases of energy theft, while assuring the public that consumer rights and protections would be prioritized.
He further emphasized the need for private sector participation, urging investors to explore opportunities in the energy sector. Among upcoming projects, he announced that Bo and Kenema will soon benefit from a transformative energy project, and that proposals to expand the Dodo Hydropower Dam are currently being reviewed.
Dr. Yumkella concluded by linking energy reforms to the government’s Feed Salone agenda, reinforcing that a reliable power supply is central to national development. He appealed to citizens for continued support and trust as reforms unfold.
