New York, USA– “Today, I proudly received the Compact Endorsement Letter for our Mission 300 Energy Compact, Sierra Leone’s most ambitious energy project,” declared President Julius Maada Bio, moments after accepting the landmark endorsement at the Bloomberg Global Forum 2025. His words weren’t just ceremonial; they marked a turning point in Sierra Leone’s infrastructure history.
With a USD 2.2 billion price tag and a vision to more than double national electricity access, Mission 300 is not just a policy document; it’s a blueprint for transformation. “It demonstrates our dedication to providing reliable, affordable power and expanding renewable energy,” Bio added, thanking World Bank President Ajay Banga, African Development Bank head Sidi Ould Tah, and other partners for backing the initiative.
The endorsement, granted jointly by the World Bank Group, the African Development Bank, and key development partners, positions Sierra Leone among 17 African nations whose energy compacts were greenlit under the Mission 300 umbrella, a continental push to connect 300 million people to electricity by 2030.
But Sierra Leone’s plan stands out. It aims to lift national electricity access from 36% to 78%, with a heavy emphasis on renewables, clean cooking solutions, and a modernized transmission and distribution network. It also promises governance reforms and a more attractive investment climate for private sector players.
President Bio, who also serves as Minister of Energy, described the compact as “the most ambitious and comprehensive energy infrastructure initiative ever developed for Sierra Leone.” He emphasized that the plan is powered by data and evidence, not just aspiration. “This single plan for Sierra Leone’s energy transformation holds the greatest promise for unlocking sustainable and inclusive development,” he said.
The compact was developed in record time by the Inter-Ministerial Coordination Group, co-chaired by Finance Minister Sheku A.F. Bangura and Dr. Kandeh K. Yumkella, who also leads the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security. Their work, alongside the Energy Governance Coordination Group, helped shape a strategy that aligns national priorities with global climate and development goals.
Mission 300 is more than a funding announcement; it’s a signal that Sierra Leone is ready to lead on energy reform, climate resilience and inclusive growth. With the endorsement now secured, the challenge shifts to implementation.
