The energy sector is set to receive a game changing $1. 4 billion investment. This is expected to boost distribution and use of electricity in the country.

Also the move is expected to promote growth and enhance employment. FS conducted a public opinion poll on this move. Opinions are split but its generally seen and welcomed as a good move that would tackle the energy infrastructure problems and hasten the process of transitioning to the use of renewable energy sources.

Most of the funding will be allocated to renewable energy projects such as solar, wind, and hydropower. Sierra Leone has a lot of natural resources especially on solar energy which the experts think can assist the country to move away from the use of fossil fuels that are costly and hazardous to the environment.

Edward Kamara, an energy expert based in Freetown welcomed this development. “This huge amount of $1. 4 billion will improve the energy system, strengthen the energy infrastructure and increase the access of affordable and clean energy to all Sierra Leonean. This is a historic moment for Sierra Leone”

Kadiatu Bah, Chief Executive Officer of Solar Power in Freetown also expressed delight in the development. ”Renewable energy is the future of Sierra Leone and this investment is a great milestone toward achieving that future. With this amount being invested, we will be able to grow the number of solar systems we install especially in the rural areas where there is either no access to electricity or a very limited one.”

”The infrastructure of our grid is old and this funding will assist in the necessary upgrades that are required in order to enhance efficiency and reliability,” Mohamed Jalloh, Director of the Sierra Leone Electricity Corporation (SLEC) opined that the investment will also help in the energy grid modernization for the improvement of transmission and distribution systems to supply electricity to the remote areas.

Aminata Kamara, an environmental policy expert, welcomed the initiative, saying it is in line with Sierra Leone’s effort to cut its emissions and achieve its international climate objectives “Sierra Leone has the potential to capitalize on the global shift to green energy.” The country is making investments in renewables so that it can bypass obsolete technologies and create a cleaner energy economy for the future.”

There is also optimism that such a wave of investments would also generate large amounts of employment. Alhaji Jusu, an economic development officer at the Ministry of Finance said that, “This $1.4 billion investment will be able to generate thousands of new jobs not only in energy generation, but in other sectors like manufacturing, construction, and research as well.” This is a chance for Sierra Leone to broaden its economic base and create a more robust labor market.

Even if the inverse of the problem revitalizes hopes for new energy investments, there are issues with ensuring the efficacy of such investments. 'We also should be sure about the use of this investment; It should be transparent and accountable,' said Mariama Koroma of the Sierra Leone Environmental Justice Group. “The aim is not only to increase energy access but to do so in a manner that takes into account residents and the negative impacts are mitigated.”

Yet, despite these difficulties, most people seem to acknowledge the fact that the $1.4 billion investment marks a turning point in Sierra Leone’s energy development. The massive amount of funding provides the nation with an opportunity to restructure its energy systems, eliminate decades-old electricity supply barriers, and transform to a new and safer era of growth.

With the recent step taken by Sierra Leone concerning this crucial investment, the understanding of how the energy sector can be a catalyst for economic development, uplift the quality of life, and meet the environmental objectives at the global level is more evident. The country is now on the cusp of a new era of investment that is poised to transform the energy landscape and establish a robust and sustainable economy for the future.