I'mDr. Alhaji Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security, led a high-level delegation from the Western and Central Africa Distributed Access to Renewable Energy Services (DARES) group in a meeting with President Julius Maada Bio at State House.

The delegation's visit aligns with a Government Consultative Workshop organized in partnership with Sierra Leone’s government, the World Bank Group, and Sustainable Energy for All. The workshop focuses on addressing barriers to electrification in West and Central Africa while advancing renewable energy access strategies.

During the meeting, Dr. Yumkella emphasized the need to combat energy poverty to drive sustainable development. He praised Sierra Leone's progress in renewable energy under President Bio’s leadership, highlighting the country’s dedication to environmental and economic transformation.

President Bio reaffirmed Sierra Leone's commitment to expanding energy access, emphasizing its importance for improving livelihoods and fostering economic growth. He underscored the necessity of partnerships to accelerate the renewable energy agenda and achieve universal energy access.

The consultative workshop brings together policymakers, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to address challenges and propose actionable solutions. Its outcomes aim to guide strategies ensuring that underserved populations benefit from sustainable energy solutions.

Sierra Leone continues to face significant challenges in electrification, with less than a third of its population having reliable power. Renewable energy initiatives are a key component of the government’s broader strategy to combat climate change, enhance energy security, and drive economic development.