Trump Orders Oil Sector To Keep Prices Low After Strikes On Iran
President Donald Trump on Monday called on U.S. and global oil producers to keep crude prices from spiking, following coordinated airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. The strikes targeted key sites at Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow, escalating tensions in the Gulf.
Trump posted on Truth Social: “EVERYONE, KEEP OIL PRICES DOWN. I’M WATCHING! YOU’RE PLAYING RIGHT INTO THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY. DON’T DO IT!” He added: “DRILL, BABY, DRILL!!! And I mean NOW!!!”, framing energy as a national security issue amid fears of market instability.
Brent crude initially jumped more than 4% to breach $81 a barrel early Monday before settling near $76.90 as traders evaluated Iran’s response and continued tanker flow through the Strait of Hormuz, which handles roughly 20% of global oil shipments.
Despite Trump’s public appeal, there has been no major movement among U.S. producers to adjust supply. While Trump’s call echoed his first-term energy posture, most companies are focused on shareholder returns, not rapid output expansion. A Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) analyst noted that producers “base decisions on long-term economics, not presidential tweets”.
The Financial Times reported that U.S. output is expected to peak this year before declining in 2026, citing reduced investment and higher capital discipline across shale basins. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, when asked for specifics, said only, “We’re on it.”
Goldman Sachs analysts warned that Brent could breach $100 if Iran retaliates by disrupting Hormuz traffic, though current flows remain stable.
As of 11:27 p.m. ET, Brent crude was priced at $76.24 per barrel, down 1% on the day, while WTI was trading at $73.07. All eyes now turn to Tehran’s next move, and whether U.S. producers hold the line or respond to market signals.
Source:oilprice.com
Uzbekistan Explores Large-Scale Nuclear Power Plant Option With Rosatom
Rosatom has signed an agreement with Uzbekistan’s Uzatom Atomic Energy Agency to explore the possibility of building a gigawatt-scale nuclear power plant featuring two or four VVER-1000 units.
This development builds on their existing project to construct a small modular reactor plant in the Jizzah region, which will feature six RITM-200N water-cooled reactors.
Rosatom Director General Alexei Likhachev said: “The Rosatom State Corporation is pleased to be a strategic partner of Uzbekistan in the development of nuclear energy, the combination of small and large-capacity nuclear power plants can form a powerful ‘carbon-free energy cluster’ in Uzbekistan and become a response to the country’s growing needs for electricity, as well as the basis for the development of industry and innovative industries in the country.”
Azim Akhmedkhadjaev, Director of the Atomic Energy Agency, said: “We consider the construction of a high-capacity NPP as a source for creating a reliable and balanced energy system capable of covering both the current and future needs of the country for electricity – environmentally friendly energy.
The signing of the agreement allows us to begin active development of the key conditions for the possibility of implementing the project for the construction of a high-capacity nuclear power plant.
A joint Working Group has been created that will study the main aspects of the project and assess the cost of construction.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Zambia: ERB Approves 43 Licences And 6 Construction Permits For Energy Projects Worth $159 Million
Zambia’s Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has approved 43 licence applications and six construction permits across the petroleum, electricity, and renewable energy sub-sectors, with a total investment value of ZMW 3.9 billion (approximately US$159 million).
The 43 approved licences span a wide range of energy-related activities critical to strengthening Zambia’s energy value chain. These include the manufacture, supply, installation, and maintenance of renewable energy generating equipment; the distribution, import, and export of petroleum products and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG); and the importation, blending, packaging, distribution, and export of lubricants. Additionally, ERB granted licences for electricity generation activities.
Among the six construction permits approved, two are for large-scale renewable energy projects.
Fitula Solar Company Limited received authorization to construct a 12 MWdc Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant in Chingola at an estimated cost of US$11.5 million. Garneton South Solar Limited will develop a 20 MWac Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant in Kitwe, representing an investment of US$22.9 million.
According to ERB, these undertakings are vital to enhancing energy availability, promoting the adoption of cleaner and more efficient technologies, and ensuring a reliable supply of energy products and services across the country.
Furthermore, the ERB has licensed 85 road tank vehicles to support the safe and efficient transportation of petroleum products and authorized six newly constructed service stations to begin operations.
