U.S. awards $480m grant to S/Leone to enhance energy sector

The United States has signed a $480 million Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) grant to the Government of Sierra Leone to boost access to electricity, foster sustainable economic growth, and to improve the quality of life of its citizens.

This grant, coupled with a voluntary contribution of $14.2 million from the Government of Sierra Leone, will fund transformational energy sector investments to deliver affordable and reliable electricity for 4.6 million people.
 
The grant will substantially improve the operation of the electrical grid and increase the availability of affordable and reliable electricity for households, businesses, and 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 a more prosperous and thriving Sierra Leonean citizenry.
   
A statement by United States, Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, read, “As we work together to implement this transformational program, the United States welcomes Sierra Leone’s sustained commitment to democratic principles, including progress on implementation of the Agreement for National Unity, on electoral and constitutional reform, and on pursuit of justice and accountability for electoral violence.
 
“The U.S. government remains steadfast in its support of building a more robust and resilient energy sector, strengthening democracy, and ensuring a brighter future for all the people of Sierra Leone.”