By Kadijatu Bangura, Reporter D.S
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Daniel Mattai, delivered a compelling keynote address at the 10th Powering Africa Summit, underscoring the transformative impact of U.S.-Africa energy partnerships on his nation’s development.
Minister Mattai emphasized the crucial role of the U.S. Power Africa Initiative, particularly noting the significant $44.4 million Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) grant that has strengthened Sierra Leone’s regulatory, water, and electricity sectors.
A standout moment in his speech was the announcement of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation’s (DFC) $412 million investment in the Nant Energy gas-to-power project. This landmark initiative is set to double Sierra Leone’s energy capacity through the construction of a new 105-megawatt thermal power plant.
Additionally, Minister Mattai highlighted Sierra Leone’s $480 million MCC Compact, launched in 2024. This ambitious project aims to provide electricity to 4.6 million people through strategic investments in transmission, distribution, and sector reforms. He stressed that these initiatives are not just about powering homes and businesses; they are also about creating an investment-friendly environment, stimulating industrial growth, and unlocking the nation’s vast potential in critical minerals, including lithium, nickel, and rare earth elements.
In his concluding remarks, Minister Mattai reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to fostering sustainable, market-driven energy solutions. He called on investors, policymakers, and international partners to build upon existing successes and accelerate progress.
“Sierra Leone stands at the threshold of an energy revolution,” Minister Mattai declared, passionately urging stakeholders to seize this pivotal moment and work collectively towards a future where affordable, reliable, and secure energy is a reality for all.
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