By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Freetown, Sierra Leone — June 13, 2025: In a significant boost to Sierra Leone’s energy sector, the Government of Sierra Leone and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have signed an additional grant agreement to extend the country’s power distribution network along the Freetown Peninsula. The signing ceremony, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Freetown, brought together key stakeholders from both nations.
The agreement was signed by Hon. Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, alongside Yonebayashi Norihito, Resident Representative of JICA Sierra Leone, and Yoshimoto Hiroshi, Japan’s Ambassador to Sierra Leone.
Representatives from the Ministry of Energy, the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), and the National Grid Company (NGC) also attended the event.
Norihito underscored Japan’s long-term commitment to Sierra Leone’s energy sector, noting that cooperation dates back to 2009, when the first comprehensive master plan for power supply in the Western Area was developed. He highlighted Japan’s past contributions, including substations, distribution lines, and generator facilities, and reaffirmed Japan’s dedication to sustainable development.
New Investments in Power Infrastructure
As part of the latest grant, Japan will provide approximately $20 million (2.89 billion Japanese Yen) to support infrastructure improvements. The funding will facilitate:
– Construction of two substations in York and Tombo
– Installation of 50 km of 33kV distribution lines and 40 km of 11kV lines
– Deployment of more than 20 transformers and maintenance equipment
These upgrades aim to extend electricity access from Goderich through Sussex to Tombo and Kent, ensuring greater energy coverage along Sierra Leone’s coastal areas.
Expressing gratitude to JICA, Minister Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba described the grant as a pivotal milestone in Sierra Leone’s energy sector reforms. He stressed that reliable electricity is critical for economic growth, investment, education, healthcare, and digital transformation.
Quoting a Japanese proverb, Kabba stated, “A friend dispels a hundred worries.” He emphasized that Japan’s unwavering partnership is helping Sierra Leone overcome electricity shortages, reinforcing the deep ties between the two nations.
Commitment to Implementation & Global Cooperation
Minister Kabba pledged transparent implementation of the project, aligning it with Sierra Leone’s goal of achieving universal electricity access, consistent with UN Sustainable Development Goal 7.
He also reflected on Sierra Leone and Japan’s multilateral cooperation, citing their shared commitments as non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. He reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s dedication to sustainable infrastructure development and long-term economic stability.
With this latest grant, Sierra Leone is poised to expand its national grid, ensuring clean and stable electricity reaches more communities. As global energy demands rise, partnerships like this underscore the importance of strong diplomatic and development alliances.