US, Sierra Leone signs $480m grant to boost access to electricity

The United States and the Sierra Leonean government signed $480 million Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) grant to boost access to electricity, to foster sustainable economic growth, and to improve the quality of life of Sierra Leonean.
Secretary of the State, Antony Blinken in a statement welcomed the signing of the grant which coupled with a voluntary contribution of $14.2 million from the Sierra Leonean government to fund transformational energy sector investments to deliver affordable and reliable electricity for 4.6 million people.

He added that the grant will also substantially improve the operation of the electrical grid and increase the availability of affordable and reliable electricity for households, businesses, social institutions without adding to the country’s debt burden.
“MCC’s partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone will help unlock the country’s economic potential, empower communities and businesses, and create more prosperous and thriving Sierra Leonean citizenry.

“As we work together to implement this transformational program, the United States welcomes Sierra Leone’s sustained commitment to democratic principles
“Which includes progress on implementation of the Agreement for National Unity, on electoral and constitutional reform, and on pursuit of justice and accountability for electoral violence.

Blinken reaffirmed the United States government’s steadfast support of building a more robust and resilient energy sector, strengthening democracy, and ensuring a brighter future for all the people of Sierra Leone.