Sierra Leone Advances Climate Resilience and Renewable Energy Commitments at National Dialogue

At the inaugural National Dialogue on Climate Resilience and Energy Transition, President Julius Maada Bio emphasized Sierra Leone’s dedication to renewable energy and climate resilience, sharing updates on the country's progressive energy investment roadmap. This event, organized by the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security (PI-CREF), brought together key stakeholders to discuss critical issues related to Sierra Leone’s energy infrastructure and renewable energy challenges, while aiming to rally international support for sustainable initiatives.

Jointly chaired by Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh and Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, Chairman of PI-CREF, the dialogue centered on the theme “From Commitment to Action.” The event addressed core areas such as long-term energy investments, climate finance, off-grid energy solutions, and enhancing resilience within food systems, aligning with Sierra Leone’s Feed Salone initiative.

In his keynote address, President Bio acknowledged Sierra Leone’s high vulnerability to climate change and stressed the urgent need for economic reforms to address these impacts. “Our response to climate change cannot be separated from access to energy, food security, and economic livelihoods,” President Bio said, introducing the Just and Inclusive Energy Transition Plan—a strategic framework to drive Sierra Leone’s shift towards renewable energy and climate-resilient agriculture.

President Bio extended his gratitude to Sierra Leone’s development partners, whose support has been instrumental in advancing the country’s renewable energy ambitions. He described the dialogue as a transformative step toward Sierra Leone’s energy goals and an opportunity to tackle systemic issues within the sector.

Deputy Minister of Energy Dr. Eldred Taylor elaborated on the challenges facing Sierra Leone’s energy infrastructure, specifically noting that the lack of reliable electricity continues to limit economic growth. “Today, as we come together from different parts of the energy sector and the world, we unite around a common purpose: creating a sustainable, efficient, and inclusive energy future,” he stated. He also acknowledged key partnerships with the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact, World Bank support for the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), and the enactment of the EWRC Act, all aimed at revitalizing the sector. 

This national dialogue underscored Sierra Leone’s heightened commitment to renewable energy and climate resilience, providing a critical platform for moving the government’s energy, climate, and economic transformation goals from vision to reality.