These developments are integral to expanding energy access, improving safety standards, and enhancing service delivery nationwide.
The ERB remains committed to fostering a transparent, predictable, and supportive regulatory environment that encourages sustainable energy investments, aligned with the Government’s national development agenda and energy transition goals.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: PIAC, Ghana Gas Forge Stronger Partnership For Sustainable Energy Development
The Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC), an independent statutory body to promote transparency and accountability in petroleum revenue management, and Ghana National Gas Limited Company (Ghana Gas) have reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate in promoting transparency, efficiency, and sustainable development in the oil and gas sector.
To deepen the collaboration between the two institutions, a high-level delegation from PIAC, led by Chairperson Mr. Constantine Kudzedzi, paid a courtesy visit to Ghana Gas’s head office in Accra, where they met with CEO Ms. Judith Adjobah Blay and her deputies.
During the meeting, both parties emphasized the importance of continuous partnership in driving shared goals.
They recognized the need for collaboration to ensure the efficient management of Ghana’s energy resources.
Mr. Kudzedzi commended Ghana Gas for its consistent compliance with PIAC’s oversight requirements, particularly the timely submission of reports.
Ghana Gas has demonstrated its commitment to accountability and transparency in the energy sector.
Ms. Blay highlighted the company’s longstanding relationship with PIAC and reiterated its commitment to supporting the Committee’s oversight mandate.
The renewed commitment from Ghana Gas and PIAC is expected to yield positive outcomes for the energy sector, promoting sustainable development through collaborative efforts.
The meeting provided a platform for both parties to discuss critical energy sector issues and explore solutions.
By working together, PIAC and Ghana Gas can ensure a more efficient and effective management of Ghana’s energy resources, ultimately contributing to the country’s sustainable development.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
US Asks China To Stop Iran From Closing Strait Of Hormuz
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called on China to prevent Iran from closing the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping routes.
His appeal came after Iran’s state-run Press TV reported that parliament had approved a plan to close the Strait but added that the final decision lies with the Supreme National Security Council.
Any disruption to the supply of oil would have profound consequences for the economy.
China in particular is the world’s largest buyer of Iranian oil and has a close relationship with Tehran.
Oil prices rose following the US attack on Iranian nuclear sites, with the price of the benchmark Brent crude reaching its highest level in five months.
“I encourage the Chinese government in Beijing to call them [Iran] about that, because they heavily depend on the Straits of Hormuz for their oil,” Rubio had said in an interview with Fox News on Sunday.
“If they [close the Straits]… it will be economic suicide for them. And we retain options to deal with that, but other countries should be looking at that as well. It would hurt other countries’ economies a lot worse than ours.”
Around 20% of the world’s oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz, with major oil and gas producers in the Middle East using the waterway to transport energy from the region.
Any attempt to disrupt operations in the Strait could send global oil prices skyrocketing.
Oil prices jumped briefly when trading began on Monday, with Brent climbing to $81.40 a barrel. However, it then slid back to around $78, up 1.4% on the day.
“The US is now positioned with an overwhelming defence posture in the region to be prepared for any Iran counter-attacks. But the risk for oil prices is the situation could escalate severely further,” said Saul Kavonic, head of energy research at MST Financial.
The cost of crude oil affects everything from how much it costs to fill up your car to the price of food at the supermarket.
China in particular buys more oil from Iran than any other nation – with its imports from Iran surpassing 1.8 million barrels per day last month, according to data by ship tracking firm Vortexa.
Other major Asian economies, including India, Japan and South Korea, also rely heavily on crude oil that passes through the Strait.
Energy analyst Vandana Hari has said Iran has “little to gain and too much to lose” from closing the Strait.
“Iran risks turning its oil and gas producing neighbours in the Gulf into enemies and invoking the ire of its key market China by disrupting traffic in the Strait,” Ms Hari told BBC News.
The US joined the conflict between Iran and Israel over the weekend, with President Donald Trump saying Washington had “obliterated” Tehran’s key nuclear sites.
However, it is not clear how much damage the strikes inflicted, with the UN’s nuclear watchdog saying it was unable to assess the damage at the heavily fortified Fordo underground nuclear site. Iran has said there was only minor damage to Fordo.
Trump also warned Iran that it would face “far worse” future attacks if the country did not abandon its nuclear programme.
