Sierra Leone’s power supply remains inconsistent, unreliable, and inadequate—worsening the economic hardship of the people. The situation has become so dire that many Sierra Leoneans are drawing comparisons to the days of former President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, when citizens resorted to buying small generators—nicknamed “Kabbah Tiger”—because the government failed to provide sustainable electricity.
Now, under President Julius Maada Bio’s administration, the electricity crisis has worsened, and people are left frustrated by endless power outages. The reality is simple: if President Bio’s government cannot provide stable and efficient electricity, then let him and his Presidential Adviser on Energy bring in more of those small generators and they can call them ‘Bio Tiger’. The situation is particularly frustrating and distasteful in this moment of fasting; Christians on Lent and Muslims on Ramadan. In this periods of fasting therefore, citizens moan this debilitating darkness, and are praying that the power of the ‘Bio Tigers’ will in some way outshine the evil of darkness. Gush!
A Nation in Darkness: The Worsening Power Crisis:
Sierra Leoneans are facing an electricity crisis that has crippled homes, businesses, and public institutions. Despite multiple promises from the government and the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), power cuts remain frequent and unpredictable. Residents of Freetown and other major towns suffer from hours—sometimes days—of blackout, while rural areas continue to live in perpetual darkness.
The country’s energy sector has failed to meet the demands of its growing population. The Bumbuna Hydroelectric Dam, once hailed as the answer to Sierra Leone’s power needs, is operating far below capacity. Meanwhile, other thermal plants and independent power suppliers have failed to bridge the gap, leaving citizens to suffer in silence.
At a time when technology and modern development demand a steady electricity supply, Sierra Leoneans are still struggling to power their homes, charge their phones, and keep their businesses running. The inconsistency of the national grid has turned power supply into a privilege, rather than a right.
The Struggle of Businesses and Households:
The economic consequences of Sierra Leone’s unreliable electricity are devastating. Small and medium-sized businesses, which depend on electricity to operate, are suffering immense losses. Cold storage businesses, internet cafés, manufacturing enterprises, and welding workshops are being forced to either shut down or spend huge amounts on fuel for generators.
Ordinary households are also struggling. Families who cannot afford generators or solar power are left in total darkness, relying on candles and kerosene lamps. Students preparing for exams are forced to study under streetlights, while traders in markets struggle to preserve perishable goods
Even public institutions like hospitals are affected. Critical health services often experience disruptions due to power cuts, putting the lives of patients at risk. Pregnant women in labor, newborn babies in incubators, and patients on life-support machines all suffer when hospitals are unable to access electricity.
From “Kabbah Tiger” to “Bio Tiger”—History Repeating Itself:
The current electricity crisis reminds Sierra Leoneans of the difficult days under former President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah. During his tenure, the national grid was so unreliable that citizens resorted to buying small portable generators, which they humorously named “Kabbah Tiger.” These generators became a household necessity, used to power homes, charge phones, and provide lighting for businesses.
Ironically, after more than two decades, the situation has not improved. If anything, it has become worse. The same frustration that led to the “Kabbah Tiger” era is resurfacing under President Bio, with many citizens now calling for “Bio Tiger.” If the government cannot provide an efficient power supply, then Sierra Leoneans must once again find their own alternative solution—this time naming it after the current leader to remind him of his failure.
EDSA and the Ministry of Energy: A Complete Failure:
The Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) and the Ministry of Energy have proven to be grossly incompetent in addressing the power crisis. Instead of improving service delivery, these institutions have continuously given excuses and blamed external factors such as fuel shortages, technical faults, and economic challenges.
EDSA has been plagued by corruption, inefficiency, and mismanagement. Despite the huge sums of money allocated to the energy sector, the results remain disappointing. In many areas, people who pay for pre-paid meters still struggle with power cuts, while others who depend on post-paid services receive excessive and unjustified electricity bills.
The government’s failure to properly manage the energy sector has also discouraged private investment in renewable energy. While many countries in Africa are making progress in solar and wind energy, Sierra Leone remains stagnant, relying on outdated and inefficient systems.
A Government of Empty Promises:
President Bio’s administration has repeatedly promised to improve the electricity supply, but these promises have remained empty words. From campaign speeches to budget allocations, the government has assured citizens that electricity will be expanded and stabilized. However, the reality is that power outages have become more frequent than ever before.
Instead of taking decisive action, the government has continued to deceive citizens with unrealistic targets and expensive contracts that yield no results. Many independent power suppliers have failed to meet their obligations, yet the government continues to engage them without any accountability.
It is clear that the government’s lack of vision and commitment is the reason for this ongoing crisis. If the Bio administration cannot provide electricity for its citizens, then it is only fair for Sierra Leoneans to demand “Bio Tiger” as an alternative, just as they did during the Kabbah era.
The Way Forward: What Needs to Be Done?
To resolve Sierra Leone’s electricity crisis, urgent and practical measures must be taken:
Overhaul the Energy Sector – The government must restructure and reform EDSA and the Ministry of Energy to ensure efficiency and accountability. Corrupt officials must be removed, and competent leadership must be put in place.
Invest in Renewable Energy – The reliance on outdated thermal and hydroelectric plants is not sustainable. The government should prioritize solar and wind energy to diversify the country’s power sources.
Upgrade the National Grid – Many power outages are caused by an aging and poorly maintained grid system. A nationwide upgrade and expansion of transmission and distribution lines are necessary.
Encourage Private Sector Participation – The government should create a favorable investment climate for private energy companies to operate and introduce competition in the electricity sector.
Reduce Electricity Tariffs – Many households and businesses struggle with high electricity costs. If Bio Can’t Give Us Light, Give Us “Bio Tiger”
Sierra Leoneans deserve better. The current electricity crisis is a national embarrassment and a major hindrance to progress. If President Bio’s government cannot provide stable and efficient power supply, then history will repeat itself—citizens will take matters into their own hands and purchase generators, naming them “Bio Tiger” as a symbol of government failure.
It is time for the government to act decisively. Sierra Leone cannot continue to operate in darkness while other nations in the sub-region are basking with uninterrupted electricity. It is unacceptable! Sierra Leoneans have suffered enough, and they will no longer accept empty promises. If the Bio administration does not fix the electricity crisis, then “Bio Tiger” will become the new reality—just as it was in the days of “Kabbah Tiger.”