Like many nations, Sierra Leone faces an increasing energy challenge. Only 36 per cent of the population has access to electricity, and just six per cent in rural areas. This limited access impacts healthcare, education and job creation. To address this, the government has set a target to raise renewable energy use to 35 per cent by 2030 and electrify rural areas by 2027.

“By 2027, Sierra Leone will be fully illuminated. This isn't just about light; it's about igniting green industrialization and fulfilling the National Development Plan as a government,” said the President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio.

“With renewed partnerships and the will of our people, my government will end energy poverty, ensuring every child learns in light and every woman is free from the burden of firewood. This is where opportunity truly begins for every Sierra Leonean,” he added.

Funded with €34 million from the European Union, the Salone Off-Grid Renewable Energy Acceleration (SOGREA) will be implemented by UNOPS and the UNOPS-hosted Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL). SOGREA aims to electrify 60 communities across the country, benefiting approximately 25,000 households and 2,800 businesses, through the installation of solar mini-grids, which will have the capacity of at least 5.2 megawatts per hour (MWp). This is similar to the total power needed to run 100,000 energy-saving light bulbs at the same time.

UNOPS will facilitate investment support, encouraging private sector companies to build, own and operate the mini-grids, replicating the success of the Rural Renewable Energy Project. This approach bridges the gap between energy costs and what households can afford, made possible by recent reforms to Sierra Leone’s mini-grid sector.

“The introduction of the Milestone-Triggered CAPEX Investment Support mechanism for solar mini-grids is a major milestone for Sierra Leone,” explained the EU Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Jacek Jankowski.

“Its scalability offers real potential to accelerate rural electrification across the country. We hope to see more development partners join the European Union in supporting the government-led drive towards accelerated roll-out of financially sustainable green energy,” he added.

The project has a strong focus on sustainability, including pilots for renewable energy sources beyond solar, such as mini-hydro and biomass. Additionally, it plans for circular waste management of solar panels and batteries.

“From delivering solar mini-grids to powering off-grid communities, our work is about practical impact. We remain committed to offering our practical solutions to ensure every community can prosper,” added Jorge Moreira da Silva.

Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, said that by working together, the government of Sierra Leone, the European Union, UNOPS, and SEforALL are showing how partnerships can deliver lasting change.

“This partnership is a powerful example of what’s possible through collaboration, strong government leadership, and innovation. Together, we are scaling clean energy for underserved communities,” explained Damilola Ogunbiyi.

“While creating an incentive structure that fuels local enterprise, strengthens the energy sector, and ensures the benefits of electrification are shared by all,” she added.