Sierra Leone has formally become a member of the International Energy Forum (IEF), an intergovernmental body that fosters dialogue among governments, industry and other stakeholders in the global energy sector. The decision aligns with Freetown’s broader strategy to accelerate development of its energy industry by deepening ties with international partners and accessing technical and policy expertise.
The timing of Sierra Leone’s accession coincides with several major domestic initiatives. Authorities are moving forward with plans for a national oil refinery, preparing for the country’s first offshore drilling campaign since 2012, and preparing to launch a new licensing round scheduled for October 2025. Officials expect IEF membership to help inform these efforts by facilitating exchanges with global players, attracting investment interest and strengthening regulatory capacity.
Foday B. L. Mansaray, Director General of Sierra Leone’s Petroleum Directorate, said joining the IEF will enable the country to share ideas with international counterparts and benefit from wider engagement in energy discussions. IEF Secretary General Jassim AlShirawi welcomed Sierra Leone’s entry and underscored the forum’s commitment to expanding African participation. “We welcome every African nation to join our community. We want to give Africa a voice to address the challenges and opportunities facing the African energy sector,” he said.
Observers note that participation in multilateral forums like the IEF can provide smaller energy producers with a platform to raise sectoral concerns, access best practices on governance and sustainability, and build partnerships that support project development. For Sierra Leone, membership signals a commitment to pursue its energy agenda through coordinated international cooperation and knowledge-sharing.
