GEAAP’s Exciting Return Focus on Energy Sector Development in Sierra Leone

At New York, on September 24, 2024 Joseph Nganga, Vice President for Africa at the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAAP), paid a courtesy call on President Julius Maada Bio in New York today. The meeting, facilitated by PI-CREF, provided an opportunity to discuss progress in Sierra Leone’s energy sector. Attendees included Chief Minister David Sengeh, Minister of Finance Sheku Fantamadi Bangura, PI-CREF’s Pete Kaindaneh, Chief Technical Adviser, and Anthony Kamara, PI-CREF Director of Partnerships, Communications, and Outreach.

Nganga, who previously served as Executive Director for Power & Climate Africa at The Rockefeller Foundation, expressed enthusiasm about GEAAP’s return to Sierra Leone after earlier challenges led them to consider leaving. He praised the efforts of Dr. Yumkella, noting the coordination and focus he has brought to the sector, as well as President Bio’s vision for the country. “In Dr. Yumkella, you have a resourceful and dedicated person, and we are excited to work with him to ensure the energy sector reaches its potential,” said Nganga. He also confirmed his participation in the Climate Resilience and Energy Transition (CRET 2024) conference taking place in November.

President Bio welcomed GEAAP’s decision to re-engage with Sierra Leone and assured Nganga of ongoing reforms in the energy sector. “Energy is critical for our development. When we faced a crisis, I was determined to bring about positive change and lead from the front,” he emphasized.

Both the Chief Minister and the Minister of Finance assured Nganga of the government’s full support in transforming the energy sector. Chief Minister Sengeh stated, “We will tackle every challenge and provide the necessary solutions to make the sector work for our people.” Minister Bangura added that the government is committed to utilizing its own resources and leveraging additional financial support.

Chairman Yumkella took the opportunity to inform President Bio about GEAAP’s current support for the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), which includes the appointment of a Chief Operating Officer and assistance for the minigrid sector. He expressed optimism about the ongoing strategic partnership between Sierra Leone and GEAAP, emphasizing their shared goal of improving the energy sector for the benefit of the Sierra Leonean populace. GEAAP has also played a crucial role in the feasibility studies for the Dodo Hydropower Dam.

The government reiterated its commitment to the full rehabilitation of the Dodo Hydropower Dam, which is a priority project with the potential to significantly impact the cities of Bo, Kenema, and Kono. Chairman Yumkella noted that the rehabilitation could increase the dam’s generation capacity from 6 MW to 12 MW.