The Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) represented by the Ministers of Finance and Energy on Tuesday 2nd May, 2023 signed an Aide-Memoire with the US Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) in the presence of the United States Ambassador to Sierra Leone, David Reimer.

The main objective of signing the MOU is for the MCC and Government to strengthen their collaboration to bring the compact development to a close with the expectation that the MCC will submit the proposed Compact Document to its Board of Directors for approval in September 2023.

As stated in the MOU, the proposed Energy Compact would make foundational investments in Sierra Leone’s transmission network, including the construction of the Southern Corridor 225kV transmission line, the National Dispatch Centre, and possibly complementary projects at the sub-transmission level and substations on the 161kV line running from Bumbuna to Freetown.

In his statement, the Minister of Finance, Sheku Fantamadi Bangura, expressed delight at accomplishing such a milestone in the compact development process, stating that this Aide-Memoire is critical to the Compact development and the role that energy will play in unlocking private sector growth.

The Finance Minister was also pleased that the team identified a pathway towards financial sustainability for the sector to provide more affordable and reliable electricity for households, businesses, and social institutions.

Sheku Fantamadi Bangura reiterated the Government of Sierra Leone’s commitment to embarking on the reform path outlined in the Aide-Memoire to ensure the successful development and implementation of the compact.

Minister of Energy, Alhaji Kanja Sesay, conveyed his delight at signing the Aide-Memoire. He further stated that His Excellency President Brig. (Rtd) Dr. Julius Maada Bio is committed to providing reliable, sustainable and affordable electricity to the people of Sierra Leone. He disclosed that the reforms in the Aide-Memoire speak to critical reforms to sustain investments in the energy sector.

MCC Country Director for Sierra Leone, Steve Grudda, expressed appreciation for reaching this critical milestone at the remarkable pace.

He furthered that the Next-Steps are the review and approval of the compact by the MCC Management in June 2023, GoSL review of the draft compact in July and approval by the MCC Board in September, and subsequent signing of the MCC Compact.

The Coordinator of the Sierra Leone Compact Development Unit (SALCDU), Ndeye Koroma, Financial Secretary, Sahr Lahai Jusu, who welcomed the MCC Delegation, staff of the US Embassy, MCC and the Ministries of Finance and Energy also witnessed the signing ceremony.