Freetown, Sierra Leone — President Julius Maada Bio has officially launched the Salone Off-grid Renewable Energy Acceleration Initiative (SOGREA), a landmark €34 million (approximately 830 million New Leones) project aimed at expanding access to clean, reliable electricity for rural communities in Sierra Leone.

Backed by major development partners including the European Union (EU), the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), the project will deliver 5.2 megawatts of solar power through mini-grid systems to 60 underserved communities by 2027.

“Taking energy to the people is key to our development agenda. This project shows we still enjoy strong international goodwill,” said President Bio during the launch event.

Clean Energy for Growth

The SOGREA initiative is expected to connect 25,000 households and 2,800 small businesses to solar-powered electricity, supporting

inclusive economic growth, job creation, and improvements in healthcare and education infrastructure.

In addition to providing energy access, the project is set to stimulate private sector investment through a public-private partnership (PPP) model, boosting Sierra Leone’s credentials as an emerging green energy hub in West Africa.

Renewable Energy Investment in Sierra Leone

This bold move aligns with Sierra Leone’s broader strategy to increase its share of renewable energy and reduce reliance on costly fossil fuels. With only around 26% of the national population having access to electricity — and far lower rates in rural areas — projects like SOGREA are essential to achieving the government’s universal energy access goals by 2030.

The solar mini-grids will be built and operated by independent power producers (IPPs), creating long-term employment opportunities and encouraging local participation in the energy transition.

Why It Matters:

€34 million investment targets energy poverty in Sierra Leone.

25,000 households and 2,800 businesses to benefit.

5.2 MWp of clean energy to be installed via mini-grids.

EU, UNOPS, and SEforALL leading international backing.
Strong emphasis on sustainability, economic inclusion, and PPP models.

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