President Bio Commits to Universal Energy
Julius Nyerere International Convention Center, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania,
On 28th January 2025, His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio, joined fellow Heads of State at the inaugural Mission 300 Summit to reaffirm his government’s commitment to delivering universal access to energy in Sierra Leone.
In his address at the summit, President Bio expressed delight in participating in the historic gathering, emphasizing that it provides a unique opportunity to accelerate Africa’s energy agenda through tangible actions. He underscored the importance of addressing the energy needs of Sub-Saharan Africa, which is critical to the prosperity of the continent and its people.
Highlighting Sierra Leone’s efforts in the energy sector, President Bio referenced the recent launch of the country’s “Just Energy Transition and Green Growth Plan.” This initiative sets an ambitious target of generating 1 gigawatt of power within the next 10 years. “As a government, we stand ready to collaborate with private investors and development partners to address Sierra Leone’s immediate energy needs,” the President affirmed.
He further pledged Sierra Leone’s commitment to meeting all criteria necessary to join the next cohort of countries advancing Mission 300’s goals. President Bio also extended an open invitation to partners and investors to support Sierra Leone’s energy transition journey, emphasizing the need for robust collaboration.
Welcoming delegates, Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, described the summit as a platform for addressing more than just energy access. She highlighted its potential to empower families, lift millions out of poverty, and reaffirm Africa’s commitment to economic transformation.
The President of the World Bank Group, Mr. Ajay Banga, and the President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, called on the private sector to expand investments in mini-grids, which they identified as a critical component of achieving universal energy access. He further urged participating Heads of State to pledge their support towards Mission 300, noting that only through collaboration can the initiative achieve lasting success.
Mission 300 is a continental initiative aimed at providing affordable and sustainable energy across Sub-Saharan Africa, driving economic growth and enhancing livelihoods.
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Sierra Leone Qualifies for the Second Cohort of Mission 300 Beneficiaries
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Tuesday, 28 January 2025 – Sierra Leone has reached a significant milestone under the dynamic leadership of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, as the country is set to be included in the second cohort of beneficiaries of the Mission 300 initiative. This groundbreaking programme, spearheaded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the World Bank Group (WBG), and global partners, aims to electrify 300 million people across Africa by 2030.
During the inaugural Africa Heads of State Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, President Bio joined several heads of state and government, global leaders, private sector, and development partners to chart Africa’s course toward universal access to energy. The Summit secured USD 48 billion from the African Development Bank and the World Bank plus an additional USD 5 billion in new funding pledges, bringing the total for Mission 300 to over $50 billion over six years.
As a member of the second cohort of Mission 300 countries, Sierra Leone has officially endorsed the Dar es Salaam Energy Compact Declaration, reaffirming its commitment to define country-specific targets and timelines. This commitment aligns with Sierra Leone’s National Development Plan and the global ambition to achieve UN Sustainable Development Goal 7 – ensuring affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for all.
In the first cohort, 12 countries presented their National Energy Compacts: Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zambia. The Government is pleased to note that Raj Shah, President of the Rockefeller Foundation, has pledged to assist Sierra Leone in developing its National Energy Compact.
Sierra Leone’s qualification was based on the country’s remarkable progress in transforming the energy sector under the leadership of President Bio. This progress has been underpinned by Sierra Leone’s Just Energy Transition and Green Growth Plan, Government’s ambitious target to deploy 200 mini-grids as part of Rural Electrification Drive and the comprehensive energy sector reforms.
Sierra Leone stands ready to harness the opportunities presented by Mission 300 to deliver transformative energy solutions for its citizens and contribute to Africa’s
prosperity.
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Anthony Kamara Email: akkamara@statehouse.gov.sl