In a historic milestone for Sierra Leone, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio officially commissioned the 1-Megawatt Solar Plant in Moyamba Township on Saturday May 17, 2025, restoring 24-hour electricity to the town for the first time in four decades. The new solar facility will provide reliable power to over 3,000 households, marking a transformative moment for the Southern Region district.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, President Bio expressed profound pride in the achievement, calling it a crucial step toward the country’s goal of sustainable and affordable energy access. He emphasized that economic growth and human capital development hinge on dependable electricity.

“This project is yet another shining example of effective collaboration between my Government and our development partners,” the President said. “While my administration funded the construction of the distribution network, our partners financed the installation of the solar PV generation plant and battery storage.”

President Bio extended special thanks to key contributors, including the World Bank and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). He also acknowledged the support of the African Development Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), highlighting the importance of continued partnerships in future energy projects.

The Moyamba Solar Plant serves as a pilot initiative designed to be replicated in other district headquarters across Sierra Leone. “Access to energy is a human right and a critical enabler of human development, especially in the 21st century,” he declared.

Highlighting the far-reaching benefits of reliable electricity, President Bio explained, “It can catalyze business growth, foster entrepreneurship, enhance education and healthcare services and improve the overall quality of life. For too long, rural communities like Moyamba have been left behind.”

He stressed the impact on local farmers, traders, students and healthcare workers. “Farmers will now process and preserve produce efficiently, traders can operate longer hours and students , medical staff will have better resources to perform their duties. If we can achieve this in Moyamba, we can certainly replicate it nationwide.”

Reflecting on the long-standing energy challenges faced by Moyamba since the civil war, President Bio noted that the lack of stable electricity had hindered development and forced reliance on costly, unsustainable power sources.

Reaffirming his Government’s dedication to expanding energy access, he called on Moyamba residents to use the new electricity productively to build businesses, create jobs and uplift their communities.

UNOPS West Africa Director Silvia Gallo praised President Bio’s leadership, stating, “The commissioning of the Moyamba Solar Plant is a clear testament that change is happening. UNOPS is proud to support your vision of energy access for all citizens.”

Similarly, Kagaba Paul Mukibi, Senior Energy Specialist at the World Bank, described the project as a major milestone in Sierra Leone’s electricity expansion efforts. He confirmed the World Bank’s ongoing commitment to supporting off-grid solar systems in schools and healthcare facilities across the country.

Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security, applauded the achievement, noting that President Bio’s energy agenda targets all major sector barriers. He reminded the public, “There is no quick fix to energy challenges anywhere in the world,” and characterized the Moyamba plant as a pilot phase for a broader plan to electrify seven towns by replacing diesel power with clean solar energy.

With the Moyamba Solar Plant now operational, Sierra Leone takes a bold step forward in its journey toward universal, sustainable electricity access, empowering communities and fueling national progress. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/president-bio-unveils-solar-power-milestone-empowering-over-3000-households-in-moyamba/