…Dr. Yumkella Leads Strategic Energy Talks
By: Musa Kamara
In a significant move that marks deepening bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, the Government of Japan has signed and agreement of $20 million to expand and upgrade Sierra Leone’s power distribution network along the Freetown Peninsular. The investment, facilitated by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), represents a major boost to Sierra Leone’s energy infrastructure and aligns with the country’s long-term strategy for sustainable energy access.
Hon. Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, Chairman and Energy Sector Lead, hosted the Japanese delegation, including the Ambassador of Japan to Sierra Leone, Mr. Yoshimoto Hiroshi, the Honorary Consul, and the JICA Representative at his Freetown office to formalize and advance discussions around the project. The meeting underscored Japan’s growing role in Sierra Leone’s energy transition and highlighted Dr. Yumkella’s pivotal efforts in galvanizing international support for the sector.
Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Yumkella presented the government’s energy roadmap, which targets enhanced power generation, transmission, and access across the country. He reiterated the vision of President Julius Maada Bio, launched in November 2024, which places clean and reliable energy at the center of national development.
“Energy is the backbone of our economic transformation,” said Dr. Yumkella. “We are grateful for Japan’s unwavering support and welcome your expertise and investment in improving Sierra Leone’s power systems. This partnership will not only address immediate infrastructure gaps but also support our broader transition to a sustainable and green energy future.”
Under the agreement with JICA, Japan will fund the construction of 50 kilometers of 33kV transmission lines, 40 kilometers of 66kV lines, and two substations to be located at York and Tombo. This strategic investment is expected to significantly improve electricity distribution along the Freetown Peninsular, reduce outages, and prepare the grid for future load increases.
The funding, already secured, forms part of Japan’s broader commitment to supporting infrastructure development in the country. Ahead of the upcoming Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) summit, the Japanese delegation expressed hope that Sierra Leone will present its green energy ambitions, as Japan positions itself as a global leader in green technologies.
In addition to the Freetown Peninsular initiative, Dr. Jalloh, Deputy Minister 2 invited Japan to explore further investments in the Northern Corridor Transmission Line, a project that would link underserved areas to the national grid and catalyze economic activity in rural regions.
The Japanese delegation also raised concerns about persistent electricity theft, a challenge undermining efficiency and revenue collection. In response, Deputy Minister of Energy I, Ing. Edmond Nonie, assured that the government is actively addressing the issue. He outlined ongoing reforms at the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), including the rollout of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) smart meters for large commercial customers and, eventually, residential users.
“The integrity of our power systems is critical,” Ing. Nonie said. “We are committed to smart solutions that enhance transparency, reduce losses, and improve service delivery.”
Ambassador Yoshimoto Hiroshi reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s energy ambitions and praised the leadership of Dr. Yumkella and the Ministry of Energy. “We are proud to stand with Sierra Leone in this vital sector. Access to clean, reliable electricity is fundamental to development, and we look forward to deepening our collaboration,” the Ambassador noted.
With this new investment and ongoing dialogue, Sierra Leone takes a decisive step toward its energy transformation, signaling a future where power shortages are a thing of the past and clean energy lights the path to prosperity.
