By Sallieu S. Kanu
Sierra Leone — November 30, 2025: Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr has announced a major step forward in the city’s clean energy and sustainability agenda. With support from Irish Aid, a new machine that will automate the production of eco-friendly briquettes has been purchased and is expected to arrive in Freetown by the end of December.
Speaking at the AIB Sustainability Conference, the Mayor highlighted how a multi-stakeholder collaboration has transformed a liquid waste management solution into a clean cooking alternative. The briquettes, produced at the Kingtom Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant, will soon be available for sale to residents of Freetown.
“This innovation will reduce demand for charcoal, cut deforestation, and provide families with a cleaner, more sustainable cooking option,” the Mayor stated. She emphasized that the initiative aligns with the city’s broader #TransformFreetown agenda, which focuses on environmental protection, public health, and economic resilience.
🌍 Impact of Charcoal Burning in Sierra Leone
Charcoal remains one of the most widely used cooking fuels in Sierra Leone, but its reliance comes at a steep cost:
- Deforestation: Charcoal production is a leading driver of forest loss. Sierra Leone lost 120,000 hectares of natural forest in 2024 alone, equivalent to 67 million tons of CO₂ emissions. Traditional charcoal kilns require cutting down trees, accelerating land degradation and biodiversity lossInternational Journal of Engineering Research & Technology.
- Climate Change: The destruction of forests reduces carbon absorption capacity, worsening climate vulnerability.
- Health Hazards: Charcoal burning produces indoor air pollution, exposing families to respiratory illnesses and other health risks.
- Energy Access Gap: Only 36% of Sierra Leone’s population has access to electricity, and clean cooking access is critically limited at just 15%, making charcoal the default option for most households.
- Economic Dependence: Thousands of Sierra Leoneans rely on charcoal production and trade for income, but this informal sector perpetuates environmental harm and unsustainable livelihoods.
✨ Why This Matters
The Mayor’s announcement signals a transformative shift: by scaling briquette production, Freetown can reduce dependence on charcoal, protect forests, improve public health, and create new green jobs. This initiative positions the city as a leader in sustainable urban innovation across West Africa.