Sierra Leone - Enhancing Sierra Leone Energy Access Project : Additional Financing

Overview & Synopsis

The development objective of the Enhancing Sierra Leone Energy Access Project for Sierra Leone is to increase electricity access and improve the Project Implementing Entity’s operational performance. The additional financing (AF) aims to mitigate the cost overruns that impact the Project Development Objective (PDO) of the parent project and introduce new activities to address sector challenges, as well as build the capacity of the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA). The AF will finance the cost overruns related to: (a) design change in route of the 66 kV and 33 kV lines based on detailed surveys; (b) design change in the mini-grids sub-component due to increased size of the Moyamba mini grid from planned 700 kV to 1.1MW; and (c) delays in competitive procurement for supply and installation of solar home systems due to higher than expected pricing. The AF will support infrastructure works to increase access and reliability of the grid. The AF will also seek to extend the project’s closing date by 12 months, from December 31, 2025, to December 31, 2026.