Without a robust energy infrastructure, sustainable progress in other areas remains elusive. Therefore, this Compact represents a significant step forward in Sierra Leone’s development journey.
By Babatunde Rashid, Newport Beach, CA, USA
The recent announcement that Sierra Leone has finally secured the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact from the United States Government has ignited a wave of optimism throughout the country.
In a nation often embroiled in intense political discourse and one that is over-mobilised politically, big conversations are never scarce; often accompanied by anxieties, diatribes, tension, and “hypertension”, as a recent report by the Institute for Governance Reform claims.
Unlike other big conversations, however, the MCC Compact conversation has brought with it smiles and hope. Sierra Leoneans are right and have every right to smile and hope because energy, which is the focus of the MCC Compact, sits at the heart of human development anywhere in the world.
The news of the $480 million energy intervention, infrastructure, governance and accountability support package stands out for its positive reception, bringing smiles and hope to many Sierra Leoneans. This enthusiasm is well-placed, as the primary focus of the MCC Compact is on enhancing the country’s energy sector, which is fundamental to its flagship human development aspiration.
Without a robust energy infrastructure, sustainable progress in other areas remains elusive. Therefore, this Compact represents a significant step forward in Sierra Leone’s development journey.
One of the most noteworthy aspects of this achievement is the pivotal role played by the country’s Vice President, Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, a former UN civil servant and an expert in governance and human security with extensive experience in negotiation. Traditionally, the role of the Vice President in Sierra Leone’s political landscape has been seen as largely ceremonial, with real power concentrated in the hands of the President.
However, the decision by Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio to appoint the Vice President as the chair of the MCC Board and to lead the Compact’s implementation marked a bold shift from this norm. This deviation from political tradition not only underscored the Vice President’s capabilities but also demonstrated the potential of a strong, delegated leadership in driving national projects to success.
Dr Jalloh’s approach to this assignment offers several valuable lessons in leadership. First and foremost, he avoided the common pitfall of targeting perceived opposition insiders within the MCC team. This restraint was a significant departure from the prevailing “Paopa” political culture, which often seeks to consolidate power by eliminating perceived threats.
By focusing on the task at hand rather than political rivalries, the Vice President set a tone of professionalism and inclusivity, which proved crucial in achieving the Compact’s objectives. Moreover, he brought to the table a blend of professional skills and experience that were essential for navigating the complexities of the MCC Compact.
Unlike predecessors who might have lacked the necessary expertise, his background enabled him to provide informed guidance throughout the process. Dr Juldeh Jalloh’s ability to listen to and collaborate with technocrats at the MCC Secretariat, rather than just solely relying on his party people, despite his ever-increasing solid party base, was instrumental in ensuring that decisions were grounded in technical knowledge and best practices. This pragmatic approach was vital in steering the project towards success.
Finally, the Vice President’s interactions with the American partners demonstrated a commendable level of respect and diplomacy. By valuing their quality assurance and work validation opinions, and by addressing issues constructively without arrogance or insolence, he fostered a cooperative and productive relationship.
As a seasoned project management executive, it is my view that this attitude not only facilitated smoother project execution but also set a positive precedent for future international collaborations. This has proven to be an appropriate execution model that the government can continue to adopt. The Vice President’s leadership in securing the MCC Compact is a testament to the potential benefits of capable, inclusive, and professional governance, offering a blueprint for future initiatives aimed at advancing Sierra Leone’s development.
