A 225 kV Northern Transmission Corridor, identified as a national priority project, with feasibility studies completed, will connect Sierra Leone’s transmission network to the CLSG regional interconnection and terminate at a new substation in Newton. The project is seeking USD 100 million through a blend of equity and debt financing. Currently, approximately 140 MW of grid power is available to meet unconstrained demand estimated at 320 MW, which is projected to increase to 485 MW by 2030. Freetown relies on a single 161 kV transmission line that carries power from the Bumbuna hydropower plant and imported electricity, creating a critical network bottleneck. The proposed corridor will relieve this constraint, strengthen reliability and resilience within the national grid, and support future demand growth. It will also complete a 225 kV transmission ring linked to the CLSG regional network, improving regional power integration, enhancing energy security, and enabling more efficient transmission of electricity across the country.
Project overview
Investment opportunity
Seeking blended equity and debt financing for the development of a 225 kV transmission line across Sierra Leone’s Northern Region, connecting to a new substation at Newton and incorporating optical ground wire infrastructure. Revenue will be supported through a long-term transmission agreement with EDSA, the national electricity distribution utility, with a 25-year offtake arrangement currently under negotiation.
Investment types sought
Project status
Development stage
Structuring & preparation
Current status / progress to date
Feasibility studies have been completed and the project is currently in the structuring stage, with financing and commercial arrangements being advanced.
Additional project information
- Lead agency
- NIB PPP Directorate (facilitation); sector ministry / sponsor to confirm
Expected impact
Jobs created / supported
Not verified; estimate pending
Economic & development benefits
- Improved electricity supply reliability
- Increased transmission capacity
- Integration of domestic hydropower and regional electricity imports
- Support for industrial development and commercial activity
- Increased private investment
- Construction and maintenance employment opportunities
- Local economic development
- Enhanced energy security
- Strengthened regional power integration
Climate & resilience benefits
- More diversified electricity supply
- Improved reliability of electricity supply
- Reduced reliance on diesel-based backup generation
Contact
Contact team
For more information about this project, please contact the Commonwealth Investment Platform team.