By Kadijatu Bangura, Reporter D.S
Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Morocco, Alhaji Momodu Koroma, recently met with Dr. Leila Benali, Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, to explore opportunities for bilateral cooperation in energy transition and sustainable development.
The meeting centered on potential collaboration in renewable energy, rural electrification, and sustainable mineral management. Both parties emphasized the significance of knowledge exchange and institutional partnerships. A key topic was the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between Sierra Leone and Morocco regarding energy cooperation, which includes the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN) and the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE). Ambassador Koroma extended an invitation for representatives from these agencies to visit Sierra Leone for an on-ground assessment.
Ambassador Koroma also expressed Sierra Leone’s keen interest in the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline project, designed to connect Nigeria to Morocco and supply gas throughout West Africa and into Europe. The MOU, signed on December 5, 2022, in Rabat, outlines a $25 billion pipeline project that aims to provide energy to approximately 340 million people while reducing gas flaring in the region.
The discussions further highlighted Morocco’s initiatives for regional integration and South-South cooperation, particularly under the leadership of King Mohammed VI. These initiatives include the Africa-Atlantic Gas Pipeline and the broader Africa-Atlantic Initiative.
Ambassador Koroma reiterated the commitment of both nations to enhance their bilateral ties and cooperation for mutual benefit.
Access to energy remains a significant challenge for the Sierra Leonean government, with data from 2021 indicating that less than 30 percent of the population has access to electricity. In rural areas, this figure is even lower, with only 4.9 percent having reliable access. The government aims to improve access in rural regions to achieve near-universal electrification by 2030, focusing on expanding mini-grids.
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