World Bank Approves $2.2 Billion For “Mission 300” Electrification Program

By John Kelly Marah

Sierra Leone has achieved a major milestone in its energy sector transformation after securing full endorsement from the World Bank and international development partners for the Mission 300 Compact—a flagship $2.2 billion electrification initiative aimed at accelerating universal access to electricity.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Energy during a high-level presentation in Freetown. He confirmed that the endorsement followed months of strategic diplomatic engagements, detailed technical planning, and collaboration between the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Finance, and key partners, such as Sustainable Energy for All (SE4All), the African Development Bank (AfDB), and the World Bank.

Background and Global Context

Mission 300 was launched globally in April 2024 as part of a continental effort to halve Africa’s electricity deficit by providing power to 300 million people out of the 600 million who currently lack access to electricity. Initially, 12 African countries were selected for the program, but Sierra Leone was excluded from the first round, a decision that came as a shock to the government.

President Julius Maada Bio personally intervened during a September 2024 meeting with the World Bank President, urging reconsideration based on Sierra Leone’s energy challenges and ongoing reforms. This marked the turning point that paved the way for the country’s inclusion.

How Sierra Leone Got In

Following the President’s intervention, a high-powered technical team was formed, co-chaired by the Minister of Energy and the Minister of Finance. The team consolidated existing studies and frameworks, including the National Electricity Master Plan, African Development Bank assessments, and the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) roadmap, to design a comprehensive national electrification strategy.

By April 2025, Sierra Leone submitted its outline proposal, which impressed development partners for its ambition and clarity. Initially seeking $3.6 billion in funding, the final proposal was refined to $2.2 billion after several review sessions and technical consultations.

Sierra Leone’s strong analytical work, existing reform agenda, and commitment to renewable energy, positioned it among 17 countries endorsed under Mission 300 by mid-2025.

Reforms and Implementation Focus

The compact includes far-reaching reforms to improve the financial health and operational efficiency of the energy sector. This includes restructuring the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) and the Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC), expanding renewable energy investments, and promoting off-grid solutions for rural communities.

The program will also prioritize:

• Grid expansion to connect underserved districts.
• Renewable energy development, particularly solar and hydro projects.
• Private sector participation through PPP frameworks.
• Institutional capacity building and data-driven energy planning.

Funding and Global Support

The World Bank and African Development Bank have jointly committed over $40 billion to the broader Mission 300 program, while total commitments from global partners amount to $90 billion for electrification projects across Africa. Sierra Leone’s share, valued at $2.2 billion, will finance both public and private sector energy investments over a five-year period.

The Minister emphasized that Sierra Leone’s inclusion was achieved through persistence, data-backed advocacy, and effective diplomacy, noting that while other countries took years to meet the program’s conditions, Sierra Leone achieved it in just six months.

“This endorsement means Sierra Leone’s energy plan has met the highest international standards,” he stated.

“It’s a blueprint for power generation, distribution, and access that is now fully backed by the world’s top development partners.”

Next Steps

The government is expected to finalize implementation frameworks before the end of 2025, paving the way for early-stage projects in 2026. Priority will be given to renewable mini-grids, rural electrification, and transmission network upgrades.

The Mission 300 Compact is expected to significantly improve Sierra Leone’s electrification rate, drive industrialization, and support inclusive economic growth, aligning with the government’s Big Five Game Changers agenda.