Sierra Leone, EU Launch $34M Minigrids

Key Figures & Findings: Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio, is set to officially launch the Salone Off-grid Renewable Energy Acceleration Initiative (SOGREA), a €34 million solar minigrid programme co-funded by the European Union and developed in partnership with UNOPS and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL). The project will deploy 5.2 MWp of solar capacity to electrify 60 rural communities by 2027. With support from the Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (SLEWRC) and Sierra Leone’s PPP Unit, SOGREA aims to unlock private sector participation by combining direct investments, reimbursement schemes, and regulatory reforms. EU Ambassador Jacek Jankowski and energy advisor Dr. Kandeh Yumkella are central figures driving the programme forward.

Statistics & Insights: SOGREA will power 25,000 households and 2,800 businesses, generating impact across 60 communities. The investment includes €22 million in direct EU funding and 50 million Leones from the government.

Future Implications: If executed as planned, SOGREA could enable Sierra Leone to achieve near-universal electricity access. The legal framework to enable full implementation is expected to be in place by the end of 2025.

Source: Zawya