Announcements

The Energy Sector Lead, Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, together with the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security, on Monday, 20th October 2025, commenced a high-level dialogue on Climate Resilience and Energy Transition.

The theme of the conference is “Mobilising Investments for Climate Action, Food Security, Clean Cooking, and Just Energy Transition for All.”
Now in its third edition since 2023, the Climate Resilience and Energy Transition (CRET) conference focuses on improving access to electricity through the Mission 300 Compact, which aims to increase national electrification from 36% to 78%, while promoting clean cooking and a just energy transition for all.

The event brought together government ministers, Members of Parliament, traditional leaders, private sector representatives, development partners, civil society organisations, and the media, marking another significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s quest to become a regional leader in clean and sustainable energy.

According to Dr. Yumkella, the energy sector requires time to build a strong foundation that ensures stability, robust institutions, and unwavering commitment. He stressed that the government’s current efforts are centred on groundwork studies and strategic collaboration with partners.

Dr. Yumkella further underscored that Sierra Leone’s energy agenda must transcend politics, calling for professionalism, policy continuity, and unity of purpose to achieve the country’s electrification goals.

Highlighting recent achievements, he cited the lease agreement signed with SCATEC, a Norwegian renewable energy company, to develop a 40-megawatt solar power project, with another 50-megawatt project planned, bringing Sierra Leone’s new generation capacity to 90 megawatts.

He also disclosed that several other projects are progressing through international partnerships with organisations such as Africa 50 and the Clean Cooking Alliance, both working closely with Sierra Leone to enhance clean energy access and expand renewable infrastructure.

Dr. Yumkella acknowledged the participation of Dibsner van der Lens, CEO of the Clean Cooking Alliance, who joined from Washington, underscoring the growing global attention Sierra Leone’s energy transition is attracting. He also commended Africa 50 for its collaboration in financing and infrastructure development, while celebrating local innovators for their contributions to renewable energy technologies.

He praised President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership, noting that major investments ranging from $100 million to $300 million require visible political commitment at the highest level.

He affirmed that President Bio’s personal engagement has been instrumental in unlocking such opportunities.
Dr. Yumkella concluded by explaining that the M-30 Initiative aims to provide electricity access to 300 million Africans by 2030, with Sierra Leone playing an integral role. The country’s local version, Vision 300, seeks to raise the national electrification rate from 36% to 78%, ensuring that rural communities are not left behind.
Credit: Mohamed Sankoh