By Sallieu S. Kanu
Freetown, October 21, 2025: A major step toward universal energy access in Sierra Leone was taken today with the launch of a €22 million investment facility under the Salone Off-Grid Renewable Energy Acceleration (SOGREA) Initiative. The program aims to catalyze private sector investment in green mini-grids (GMGs), expanding electricity access across rural communities and accelerating the country’s electrification goals.
The initiative is funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), in collaboration with Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) and the Government of Sierra Leone (GOSL). It introduces the SOGREA Investment Support Windows, a mechanism designed to incentivize private developers to build, finance, and operate GMGs in underserved areas.
At the heart of the initiative is the Milestone-triggered CapEx Investment Support, which offers partial funding to cover capital expenditure for new and upgraded mini-grids. This approach is expected to reduce electricity tariffs and make energy more affordable for rural households. The support is structured around strict reimbursement protocols, with payments released only upon verification of key milestones such as equipment delivery, commissioning, and operational certification.
Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security (PI-CREF), hailed the launch as a “pivotal moment” for Sierra Leone’s energy future. “By lowering investment risk and reducing the tariff burden, we are not just lighting up homes; we are powering economic growth and social development,” he said.
Ambassador Jacek Jankowski, Head of the EU Delegation in Sierra Leone, emphasized the EU’s commitment to sustainable development and climate action. “This targeted grant support addresses the critical financing gap for green mini-grids and will help Sierra Leone develop a resilient, decentralised, and clean energy future,” he noted.
UNOPS West Africa Director Silvia Gallo highlighted the transparency and accountability of the funding mechanism, which includes third-party verification and smart meter monitoring via SEforALL’s Universal Energy Facility (UEF) IT portal. “Our phased payment system ensures public funds deliver maximum impact,” she said.
The initiative builds on previous successes and underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in infrastructure development and energy sector reform. Anita Otubu, Senior Director of the UEF, stated that integrating UEF funding windows into SOGREA will streamline processes for private sector partners and accelerate deployment of quality mini-grid infrastructure.
With a focus on inclusivity, the program aims to benefit youth, women, and vulnerable groups, while encouraging private companies to invest in Sierra Leone’s green energy future. As the country moves toward universal electrification, green mini-grids are positioned as a key driver of sustainable development and rural economic transformation.