Six Reasons Why Sierra Leone Was Recognised at the SEforALL Forum

1. President Bio’s Bold Leadership in the Energy Sector
When President Bio assumed the role of substantive Minister of Energy, he outlined a bold vision, strategic direction, and clear leadership for the sector. His efforts have garnered international acclaim.

Energy stakeholders worldwide have expressed genuine admiration for his government’s commitment to illuminating homes and powering industries. This recognition is evident in the substantial support Sierra Leone is receiving from numerous partners to tackle longstanding electricity challenges, including unreliable and unaffordable power supplies, as well as inefficiencies in transmission and distribution.

2. Mission 300 – A New Partnership to Transform Africa’s Energy Landscape
Sierra Leone received official confirmation from the World Bank, through Ousmane Diagana, Vice President for Western and Central Africa, of its inclusion in the second cohort of countries for Mission 300—and as the very first country in this cohort. Mission 300, a programme championed by the World Bank Group (WBG) and the African Development Bank (AfDB), aims to connect 300 million people to electricity by 2030.

Supported by private sector leaders, development partners, philanthropists, and civil society, the initiative outlines concrete steps to transform Africa’s energy landscape. Under the leadership of the Minister of Finance, Mr Sheku A.F. Bangura, and Hon. Dr Kandeh Yumkella, Chairman of the Energy Governance Coordination Group (EGCG), Sierra Leone will unveil its National Energy Compact, outlining ambitious targets and key reforms to drive economic transformation. For example – the Senegal and Zambia Compacts totaled about $6B and $5B respectively, and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) have already pledged financial support to kick start their implementation.

Sierra Leone’s inclusion in Mission 300 would not have been possible without President Bio’s leadership, who has consistently highlighted the urgent need for reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy to spur economic growth and unlock development for his people, following the reforms his government has undertaken. The reforms include the call for a complete financial and performance audit of EDSA, the ongoing privatization of EDSA, the creation of a single collection account, the Introduction of smart metering and the pipeline of almost 300 MW of renewable energy projects.

3. Sierra Leone’s New Energy Story

Under President Bio’s leadership, the government launched the Just Energy Transition and Investment Plan (ETIP) in November last year, which calls for investments in 1 gigawatt of power over the next decade. The ETIP embodies Sierra Leone’s national commitment to a transformative vision—one that embraces innovation, climate resilience, and sustainability.

According to President Bio, “The plan places greater reliance on renewable energy sources, particularly hydropower and solar photovoltaic technologies.”

The speed at which the ETIP was developed, coupled with the strong collaboration demonstrated by all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), has positioned Sierra Leone’s plan as a global exemplar. It was showcased during the opening plenary of the SEforALL Forum, highlighting what bold and decisive leadership from the top can achieve.

The plan was developed under the guidance of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security (PI-CREF) and the Ministry of Energy, with support from Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) and Bloomberg Philanthropies. It was launched at the Climate Resilience and Energy Transition (CRET) event—a signature annual event of PI-CREF.

4. Sierra Leone’s Advocacy for Access to Clean Cooking Solutions

Sierra Leone has been at the forefront of efforts to integrate clean cooking into national energy planning. The Middle East Green Initiative’s FORWARD7, backed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, confirmed a $5 million programme to catalyse Sierra Leone’s transition to sustainable, safe, and affordable cooking through electric cooking. This announcement was made at the SEforALL Forum to support the Global Electric Cooking Coalition (GeCCO), which developed the programme in partnership with PI-CREF. The eCooking Scale and Support Initiative will enable a cleaner cooking future, particularly for women.

Additional efforts to promote clean cooking include the development of a National Clean Cooking Strategy for Sierra Leone following nationwide consultations with the support of the World Bank, the establishment of a Clean Cooking Delivery Unit in partnership with the Clean Cooking Alliance, and the creation of a Climate Finance and Energy Innovation Hub with support from the OPEC Fund. These initiatives are fully integrated into national energy planning.

Sierra Leone is one of the few nations vigorously championing the need for cleaner cooking solutions. President Bio was among the global leaders who attended the Clean Cooking Summit in Paris, where $2.2 billion was mobilised to ensure access to cleaner cooking solutions, prioritising the health of women and children most affected by toxic fumes and smoke from charcoal and wood, which often lead to premature deaths.

5. Strong Representation, Collaboration, and Partnership

Sierra Leone was represented by a formidable delegation, including Dr Austin Demby, Minister of Health; Mr Sheku Bangura, Minister of Finance; and Hon. Dr Kandeh Yumkella, who served as key panellists in various sessions. Collectively, they showcased Sierra Leone as a powerhouse of knowledge and expertise.

Throughout the high-level summit, participants praised Sierra Leone’s softly spoken Health Minister for his expertise, the Finance Minister for his ambition to ensure the nation meets its financial obligations, and the new energy vision laid out by President Bio, which is being implemented under Dr Yumkella’s leadership.

Together, these leaders demonstrated strong partnership and collaboration on behalf of Sierra Leone—a new, ambitious, and mutually beneficial relationship that will drive prosperity and inclusive growth for the people they serve.

6. Global Innovators and Change Makers Honoured

The SEforALL Global Forum brought together many eminent personalities. When it came time to recognise global innovators and change makers at the inaugural Heroes Award, the honour of presenting the awards was bestowed upon Hon. Dr Kandeh Yumkella, Sierra Leone’s Energy Sector Lead and Chairman of the Presidential Initiative for Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security (PI-CREF).

Dr Yumkella, a Sierra Leonean, was the founding CEO and first Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for SEforALL. He launched the SEforALL Forum 12 years ago at the United Nations headquarters in New York and also initiated the Vienna Energy Forum during his tenure as Director-General of the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). Both forums have become flagship events for their respective organisations. While distinguished participants, such as Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, were present, SEforALL chose to honour Sierra Leone by selecting Dr Yumkella for this prestigious role.

Anthony Kamara, Jnr, is Director of Partnerships, Communications and Outreach at the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security (PI-CREF).