By: Aminata Sesay
Sierra Leone’s energy sector is set for a major digital transformation through a new partnership between the Directorate of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI) and the Ministry of Energy (MoE). The initiative, officially launched in Freetown, will introduce three key digital systems designed to enhance oversight, transparency, and operational efficiency in the sector.
The partnership was inaugurated during a project inception meeting held at the office of Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, Energy Sector Lead. Attendees included Jasper Sembie, DSTI’s Director and Chief Operating Officer, along with his Product Team. This collaboration marks the start of a shared mission to integrate technology with Sierra Leone’s national energy goals.
Under President Julius Maada Bio’s administration, energy remains a top priority. DSTI has been tasked with developing a digital backbone* to support these ambitions. “We’re not just building systems we’re laying the foundation for long-term energy reform,” said Mr. Sembie. “This is a responsibility we carry with urgency and commitment.”
The initiative will focus on implementing three primary systems: National Energy Dashboard, a real-time data platform providing visibility into critical energy indicators and sector-wide performance metrics.
National GIS Energy Asset Database: A spatial mapping tool to digitize and track physical energy infrastructure, including meters, poles, cables, and transformers.
System Market Operations Portal: A digital interface for Independent Power Providers (IPPs) to manage electricity sales, ensure compliance, and monitor contracts.
DSTI has already prepared initial Product Requirements Documents (PRDs) for these tools, which have been shared with stakeholders for feedback and alignment. The new systems are expected to streamline internal processes and improve sector accountability significantly.
Dr. Yumkella welcomed the rollout and called for further innovation, suggesting the development of a centralized project tracking dashboard to monitor energy initiatives nationwide. This tool would enhance visibility across project lifecycles, help identify bottlenecks, and strengthen oversight of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). He emphasized that such digital tools are crucial for improving governance and operational efficiency.
Addressing the need for better public communication, Dr. Yumkella also proposed the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Energy website and public portal*. These platforms would disseminate project updates, policy information, and sector achievements to citizens, fostering greater public trust and transparency.
Deputy Minister of Energy I, Ing. Edmond Nonie, has been instrumental in shaping the project’s technical direction. DSTI will work closely with him during implementation to ensure accuracy and sustainability.
The immediate next steps for DSTI include drafting detailed proposals for both the internal project tracking tool and the public-facing web portal. This will be followed by requirements-gathering sessions in partnership with the Ministry’s technical teams.
While the initial focus is the energy sector, the digital systems are being designed with scalability in mind, allowing future adaptation across other ministries and government agencies. This aligns with DSTI’s broader vision of leveraging data-driven platforms to support institutional reforms and evidence-based policymaking.
With strong leadership from Dr. Yumkella, technical guidance from Ing. Nonie, and strategic oversight from Mr. Sembie, Sierra Leone’s energy sector digital transformation is now underway bringing the country closer to reliable, transparent, and accountable energy services.