By Sallieu S. Kanu
Moyamba, Sierra Leone – May 17, 2025 – The Government of Sierra Leone has taken a significant step toward energy independence with the commissioning of a 1-megawatt solar power plant in Moyamba Town, Moyamba District. This milestone, made possible through the Enhancing Sierra Leone Energy Access Project (ESLEAP) with financing from the World Bank, marks a major shift toward clean and sustainable energy.
The Moyamba Solar Power Plant, equipped with 2 megawatt-hour battery storage, is a flagship achievement of ESLEAP, implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) on behalf of the Ministry of Energy. The project aims to provide reliable renewable energy to communities that have traditionally struggled with electricity access.
Despite challenges in energy infrastructure, Sierra Leone continues to push for greater electricity availability. National electricity access currently stands at 37 percent, while rural access remains low at just 6 percent. Under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, ESLEAP aims to tackle these gaps by expanding mini-grid installations and stand-alone solar solutions in schools and health facilities nationwide.
“This project is a cornerstone of our national development strategy,” said President Bio, adding that the initiative “invests in the health, education, and economic prosperity of our communities, ensuring no one is left behind in our journey toward a brighter future.”
Key Partnerships Driving Progress
Government officials and development partners emphasized the project’s transformative impact on rural electrification, with energy sector leaders reaffirming Sierra Leone’s commitment to renewable energy sources such as solar photovoltaic and hydropower technologies.
“This solar power plant showcases our commitment to providing clean, affordable, and reliable energy to Sierra Leoneans,” said Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security (PI-CREF).
World Bank representatives echoed this sentiment, emphasizing electricity as a key driver of economic growth.
“Access to electricity is fundamental for development,” said Abdu Muwonge, World Bank Country Manager for Sierra Leone. “ESLEAP is designed to unlock opportunities, improve public services, and empower communities.”
Empowering Moyamba Through Solar Innovation
Beyond electrification, the project is boosting local economies, particularly agribusinesses and small-scale enterprises in Moyamba. The initiative has also supported solar maintenance training for 50 women technicians, contributing to workforce development and technical expertise in renewable energy systems.
In total, the ESLEAP project will deliver electricity access to 3,000 households, 200 businesses, and 700 schools and health facilities, aligning with Sierra Leone’s sustainability goals and climate commitments.
The launch of the Moyamba Solar Power Plant is a testament to Sierra Leone’s ambition to transition to clean energy, fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for thousands of citizens.