Sierra Leone’s energy sector, the Directorate of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI) has been officially tasked with developing three critical digital systems to improve governance, transparency, and service delivery. This initiative marks the start of a strategic collaboration between DSTI and the Ministry of Energy (MoE), following a project kickoff meeting in Freetown. Jasper Sembie, Director and Chief Operating Officer of DSTI, presided over the meeting, which also included members of the DSTI Product Team and Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, Energy Sector Lead.
The collaboration is consistent with President Julius Maada Bio’s commitment to sustainable energy, which is a key component of his administration’s agenda. Mr. Sembie emphasised the importance of this mandate, stating that delivering critical digital infrastructure is a national responsibility. “At DSTI, we have clear instructions and a strong conviction to support the President’s vision for sustainable energy through innovation, efficiency, and system reform,” he said during the meeting.
During the kickoff meeting, Ing. Edmond Nonie, Deputy Minister of Energy I, presented three key digital solutions. Mr. Sembie and his team presented these solutions to Dr. Yumkella, who approved them and confirmed that they were strategically aligned with the Ministry’s goals. The proposed systems include the following:
1. The National Energy Dashboard will provide real-time monitoring of energy performance indicators and operational data, allowing stakeholders to make informed decisions based on current information.
2. National GIS Database of Energy Sector Assets: A geospatial tool for mapping and managing energy infrastructure like transformers, poles, cables, and meters. This system will enable better planning and maintenance of energy assets.
3. The System Market Operations Portal is an IPP-specific platform for managing electricity procurement, delivery, validation, and compliance. This portal aims to assist energy providers in improving their operational and collaborative processes.
DSTI has already created Product Requirement Documents (PRDs) and distributed them to key stakeholders to ensure alignment with sector priorities.DSTI has already developed Product Requirements Documents (PRDs) and distributed them to key stakeholders to ensure alignment with sector priorities and gather feedback.
He listed several critical functions that this dashboard should perform, including:
• Monitoring the status of ongoing projects and those awaiting completion.
• Identifying delays and the responsible parties, whether they are ministerial or operational
• Improving communication for major contracts, especially Power Purchase Agreements (PPA).
Drawing on successful digital tools in the health sector and global best practices, Dr. Yumkella advocated for the development of a customised, real-time platform to address Ministry visibility gaps. He also proposed establishing a separate Ministry of Energy website and an integrated public portal to communicate the Ministry’s mandate, provide project progress updates, and promote transparency. He claimed that the absence of a digital presence currently undermines public participation and accountability.
In his call to action, Dr. Yumkella directed DSTI to collaborate closely with Deputy Minister Nonie, whose technical expertise has shaped the proposed solutions. This collaboration is essential for the successful implementation of digital systems.
Moving forward, DSTI will oversee the design and development of both the internal project tracking dashboard and the public-facing portal. The following steps for the DSTI Product Team are:
• Drafting a comprehensive proposal for the project tracking system.
• Preparing a second proposal for the Ministry of Energy website and portal.
• Initiating requirements-gathering sessions in collaboration with the technical teams at MoE.
While the primary focus of these initiatives is on the energy sector, the systems are designed to be scalable and adaptable. This foresight enables future deployment across other Ministries and government entities, reinforcing DSTI’s overall commitment to developing digital solutions that support evidence-based decision-making and institutional reform.
The formation of this partnership represents a shared vision for utilising digital infrastructure to drive sustainable energy reform and enhance public service delivery in Sierra Leone.
