The Board of Directors of the newly established Millennium Challenge Account–Sierra Leone (MCA-SL) has held its inaugural meeting, marking a major milestone in the implementation of the USD 500 million Sierra Leone Energy Compact.
The meeting, which took place on Friday, January 23, at the Brookfields Hotel in Freetown, brought together Board members drawn from civil society, the private sector, and the Government of Sierra Leone. The Board is chaired by Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh.
MCA-SL was established by the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) in partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone to implement the Energy Compact, which is aimed at strengthening the country’s energy sector and promoting sustainable economic growth.
In his opening remarks, Vice President Jalloh welcomed members and described the inaugural meeting as a historic and watershed moment that signals the commencement of implementation activities for the long-awaited compact. He noted that the initiative represents renewed hope for the future of U.S.–Sierra Leone relations and assured MCC representatives and Board members of his full commitment to ensuring the success of the compact.
During the meeting, the Board adopted several key resolutions, the most significant being the unanimous approval of the recruitment of Ndeye Fatu Sesay as Chief Executive Officer of MCA-SL. Her appointment represents a critical step toward the full operationalisation of the institution.
Prior to the adoption of the resolutions, Board members participated in an orientation session facilitated by the MCC. The session provided guidance on the roles and responsibilities of Board members in overseeing the implementation of the Sierra Leone Energy Compact, with emphasis on good governance, accountability, and alignment with international best practices.
The establishment of MCA-SL and the convening of its inaugural Board meeting underscore Sierra Leone’s commitment to addressing its energy challenges through strategic international partnerships. With leadership now in place, MCA-SL is set to commence implementation activities aimed at transforming the country’s energy landscape and advancing long-term national development goals.