07/11/2025
update
..*Dr. Yumkella Ends âEnergy Media Roundsâ with Strong Message on Reform, Political Will, and a Brighter Energy Future*
*_By Musa Kamara_*
After a week of intensive public engagement across major radio and television stations, Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, Energy Sector Lead, concluded his âEnergy Media Roundsâ at Liberty TV Online with a powerful message of hope, reform, and national transformation through energy.
In his final stop on Thursday, Dr. Yumkella provided a comprehensive update on Sierra Leoneâs energy governance reforms and the status of ongoing and upcoming projects aimed at strengthening the countryâs power sector. He emphasized the critical role of political leadership, describing energy as a "vested interest" that touches every sphere; political, economic, and social.
âOne thing I have truly appreciated is the massive political will and support that President Julius Maada Bio has consistently demonstrated,â Dr. Yumkella said. âHe is, in every sense, the Minister of Energy.â
Dr. Yumkella praised President Bioâs hands-on leadership and unwavering commitment to transforming the sector, calling it both âadmirable and commendable.â He noted that the Presidentâs energy vision is not short-term, but strategically structured for medium- and long-term impact.
A key component of that vision is the ambitious plan to increase the countryâs generation capacity by mid-2026. According to Dr. Yumkella, Sierra Leone will begin phasing out reliance on the Kapowership by 2026, with significant additions to the national grid that will particularly benefit the capital, Freetown.
He also highlighted several ongoing short-term interventions designed to cushion current energy challenges while the country works steadily toward sustainable, long-term solutions. Among these are reforms at the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), which, he said, is key to improving the countryâs energy sector.
âWe need a more viable, debt-resilient EDSA that can deliver quality service,â he said. âThe goal is not just to generate more electricity, but also to improve how it is transmitted and distributed across the country.â Dr. Yumkella disclosed several initiatives in the pipeline aimed at strengthening transmission lines nationwide and expanding distribution capacity to meet growing demand.
Most notably, he spotlighted the Mission 300 Compact, describing it as âthe biggest energy deal President Bio will be leaving behind,â with the potential to decisively resolve Sierra Leoneâs energy problems and position the country for future prosperity. In his closing remarks, Dr. Yumkella appealed for national patience and understanding.
âEnergy development is complex and takes time,â he said. âBut the path is clear, the leadership is strong, and the commitment is real. With collective support, Sierra Leone will transition to a reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy future.â
His message concluded a week-long campaign of open communication and transparency, a strategy that has helped bring clarity to the governmentâs energy agenda and strengthened public trust in the reforms ahead.
