Sierra Leone has affirmed the approval of a $480 million Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact grant by the United States government to support the energy sector. Sierra Leone will contribute an additional $14.2 million to the program.

Signed in September 2024, the MCC Compact aims to modernize Sierra Leone’s energy infrastructure — expanding the national power grid, improving electricity distribution, and strengthening institutions that manage the sector.

Sierra Leone is one of 12 countries globally — and five in Africa — selected from a pool of 25 to benefit from this initiative.

Access to reliable and affordable electricity remains a key constraint to private sector investment in Sierra Leone. The Compact is expected to address this challenge, creating new opportunities for U.S. and international businesses, supporting job creation, and laying the groundwork for long-term trade and cooperation.

The approval comes amid growing U.S.–Sierra Leone engagement and provides a platform for expanding bilateral economic ties. It also reflects international recognition of Sierra Leone’s economic reforms and efforts to create a more competitive, investor-friendly environment.

President Julius Bio’s leadership is acknowledged to have been pivotal in achieving this milestone; with his administration’s focus on economic management, infrastructure development, and global strategic partnerships helping to position Sierra Leone as a credible and serious player on the international stage.

The government is looking forward to beginning the Compact’s implementation phase and strengthening commercial and investment ties with the United States.