Sierra Leone's Energy Transition Gains Momentum as Dr. Kandeh Yumkella Unveils Major Power Expansion Projects

MAKENI, Sierra Leone – Sierra Leone's energy sector is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades, with the government unveiling a pipeline of major electricity generation projects expected to dramatically increase national power capacity over the next three years.

Speaking during the 2026 Presidential Town Hall in Makeni, government officials reaffirmed President Julius Maada Bio's commitment to expanding access to reliable electricity, describing the country's ongoing energy transition as a long-term investment that is already delivering results.

To reinforce the President's address, Dr. Yumkella  outlined a comprehensive list of completed, ongoing and planned projects aimed at strengthening both the national grid and off-grid electricity access across Sierra Leone.

Major Grid Expansion Underway

Dr. Kandeh Yumkella  highlighted several projects that have already been completed, including the 37MW Newton Solar Plant, the 10MW Lungi Solar Project, the 25MW Makkot Solar Expansion, and the 17MW rehabilitation of the Kingtom and Blackhall Road power facilities.

Attention is now turning to the next phase of expansion. The 20MW Waterloo-Innovent Solar Project is expected to come online between October and December 2026, while the Nant Gas Power Plant is scheduled to generate 60MW by February 2027, with an additional 40MW expected by June 2027.

Further plans include the 40MW Kamakwei Solar Project, targeted for completion in late 2027, and the 100MW Bumbuna Hydro Expansion, projected for completion between 2028 and 2029.

Collectively, these investments are expected to significantly improve electricity supply, support industrial growth and expand access to reliable energy for homes and businesses across the country.

Expanding Electricity Beyond the National Grid

Alongside large-scale generation projects, the government is investing in decentralised renewable energy solutions designed to bring electricity to underserved rural communities.

Among the flagship initiatives is the EU-Salone Off-Grid Renewable Energy Accelerator (SOGREA), a 5MW programme currently under implementation that is expected to benefit between 70 and 100 communities, reaching approximately 250,000 people.

The government is also implementing World Bank-funded mini-grid projects in eight communities, while the recently approved World Bank DARES Programme is expected to expand electricity access to an estimated 1.2 million Sierra Leoneans.

A Collaborative National Effort

Dr. Yumkella acknowledged that the progress achieved in the energy sector has been built on the work of previous administrations and sustained through strong partnerships with international development agencies.

Dr. Yumkella expressed appreciation to the World Bank, Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), the European Union, the African Development Bank, the governments of Germany, Denmark, Japan (JICA), China, the United States Government through the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), and other development partners for their continued support.

Building the Future

As Sierra Leone continues to expand both grid-connected and off-grid electricity infrastructure, the government says patience and sustained investment will be critical to achieving universal energy access.

With multiple renewable energy and gas-powered projects progressing simultaneously, Dr. Yumkella believe the country is laying the foundation for a more reliable, resilient and sustainable energy future that will drive economic growth, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Sierra Leoneans.