BY: MOHAMED SAHR
At the 2024 Board Meeting of the African Development Bank in Nairobi, Kenya, the Minister of Finance of Sierra Leone, Sheku Fantamandi Bangura, made a fervent plea for collaborative efforts to harness the energy potential across nations, emphasizing the critical need for sustainable energy solutions.
Minister Bangura highlighted Sierra Leone’s commitment to transitioning from emergency power supply methods to renewable energy sources, citing the imperative for a strategic approach to maximize the country’s energy potential.
In discussions with Dr. Kevin Kariuki, the Vice President for Energy at the African Development Bank, held at the Kenya International Convention Centre, Nairobi, Minister Bangura underscored the urgency of the energy crisis in Sierra Leone, stressing the necessity for external intervention and investment.
The Minister outlined the challenges faced by Sierra Leone’s energy sector, including budgetary strains from subsidies to power providers like Karpowership and the CLSG, as well as technical and commercial losses experienced by the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA).
Drawing attention to projects such as Bumbuna 2, Minister Bangura emphasized the need for comprehensive solutions encompassing energy generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure.
In response, Dr. Kevin Kariuki affirmed the African Development Bank’s unwavering commitment to assisting Sierra Leone in resolving its energy crisis. He pledged financial and technical support to the Sierra Leonean government and expressed readiness to collaborate closely in devising sustainable energy strategies.
Dr. Kariuki announced plans to prepare a technical paper outlining actionable strategies for Sierra Leone, aligning with the African Development Bank’s energy agenda. He assured Minister Bangura of his intention to personally present the paper to President Bio, signaling a collaborative effort towards a lasting solution for Sierra Leone’s energy woes.
The dialogue between Sierra Leonean officials and the African Development Bank signifies a crucial step towards addressing the energy crisis in the region, with both parties poised to work together towards a sustainable energy future for Sierra Leone.
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