By mohamedj.bah@awokonewspaper.sl
Fretown, SIERRA LEONE – Sierra Leone’s energy sector has taken a bold step onto the global stage as Brima Baluwa Koroma, Director General of the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA), has been elected Vice Chairman of Technical Programs at the prestigious 25th World Petroleum Congress.
Held under the theme “Pathways to an Energy Future for All,” the congress brings together global energy leaders to shape the future of petroleum and energy security. In his new role, Koroma will work alongside the Chair to oversee pipeline storage, strategic petroleum reserves, and global supply chain stability—a critical task in an era of shifting energy demands and geopolitical tensions.
Koroma’s appointment is no accident. Since taking the helm at NPRA in 2018, he has revolutionized Sierra Leone’s downstream petroleum sector, turning a once-stagnant market into a thriving, competitive industry.
- Broken Monopolies, Boosted Competition: When he assumed office, only two players—National Petroleum (NP) and Leone Oil—dominated the market. Today, major players like Aminata, Malador, and All Petroleum Products have entered the fray, increasing efficiency and consumer choice.
- Infrastructure Expansion: Under his leadership, Sierra Leone now boasts two modern petroleum jetties, enabling smoother importation and reducing fuel shortages.
- Safety & Compliance: The number of gas stations has surged from a handful to over 300, with strict safety regulations ensuring public security.
- Global Recognition: Koroma secured Sierra Leone’s place on the PLATTS platform, a global benchmark for petroleum pricing, bringing transparency and stability to fuel costs.
The results speak for themselves—NPRA’s revenue skyrocketed from 4.6 billion Leones in 2018 to a staggering 800 billion Leones in 2023, contributing 12% of the nation’s domestic revenue.
Koroma’s elevation to the World Petroleum Council (WPC) isn’t just a personal achievement—it’s a win for Sierra Leone’s geopolitical influence. In a world where energy security is paramount, his role will:
✔ Enhance global pipeline safety standards
✔ Optimize petroleum storage solutions
✔ Strengthen supply chains against disruptions
From Corporate Finance to Energy Reformer
Before leading NPRA, Koroma built an impressive career spanning finance, banking, and energy:
- Chief Finance Officer (CFO) at Safecon Petroleum SL Limited
- Director, Fixed Income Sales at China Standard Bank
- Director, Global Corporate Sales at Hong Kong Standard Bank
His blend of financial acumen and energy sector expertise made him the ideal leader to restore investor confidence in Sierra Leone’s petroleum industry. MJB/3/4/2025