On Monday, Beijing said the US strikes had damaged Washington’s credibility and called for an immediate ceasefire.
China’s UN Ambassador Fu Cong said all parties should restrain “the impulse of force… and adding fuel to the fire”, according to a state-run CCTV report.
In an editorial, Beijing’s state newspaper Global Times also said US involvement in Iran “had further complicated and destabilised the Middle East situation” and that it was pushing the conflict to an “uncontrollable state”.
Source: BBC News
The US joined the conflict between Iran and Israel over the weekend, with President Donald Trump saying Washington had “obliterated” Tehran’s key nuclear sites.
However, it is not clear how much damage the strikes inflicted, with the UN’s nuclear watchdog saying it was unable to assess the damage at the heavily fortified Fordo underground nuclear site. Iran has said there was only minor damage to Fordo.
Trump also warned Iran that it would face “far worse” future attacks if the country did not abandon its nuclear programme.
On Monday, Beijing said the US strikes had damaged Washington’s credibility and called for an immediate ceasefire.
China’s UN Ambassador Fu Cong said all parties should restrain “the impulse of force… and adding fuel to the fire”, according to a state-run CCTV report.
In an editorial, Beijing’s state newspaper Global Times also said US involvement in Iran “had further complicated and destabilised the Middle East situation” and that it was pushing the conflict to an “uncontrollable state”.
Source: BBC News Ghana: Genser Energy Announces Several Employment Opportunities For Job Seekers
Genser Energy Ghana Limited (GEGL), a subsidiary of Genser Energy, is recruiting individuals to join its Ghana office, with diverse portfolios available for prospective job seekers.
The available positions include the following:
Communications Manager
- Community Relations Manager
- Environmental Associate Environmental Superintendent
- Health & Safety Manager
- Shift Charge Engineer
- Shift Charge Engineer
- Controls & Instrumentation (C&I) Reliability Superintendent
- Electrical Reliability Superintendent Electrical Reliability Superintendent
- Electrical Reliability Superintendent Shift Charge Engineer
- Controls & Instrumentation (C&I) Reliability Engineer
- Electrical Reliability Superintendent
- Mechanical Reliability Engineer
- Shift Charge Engineer – Cryogenic and Fractionation
- Shift Charge Engineer – Utilities
- Purchasing Associate (Corporate)
- Purchasing Associate (Operations)
- Senior Purchasing Associate (Corporate)
- Mechanical Reliability Engineer
- Shift Charge Engineer
Nigeria: NNPC Ltd Spokesperson Femi Soneye Resigns
Nigeria’s National Petroleum Corporation Ltd (NNPC Ltd) Spokesperson, Mr. Femi Soneye, has resigned after 20 months in the position.
Soneye announced his resignation in a statement on Saturday, extending his heartfelt gratitude to the media and all Nigerians for their support, professionalism, and genuine commitment.
Soneye stated that he “stepped aside” from the role as Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd to devote more time to his family and attend to personal responsibilities that “now require my closer presence.”
“It has been a profound honor to serve both the Company and our country, and to contribute in my own way to the ongoing transformation of NNPC Ltd,” the statement reads.
“I am deeply grateful for the trust reposed in me, the opportunities granted, and the incredible professionals both within and outside the organization with whom I have worked.”
Soneye expressed his continued support for NNPC Ltd, stating, “I remain a steadfast supporter and ambassador of NNPC Ltd wherever I go. I enjoin you, dear colleagues, to continue your robust, balanced, and constructive reportage in support of the Company’s noble mission and strategic role in Nigeria’s energy future.”
It would be recalled that three months ago, President Bola Tinubu sacked Mele Kyari and replaced him with Bayo Ojulari as the Group Chief Managing Director (GCMD), while Ahmadu Musa Kida was named NNPC Ltd’s non-executive chairman.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
US Warplanes Strike Three Iranian Nuclear Sites
The United States of America has carried out a “very successful attack” on three nuclear sites on Iran, President Donald Trump has said, while Tehran has warned of “everlasting” consequences.
Bunker buster bombs were dropped on the heavily protected Fordow enrichment plant, which is buried deep under a mountain near the city of Qom, as well as sites at Natanz and Isfahan.
