President Bio, Finance Minister, Sheku Fantamadi Bangura, Chief Minister, Dr Sengeh, Ndeye Koroma, Sierra Leone Ambassador to the United States, Sidique Abou-Bakarr Wai.
By Mohamed K. Fofanah
The Sierra Leone Compact Development Unit (SLCDU), operating under the Office of the Vice President, has successfully secured a transformative $480 million Compact from the United States Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) aimed at revitalizing the nation’s energy sector.
This significant funding is expected to play a crucial role in addressing the longstanding challenges faced by the energy industry in Sierra Leone. Ndeye Koroma, the National Coordinator of the SLCDU, has been at the forefront of negotiations with the MCC team for the past decade.
Her relentless efforts and strategic approach to discussions culminated in the achievement of this vital funding, which promises to rejuvenate a sector that has seen in decline in recent years. The compact comprises $480 million in grant funding from the United States, complemented by an additional $14.2 million contribution from the Government of Sierra Leone.
The primary objective of the compact is to tackle critical energy transmission issues, thereby enhancing the availability and accessibility of affordable and reliable electricity for households, businesses, and social institutions across the country. This initiative is anticipated to foster sustainable economic growth and significantly improve the quality of life for Sierra Leone’s citizens.
Following the official signing of the Compact grant, President Julius Maada Bio expressed gratitude and commendation for the SLCDU’s efforts. He specifically acknowledged the role played by Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, in supervising the Unit and guiding its negotiation strategies. The President also lauded Ndeye Koroma for her adept negotiation skills that proved instrumental in securing the funds from the MCC.
In addition to praising the SLCDU, President Bio recognized the contributions of the Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, for representing the country during the signing ceremony. He urged the Minister to present the MCC document in Cabinet promptly for swift approval, emphasizing the importance of moving forward with the implementation of the compact.
The President extended his appreciation to the citizens of Sierra Leone, expressing gratitude for their faith in his leadership and the trust they have placed in his administration to drive significant changes in the energy sector. He also conveyed heartfelt thanks to the people and government of the United States for their ongoing support and partnership with Sierra Leone.
In his address, President Bio reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the bilateral relationship between Sierra Leone and the United States, highlighting the shared democratic values that unite the two nations. He vowed to continue working diligently to ensure that the benefits of this compact translate into tangible improvements in the lives of Sierra Leoneans, particularly in the realm of energy accessibility and reliability. This monumental step marks a hopeful chapter for Sierra Leone, as it embarks on a path toward a more sustainable energy future.
