By Musa Kamara

After a week of intensive public engagement across major radio and television stations, Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, Energy Sector Lead, concluded his “Energy Media Rounds” at Liberty TV Online with a powerful message of hope, reform, and national transformation through energy.

In his final stop on Thursday, Dr. Yumkella provided a comprehensive update on Sierra Leone’s energy governance reforms and the status of ongoing and upcoming projects aimed at strengthening the country’s power sector. He emphasized the critical role of political leadership, describing energy as a "vested interest" that touches every sphere; political, economic, and social.

“One thing I have truly appreciated is the massive political will and support that President Julius Maada Bio has consistently demonstrated,” Dr. Yumkella said. “He is, in every sense, the Minister of Energy.”

Dr. Yumkella praised President Bio’s hands-on leadership and unwavering commitment to transforming the sector, calling it both “admirable and commendable.” He noted that the President’s energy vision is not short-term, but strategically structured for medium- and long-term impact.

A key component of that vision is the ambitious plan to increase the country’s generation capacity by mid-2026. According to Dr. Yumkella, Sierra Leone will begin phasing out reliance on the Kapowership by 2026, with significant additions to the national grid that will particularly benefit the capital, Freetown.

He also highlighted several ongoing short-term interventions designed to cushion current energy challenges while the country works steadily toward sustainable, long-term solutions. Among these are reforms at the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), which, he said, is key to improving the country’s energy sector. 

“We need a more viable, debt-resilient EDSA that can deliver quality service,” he said. “The goal is not just to generate more electricity, but also to improve how it is transmitted and distributed across the country.” Dr. Yumkella disclosed several initiatives in the pipeline aimed at strengthening transmission lines nationwide and expanding distribution capacity to meet growing demand.

Most notably, he spotlighted the Mission 300 Compact, describing it as “the biggest energy deal President Bio will be leaving behind,” with the potential to decisively resolve Sierra Leone’s energy problems and position the country for future prosperity. In his closing remarks, Dr. Yumkella appealed for national patience and understanding.

“Energy development is complex and takes time,” he said. “But the path is clear, the leadership is strong, and the commitment is real. With collective support, Sierra Leone will transition to a reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy future.”

His message concluded a week-long campaign of open communication and transparency, a strategy that has helped bring clarity to the government’s energy agenda and strengthened public trust in the reforms ahead.