Freetown, Sierra Leone – The United States and Sierra Leone have signed a new agreement to help millions of people in Sierra Leone get better access to electricity. The deal, signed on September 27, 2024, includes a $480 million grant from the United States through the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). The Government of Sierra Leone will also contribute $14.2 million to this important project.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said this agreement will help improve lives across Sierra Leone. “This investment will provide affordable and reliable electricity to millions of people and will help businesses and communities thrive,” Blinken said in a statement.
The grant aims to fix the country’s electricity grid and ensure that homes, businesses, and schools have access to power without adding to the country’s debt. Currently, many people in Sierra Leone struggle with unreliable electricity, which has slowed economic growth.
David Francis, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, said the partnership will boost the economy. “Reliable electricity is key to developing our country and improving the lives of our people,” he said.
The U.S. also praised Sierra Leone’s work on strengthening its democracy. Blinken said, “We are committed to helping Sierra Leone build a brighter future, not only through better energy access but also by supporting its democratic reforms.”
This new energy project is expected to have a long-lasting impact on Sierra Leone’s economy, creating opportunities for growth and improving the overall quality of life for its citizens.
