The United States and the Sierra Leone government have signed a landmark $480 million grant to boost the west African country’s access to electricity.

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The aim of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) grant is to foster sustainable economic growth and improve the quality of life of Sierra Leoneans, a US Department of State announced on Monday.

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This grant, coupled with a voluntary contribution of $14.2 million from the Government of Sierra Leone, will fund transformational energy sector investments to deliver affordable and reliable electricity for 4.6 million people.

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It will also substantially improve the operation of the electrical grid and increase the availability of affordable and reliable electricity for households, businesses, and social institutions – without adding to the country’s debt burden.

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“MCC’s partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone will help unlock the country’s economic potential, empower communities and businesses, and create a more prosperous and thriving Sierra Leonean citizenry,” reads the statement, adding:

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“As we work together to implement this transformational program, the United States welcomes Sierra Leone’s sustained commitment to democratic principles, including progress on implementation of the Agreement for National Unity, on electoral and constitutional reform, and on pursuit of justice and accountability for electoral violence…The U.S. government remains steadfast in its support of building a more robust and resilient energy sector, strengthening democracy, and ensuring a brighter future for all the people of Sierra Leone.”

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