By Nafisatu Olayinka Deen
Freetown, 7th April 2026 – The Ministry of Energy, through the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), has launched a WhatsApp chatbot designed to make fault complaints and inquiries faster and easier for citizens.
Developed by the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the chatbot is part of efforts to enhance service delivery and improve customer engagement.
Speaking at the launch, Minister of Energy Cyril Grant made it clear that while the chatbot will not solve Sierra Leone’s electricity crisis, it is a crucial step toward improving responsiveness. “This tool is not going to solve the electricity problem in Sierra Leone, but it will help EDSA respond to fault complaints. You can sit in the comfort of your home, report a problem, and get an immediate response,” he said.
Grant underscored the importance of technology in modern societies and commended DSTI for developing a tool that will benefit anyone with an Android phone.
During the event, the DSTI team conducted a live demonstration, showing how the fault complaint system operates. Jasper Patrick Sembie, Director and Chief Operating Officer of DSTI, described the chatbot as a testament to the commitment of the Minister of Energy and EDSA’s Managing Director to finding practical solutions for citizens.
EDSA Managing Director George Carl Taylor emphasized that the authority will embark on extensive media engagements to raise awareness and encourage public use of the chatbot.
However, the tool has limitations. It cannot process voice messages, meaning citizens who cannot read or write will need to rely on EDSA’s toll-free line instead. DSTI officials acknowledged this gap and assured that work is underway to develop an illiterate-friendly version of the system.
The launch marks a significant step in leveraging technology to improve public services, even as Sierra Leone continues to grapple with broader challenges in its energy sector.
