Dr. Kandeh Yumkella Reacts as President Bio Appoints New Energy Minister

Dr. Kandeh Yumkella Reacts as President Bio Appoints New Energy Minister

Dr. Kandeh Yumkella has formally acknowledged President Julius Maada Bio’s appointment of Mr. Cyril Arnold Grant as the new substantive Minister of Energy, concluding his own 14-month tenure leading the sector.

On Thursday, October 8, Dr. Yumkella extended his congratulations and reflected on his departure. “I congratulate Mr. Cyril Grant on his appointment as the substantive Minister of Energy. Mr. Grant is a highly accomplished technocrat with a robust technical understanding of the energy sector,” Dr. Yumkella stated.

He further expressed his gratitude, adding, “I thank President Julius Maada Bio for providing me the opportunity to manage the sector over the past 14 months and navigate the various crises. Through M300, we have successfully established a clear vision and mission for the sector.”

Dr. Yumkella's leadership in the energy sector commenced in August 2024 with his appointment as Chair of the newly established Energy Governance Coordination Group. His role expanded significantly in December 2024 when the President directed both Deputy Minister of Energy 1 and Deputy Minister of Energy 2 to report directly to him, positioning him as the effective sector lead.

During his service, Dr. Yumkella prioritized enhancing coordination among key energy institutions, including the Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC), the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), and the Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC), establishing a critical foundation for long-term sector improvements.

Due to constitutional restrictions precluding Dr. Yumkella from serving as a minister, the path was cleared for Cyril Arnold Grant to assume full responsibility for the Ministry of Energy. Mr. Grant’s appointment, announced on November 6, 2025, is currently pending parliamentary approval.

This leadership transition signifies a new phase in Sierra Leone’s ongoing strategy to address national energy challenges and advance development goals, with the expectation of building upon the groundwork established during Dr. Yumkella’s leadership.