By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has chaired the inaugural meeting of the Millennium Challenge Account–Sierra Leone (MCA-SL) Board of Directors, marking a major step forward in the implementation of the $480 million Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Energy Compact.
The historic meeting, held on Friday, January 23, 2026, signals the beginning of a new phase of strategic oversight and institutional coordination aimed at ensuring that the compact delivers lasting improvements to Sierra Leone’s power sector. The Vice President’s leadership at the first sitting of the Board underscores Government’s commitment to strengthening governance structures and ensuring that the compact’s objectives translate into real benefits for households, businesses and national development.
Speaking after chairing the session, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh described the inaugural engagement as a major milestone for Sierra Leone, coming at a time when the country is positioning itself for a future driven by sustainable energy access, expanded infrastructure and stronger international cooperation.
“I chaired the inaugural meeting of the MCA-Sierra Leone Board of Directors overseeing the $480 million MCC Energy Compact implementation. I am excited about the future of United States–Sierra Leone relations and more importantly, the impact the Compact will have on Sierra Leone’s energy sector,” the Vice President stated.
Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh noted that the meeting was particularly significant because it followed the adoption of the national energy sector roadmap, a guiding framework expected to shape reforms and investment priorities across the power sector. He expressed confidence that the steps being taken reflect Sierra Leone’s determination to resolve longstanding electricity challenges through partnership, innovation and accountability.
“This meeting is a significant milestone following the adoption of the energy sector roadmap yesterday. The future of Sierra Leone is indeed very bright,” he added.
The United States Embassy in Freetown also hailed the inaugural Board meeting as a landmark achievement in the mobilization of the energy compact, congratulating the Government of Sierra Leone for reaching a critical stage in the programme’s rollout.
“Congratulations to the Government of Sierra Leone on a milestone achievement in MCC Compact mobilization! The MCA Board of Directors had its inaugural meeting and orientation, chaired by Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh. The MCA Board will help ensure that U.S. investments are used effectively and responsibly, advancing American interests while supporting Sierra Leone’s progress,” the Embassy stated on its official platform.
The MCA-SL Board is expected to play a central role in supervising the compact’s implementation by ensuring transparency, efficiency and responsible utilization of funds. With the Vice President at the helm, the Board is mandated to provide strategic direction and oversight so that the compact’s long-term impact can be fully realized and protected.
The $480 million MCC Energy Compact is widely considered one of the largest single investments in Sierra Leone’s electricity sector, designed to support a five-year programme focused on improving power infrastructure, expanding access and strengthening reforms across the system. For years, Sierra Leoneans have endured persistent power supply challenges, including frequent blackouts, low voltage and limited electricity coverage; factors that continue to affect businesses, public services and quality of life.
Under the compact, experts say targeted interventions will address both technical limitations and institutional weaknesses that have slowed the sector’s growth. Key priorities include strengthening transmission capacity to improve grid stability, upgrading distribution networks to reduce losses and improve service reliability and supporting reforms that enhance planning, regulation and operational performance within the energy industry.
Analysts believe that achieving reliable electricity is essential to Sierra Leone’s broader development agenda, as stable power is directly linked to economic productivity, job creation, improved health services, quality education delivery and stronger investor confidence. Improved electricity access is also expected to reduce dependence on expensive generators, lowering operating costs for enterprises and helping communities thrive.
With Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh guiding the compact through the MCA Board’s leadership structure, Government officials and development partners remain optimistic that Sierra Leone is now firmly on track toward achieving sustainable improvements in energy access, national efficiency and long-term economic growth.