The dramatic escalation brings the US into direct involvement in the war between Israel and Iran. Tehran’s threat of reprisals raises fears of a wider regional conflict.
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi warned that the US strikes “will have everlasting consequences”, adding that his country “reserves all options” to retaliate.
US defence secretary Pete Hegseth said America’s ‘Operation Midnight Hammer’ had “devastated the Iranian nuclear programme” but confirmed the strikes were “not about regime change”.
“The United States does not seek war, but let me be clear – we will act swiftly and decisively when our people, our partners, or our interests are threatened,” he said.
Iran has repeatedly denied that it is seeking a nuclear weapon, and the head of the UN’s nuclear watchdog said in June that it has no proof of a “systematic effort to move into a nuclear weapon”.
The Iranian foreign minister told journalists on Sunday morning that he was flying to Moscow to have “serious consultations” with Vladimir Putin.
He described Moscow as a “friend of Iran”, adding: “We always consult with each other.”
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRCG) said that “invaders must now await responses that will bring regret” after US strikes.
Iran has requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council to “maintain international peace and condemn the US strikes”, according to state media.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the “bold decision” by Mr Trump, saying it would “change history”.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it launched 40 missiles at Israel on Sunday morning, including its biggest ballistic missile, the Khorramshahr-4.
Iranian missiles hit sites in northern and central Israel, including in Haifa, Ness Ziona, Rishon LeZion and Tel Aviv.
Zambia: Globeleq Signs Share Purchase Agreement With Norfund To Acquire Majority Stake In The Lunsemfwa Hydro Power Company
Globeleq, the leading independent power company in Africa, has signed a share purchase agreement with Norfund, the Norwegian development institution, for the proposed acquisition of a 51% equity stake in the Zambian entity, Lunsemfwa Hydro Power Company (LHPC), while the remaining 49% will be owned by Wanda Gorge Investments, a Zambia-based infrastructure investment company.
The remaining 49% of LHPC is owned by Wanda Gorge Investments, a Zambian based infrastructure Investment Company.
LHPC operates two hydroelectric power plants totaling 56MW and is constructing a 20MW solar PV project.
Based in Kabwe in Zambia’s Central Province, LHPC sells power to the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation through a power purchase agreement and a portfolio of private customers, which include Copperbelt Energy Corporation and Jubilee Metals.
It also holds a Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) electricity trading license.
This agreement marks a pivotal step for Globeleq’s Zambian energy market entry where Globeleq can provide solutions to a range of public and private energy intensive consumers.
This acquisition also represents the company’s first investment in hydropower in Africa, further enhancing its diversified renewable portfolio which includes solar, wind, battery energy storage (BESS), hybrid solar plus BESS, and geothermal power plants.
Zambia is a priority country for Globeleq’s growth strategy where the company is leading the development of a 400MW+ greenfield portfolio of solar, wind power, BESS and hybrid projects, including its 54MWp Kafue solar project awarded under the GETFiT Zambia programme.
The completion of the transaction is expected to be finalised in the second half of 2025.
Jonathan Hoffman, Globeleq’s CEO commented: “We are excited about this opportunity to enter the Zambian market. LHPC’s established team, operations and trading capabilities combined with our extensive experience in Africa, create a strong platform to support Zambia’s broader energy objectives and deliver solutions to a range of energy consumers in the region.”
Øystein Øyehaug, Investment Director at Norfund added: “In seeking a partner for this transition, our priority was to find the right investor—one with the capability to manage well, enhance operational performance, elevate standards, and unlock the long-term growth potential of LHPC. With more than 20 years of experience operating in Africa, we are confident that Globeleq is the right fit to lead the LHPC into its next chapter.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Uganda: Petroleum Authority Appoints Steven Enach As Midstream Director
The Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) has appointed Mr. Steven Enach as the new Director for Midstream, a key leadership position overseeing regulation and development of Uganda’s critical oil and gas infrastructure, including refinery and pipeline systems.
This was contained in a statement issued last Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
He brings over 15 years of experience in Uganda’s oil and gas sector to the role.
A seasoned petroleum scientist and business executive, he has a distinguished career marked by technical expertise and strategic leadership in midstream operations.
Mr. Enach holds a Bachelor of Science in Technology (Chemistry) from Kyambogo University and a Master of Science in Refinery Design and Operations from the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom.
