Freetown, May 20, 2026: Senior government officials and representatives from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) have hailed progress on the NANT Project at Kissy Terminal, describing it as a critical intervention to stabilize electricity supply in Freetown.
The inspection team included Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, Minister of Energy Cyril Arnold Grant, and MCC Africa Acting Vice President Alicia Robinson-Morgan, joined by MCA-SL CEO Ndeye Sesay, MCC Country Director Steven Grudda, U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Jared Yancey, and project engineers.
Leaders Commend Progress
Dr. Sengeh praised the pace of civil works and coordination among stakeholders:
“The speed at which this project is moving is impressive. It reflects what is possible when we align political will with technical execution.”
Minister Grant explained that the NANT Project is designed to expand generation capacity and improve load management at one of Freetown’s main injection points. He confirmed construction is on track for completion in the first quarter of 2027, with ongoing upgrades to transmission lines and installation of modern switchgear.
Chargé d’Affaires Jared Yancey emphasized U.S. support, noting that the project complements the $480 million MCC Compact, which aims to expand Sierra Leone’s electricity grid nationwide.
MCA-SL CEO Ndeye Sesay added that the Compact’s energy portfolio is not only about infrastructure but also about sector reform to ensure sustainability beyond MCC funding.
Background on the NANT Project
The NANT Project is part of Sierra Leone’s broader energy transformation strategy under the Feed Salone Agenda. It was conceived to address Freetown’s chronic power instability by:
- Boosting generation capacity to meet rising demand in the capital.
- Improving load management to reduce outages and technical losses.
- Supporting private sector investment in electricity distribution.
- Integrating with MCC Compact reforms to strengthen governance and financial viability of the energy sector.
The project is expected to directly benefit households, schools, health centers, and businesses across Freetown, creating conditions for economic growth and improved quality of life.
Next Steps
Project engineers outlined upcoming milestones, including equipment installation, system testing, and grid integration scheduled for late 2026. Once operational, the NANT plant will play a pivotal role in stabilizing Freetown’s electricity grid and advancing Sierra Leone’s energy reform agenda.