CEC consolidates continental ambitions with Sierra Leone deal, develops plans for growth on all fronts

Zambia’s Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) has consolidated its reputation as a significant emerging developer across Africa by finalising plans for the construction of a 128MW heavy fuel oil power plant, with some associated distribution infrastructure, to supply the Sierra Leonean capital, Freetown. After a year of negotiations, CEC’s power purchase agreement was ratified by parliament in early June, and the developer expects financing to be led by the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation, managing director for corporate development Michael Tarney told the Africa Energy Forum (AEF) in Istanbul on 19 June.