Enach began his career in public service in 2009, serving at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) as a Petroleum Geochemist and later as Head of the Chemical and Process Section. He joined the Petroleum Authority in 2018 as Manager for Refining and Gas Processing, where he has spearheaded regulation of midstream activities.
His recent work included participation in government negotiations with Alpha MBM Investments of the UAE, which culminated in the March 2025 signing of the refinery implementation agreement.
The Petroleum Authority of Uganda said Mr. Enach’s promotion reflects the institution’s drive to uphold technical excellence and foster sustainable development in Uganda’s petroleum value chain.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa: Energy Security Is Government’s Priority – Graham-Maré
South Africa’s Deputy Minister for Electricity and Energy, Samantha Graham-Maré, has stated that electricity generation to deal with load shedding is the government’s priority.
“Our first priority in South Africa is energy security, and beyond that, we can start to have conversations, and we are quite prepared to make sure that everything we do corresponds to our commitments to climate change.”
Graham-Maré made these remarks during an interview with SABC News on the sidelines of the Africa Energy Forum in Cape Town. She emphasized the need to balance energy security with climate change commitments.
“We have seen a lot of lives lost during the flooding in the Eastern Cape. We can’t afford climate shocks as well, but we have to make sure that everything we do is done with South Africa in mind, we have to make sure we take our people along with us.”
The Deputy Minister added that any move towards decarbonization should not result in job losses but rather generate new jobs and uplift the people.
“We have to make sure that any move in terms of decarbonisation doesn’t result in job losses but in fact we actually generate new jobs-uplifting our people and building an economy on the back of a strong economy.”
According to Prof. Mark Swilling, Co-director of the Centre for Sustainability Transitions (CST), the development of energy transmission infrastructure in the country is expected to cost around R400 billion over the next 10 years.
“The special development plan which makes provisions for 14,400 km of new lines plus sub-stations over the next 10 years will cost about R400 billion. It’s the biggest infrastructure project since 1994.”
Swilling noted that the energy transmission projects will be public-private partnership programs and will be financed by both sectors.
“The government equity injection to Eskom has helped to do that, but the national transmission company needs to be able to borrow more, but also bring in the private sector into the component of the infrastructure built programme.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: GNPC Reaffirms Strategic Role In West Africa’s Energy Future
The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) has reaffirmed its commitment to energy transformation and regional integration with a forward-looking gas strategy unveiled at the 2025 West Africa Gas Summit in Accra.
Making a presentation on the theme “GNPC’s Vision and Role in the Gas Sector,” the Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Finance, Administration, and Commerce, Mr. Hamis Ussif, articulated the Corporation’s evolving role in Ghana’s gas sector and its broader vision for West Africa’s energy future, with a resounding call for strategic partnerships and infrastructure investment.
A Vision For The Future
“GNPC sees gas not just as a fuel, but as the bridge to a more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous energy future for Ghana and the sub-region,” Mr. Ussif noted, adding that “natural gas is the unsung hero of our energy narrative; quietly powering industries, homes, and opportunities.”
He called on energy actors and policymakers in the region to recognize the immense potential of natural gas for energy security and economic transformation.
Infrastructure, Innovation, And Inclusion
Mr. Ussif underscored GNPC’s vision to become a globally respected oil and gas company, with operations that improve the quality of life for Ghanaians. He stated that GNPC’s growing gas portfolio is vital not only for meeting domestic energy demands but also for supporting industrialization, lowering electricity tariffs, and contributing to the Government’s efforts to make Ghana the energy hub of the sub-region.
Current Gas Supply And Future Plans
Currently, Ghana’s natural gas supply averages 425 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd), drawn from the Jubilee and TEN fields, the Sankofa-Gye Nyame field, and imports from Nigeria.
This gas fuels about 70 percent of the country’s electricity generation. However, there are deficits in supply, and demand is projected to continue to rise, thus increasing the deficit for both domestic users and regional trade.
Increasing Gas Production
In response, GNPC is working with its partners to ramp up domestic production. By July 2025, gas output from the Jubilee field is expected to increase from 100 MMscfd to 140 MMscfd, while the Sankofa field is expected to increase production from 245 MMscfd to 270 MMscfd.
