Sierra Leone Launches Solar-Powered Mini-Grid to Transform Rural Energy Access

The Government of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) and other development partners, has inaugurated the Kassirie Mini Grid project to deliver reliable electricity to underserved communities. This milestone marks a significant step in expanding access to clean energy across the country.

The Kassirie Mini Grid, powered by solar energy, is the third initiative implemented under the Universal Energy Facility, a multi-donor results-based financing (RBF) program managed by SEforALL. With 67kW of solar capacity and 204kWh of battery storage, the project will supply clean, dependable electricity to 54% of Kassirie’s households, businesses, and public institutions. This shift to renewable energy directly benefits thousands of residents who previously relied on fossil fuel generators for their power needs.

Hon. Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, Chair of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security, highlighted the transformative impact of the project:

“The Universal Energy Facility’s RBF programme will transform Kassirie and Kambia District by powering homes, schools, and healthcare facilities with clean, reliable energy. This is not just about electricity—it’s about creating opportunities, improving healthcare, enhancing education, and empowering communities to thrive.”

The project aligns with Sierra Leone’s Energy Transition and Green Growth Plan and is owned and operated by Power Leone. It is expected to significantly contribute to the government’s rural economic development and energy access goals.

Anita Otubu, Senior Director of the Universal Energy Facility, emphasized the importance of donor-supported infrastructure:

“The Kassirie Mini Grid project demonstrates how donor funding can catalyze transformative change. By electrifying unelectrified communities, these initiatives drive economic growth, improve public services like healthcare and education, and build long-term resilience. We are grateful to our funders, including the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), and partners such as the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), the European Union Delegation, and the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO).”

The Kassirie project also marks a broader push for rural electrification in Sierra Leone. Recently, the European Union Delegation committed EUR 20 million to support the country’s RBF mechanism, aiming to electrify 35,000 rural households and businesses. This funding, administered through SEforALL’s Universal Energy Facility, promises transformative change for underserved communities across Sierra Leone.

By leveraging renewable energy and innovative financing models, Sierra Leone is advancing its vision for a sustainable, inclusive energy future.