By: Saidu Jalloh
In a significant step to boost the energy sector, the Minister of Finance, Ahmed Sheku Fantamadi Bangura, announced during a government press briefing on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, that the government would implement grid infrastructure in every district, with funding supported by the MMC grant.
During the press conference, Mr. Bangura explained that the MMC grant would be used to build transmission lines and grids across all districts, addressing the country’s outdated power transmission network. “Currently, Sierra Leone has only one grid running from Bumbuna to Kingtom, with all other infrastructures being standalone lines,” he revealed, highlighting the limitations of the existing system.
Explaining the connection between the MMC initiative and Mission 300, Minister Bangura clarified that while MMC would fund the development of ultramodern transmission and distribution infrastructure, Mission 300 would focus on harnessing Sierra Leone’s resource base to build renewable energy generation capabilities. He emphasized that these projects would include investments in hydropower and solar energy solutions.
The minister further noted that several energy projects had already received cabinet approval but lacked funding. “The only thing holding us back was money, and that is exactly what we are now securing,” he stated.
While MMC will not invest in power generation itself, the government is encouraging private sector investments in this area. “It’s a bankable investment—invest in generation, sell the power, and you get your money,” Bangura said.
Minister Bangura also revealed that the government had received support from multiple international donors, including the World Bank, African Development Bank, OPEC Fund, BADIA, and ISDB. Through strategic partnerships with these entities, the government plans to blend these external funds with national resources to strengthen the energy sector.
Additionally, he mentioned that when the disbursement of MMC funds was delayed, the government allocated 50% of the World Bank’s portfolio to the energy sector, anticipating the $500 million set aside by the U.S. government for Sierra Leone over the next two to three years.
Mr. Bangura also reported that contracts had already been awarded from that 50% portion of the World Bank portfolio, covering projects such as mini-grids, the Dodo Dam, the Bumbuna Hydro project, and the Bikongor energy project.
The minister further disclosed that Sierra Leone had entered into agreements with the ECOWAS regional power trade system and the West Africa Power Pool. The government had liberalized the energy sector, allowing any entity that generates electricity in Sierra Leone to benefit from the national grid.
In conclusion, Minister Bangura emphasized that these initiatives would significantly increase both the supply and demand for electricity across the country, ensuring that energy needs at the household and national levels are adequately met.