Mr. Ussif also pointed out that these increases would still not eliminate the deficit in Ghana. Therefore, GNPC is working with its partners to operationalize the LNG import terminal in Ghana in 2026.
Strategic Investments
GNPC’s role as an enabler in the gas value chain was highlighted by several transformative investments. Mr. Ussif pointed to the Corporation’s $190 million financing of the Takoradi-Tema Interconnection Project (TTIP), which has enabled the reverse flow of gas on the West African Gas Pipeline. This investment has improved flexibility in domestic gas transportation and energy security.
Private Sector Collaboration
Recognizing the need for expanded capacity and innovation, Mr. Ussif extended an invitation to private sector players to partner with GNPC in shaping Ghana’s gas future.
He highlighted upcoming projects, such as the expansion of domestic supply from Jubilee, TEN, and Sankofa fields, the construction of the Tema City Gate, a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), and the gas distribution pipeline network for the Tema industrial enclave.
Regional Energy Transition
Mr. Ussif reiterated GNPC’s commitment to Ghana’s decarbonization goals and principles of a just transition. He stressed that GNPC remains aligned with national policy on energy transition and will continue supporting economic transformation in ways that are inclusive, equitable, and environmentally responsible.
Conclusion
In closing, Mr. Ussif made a passionate call for collaboration and optimism. “Let us, together, unlock the immense potential of natural gas and light the way for millions across West Africa.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
GOIL PLC Sets Sights On Market Dominance And Green Energy Leadership
In a bold move to reclaim its position as a market leader, GOIL PLC has outlined a strategic roadmap focused on market share expansion, competitive pricing, and innovative solutions to drive sustainability.
According to Mr Edward Abambire Bawa, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of GOIL PLC, the company’s priorities are clear: dominate the market, optimise costs, and embrace green energy innovations.
A New Era of Efficiency and Profitability
To achieve these goals, GOIL is implementing cost-effective sourcing strategies, reducing reliance on short-term financing, and slashing costs of sales, Mr Bawa said during an interview on Thursday, June 19, 2020.
The company’s financials show promising results, with improved profit margins in Q1 2025.
GOIL’s stock value has also surged, exceeding the projected 30% increase.
Shareholder Value on the Rise
Mr. Bawa highlighted GOIL’s improved profits and dividend ambition, signalling a strong commitment to delivering value to shareholders.
“We aimed for a 30% share price rise but have already exceeded expectations. This momentum will continue,” he affirmed.
A Brighter Future Ahead
With a clear roadmap and early successes, GOIL PLC is poised for a transformative year. As the company pushes towards greener energy solutions and market dominance, shareholders and industry analysts alike are taking notice.
“By next year’s AGM, we expect even greater strides,” Mr. Bawa concluded.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Sierra Leone: Japan Supports Energy Sector Expansion With Additional $20M Funding
Sierra Leone: Japan Grants $20 Million to Boost Electricity Access Along Freetown Peninsula
The Japanese Government has committed an additional $20 million grant through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the expansion of the power distribution network along the Freetown Peninsula in Sierra Leone.
According to the Sierra Leone News Agency, the agreement was officially signed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Freetown, marking a significant step toward improving electricity access, promoting sustainable development, and strengthening economic resilience.
Long-Standing Partnership
JICA Resident Representative N. Yonebayashi highlighted Japan’s long-standing partnership with Sierra Leone, dating back to 2009, when a comprehensive power sector master plan was first developed.
He emphasized Japan’s role in building and maintaining substations, distribution lines, and power plants across the country.
Project Details
The new funding will support the construction of two new substations and expand the electricity network along the coastline.
The initiative aims to improve energy access in critical sectors such as healthcare, education, fisheries, and agriculture, while also creating jobs and supporting inclusive growth.
Diplomatic Ties
Japanese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Hiroshi Yoshimoto, reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to Sierra Leone, noting that the additional grant supplements the initial contribution.
Sierra Leone’s Foreign Minister, Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba, described the project as a symbol of shared commitment to sustainable progress and inclusive development.
Expected Outcomes
When completed, the project is expected to transform the lives of thousands, especially women in agriculture and marine processing, while accelerating urban electrification and enhancing Sierra Leone’s long-term economic growth.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com