Sierra Leone Electricity Utility Recovery and Energy Access Project Phase 1

pipeline

The Sierra Leone Electricity Sector Recovery and Energy Access Project (SL‑PACE 1) is the first phase of a US$100 million Multiphase Programmatic Approach (MPA) designed to support the transformation of Sierra Leone’s energy sector. As a US$50 million Investment Project Financing project, Phase 1 aims to improve the operational and financial performance of electricity distribution services, establish a functional regulatory framework, and expand access to energy services. The project responds to a structurally constrained electricity sector characterised by low utility capacity, weak governance systems, high distribution losses, weak cost recovery, and continued fiscal pressure. It therefore focuses on utility recovery through support to a new private sector concessionaire, targeted distribution and metering investments, early access and clean energy interventions, and technical assistance for regulatory reform and private investment preparation. The project also sets the critical foundations stage, creating the conditions for Phase 2 to scale access nationally and mobilise private clean energy investment.