World Bank Approves $60 Million for Sierra Leone Energy Access

World Bank Approves $60 Million for Sierra Leone Energy Access

The World Bank has approved US$60 million in financing for Sierra Leone under the Regional Programme for Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Solutions (Regional DARES). This initiative is a critical component of a broader US$200 million regional package and an $853 million regional strategy aimed at improving energy access.

Currently, only 36% of Sierra Leoneans have electricity access. To bridge this gap, Regional DARES will deploy solar home systems and mini-grids, targeting rural and underserved communities that are difficult to reach via the national grid. 

The program aims to connect over 1.2 million individuals and 24,000 businesses, while mobilizing $54 million in private investment.

Aligned with the Mission 300 initiative to provide power to 300 million Africans by 2030, the project focuses on four key pillars:

• Households: Expanding access for remote populations.

• Productive Use of Energy (PUE): Enhancing agricultural productivity and food security.

• Public Services: Electrifying critical health and educational infrastructure.

• Policy Alignment: Strengthening regulatory frameworks and national energy capacity.

Minister of Energy, Hon. Cyril Grant, described the investment as a significant milestone toward universal electricity access, emphasizing the efficiency of distributed renewable energy for rural reach. 

Building on existing reforms like the Respite Project, this program will accelerate Sierra Leone's transition to a cleaner, more resilient, and reliable energy infrastructure.