By: Gassimu S. Fofana
Just two days after the successful conclusion of the Climate Resilience and Energy Transition (CRET 2025) Dialogue, Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella wasted no time in returning to the field. The Presidential Initiative Lead on Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security, and Energy Sector Lead, visited the Nant Power Project site in Kissy, underscoring his hands-on approach to leadership and results-oriented governance on Thursday, October 23, 2025.
Upon arrival, Dr. Yumkella and his team were warmly welcomed by Mr. Abu Kamara, General Manager of Nant Power, who provided a brief overview of the project’s urgency and significance. The Health, Safety, and Environment Manager, Mr. Raji Abdallah, delivered a safety briefing before the site visit commenced. Before heading to the main installation area, Chief Engineer Raphael Akhigbe gave a detailed presentation of the site plan, technical specifications, and project milestones.
At the main construction site, Mr. Karim Nasser, Executive Chairman of Nant Power, personally guided Dr. Yumkella through the facility, explaining the project’s progress, the expected power generation capacity, and efforts to meet project timelines. Mr. Nasser emphasized the company’s commitment to delivering reliable energy to Sierra Leone, with plans for phased production, targeting a 60 to 70 MW output by December 2026.
Dr. Yumkella expressed his satisfaction with the progress and commended the Nant Power team for their dedication and transparency. “We are pleased to be here,” he stated. “The President conducted the groundbreaking last year, and I will go back to update him on the progress you’ve made. I’ve heard your timelines, and by March, we expect to see significant developments, including the towers rising. The big news is that the first engine will start generating power, with an output of about 60 to 70 MW, by December 2026.”
This visit highlights Dr. Yumkella’s continued commitment to Sierra Leone’s energy transition agenda and his proactive approach in turning dialogue into concrete results for the country’s sustainable development.
