SOGREA Initiative Introduces €22 Million Fund To Drive Clean Energy Access Through Mini-Grids In Sierra Leone

The Salone Off-Grid Renewable Energy Acceleration (SOGREA) Initiative has officially launched its Investment Support Windows, a key mechanism designed to boost private sector investment in Green Mini-Grids (GMGs) across Sierra Leone. Funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) along with its hosted entity Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), in partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone (GOSL), the initiative provides a total of €22 million in catalytic investment support. This funding aims to encourage private developers and operators to develop, finance, build, own, and operate mini-grids in rural areas, helping advance Sierra Leone’s goal of achieving financially sustainable rural electrification.

The SOGREA Milestone-triggered Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) Investment Support offers partial financial assistance to private companies for building new GMGs or upgrading existing ones. This approach not only helps expand electricity access but also contributes to lowering tariffs for rural consumers. Backed by the government’s reforms in the mini-grid sector, which introduced modern regulations and a transparent tariff-setting framework, the investment will bridge the gap between the actual cost of mini-grid energy and what rural households can afford to pay.

The Government of Sierra Leone has emphasized that this initiative is a crucial step in creating a sustainable, investment-friendly environment. By maintaining clear and consistently enforced regulations, the country aims to attract both donor and private capital to accelerate rural electrification.

Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security (PI-CREF), and Chairman of the Energy Governance Coordination Group (EGCG), highlighted the importance of this development, stating: “This €22 million investment support marks a pivotal moment in our drive toward universal energy access. It provides the leverage needed to unlock significant private sector capital. By lowering investment risk and reducing the tariff burden on our citizens, we are not just lighting up homes; we are powering economic growth and social development. The GOSL is fully committed to the success of this transparent and impact-driven partnership.”

Ambassador Jacek Jankowski, Head of the EU Delegation in Sierra Leone, also underscored the EU’s support: “The European Union is proud to support the SOGREA Initiative, which aligns with our commitment to sustainable development, universal energy access, and climate action. This investment directly addresses the financing gap for green mini-grids, a crucial step toward delivering energy access in remote and underserved communities.”

A unique feature of the SOGREA mechanism is its milestone-based reimbursement system. Payments to developers are released only after verified progress on specific milestones such as “equipment arrival,” “grid commissioning,” and “certification to operate.” These payments are verified by reputable third-party service providers through on-site checks, ensuring accountability, transparency, and proper use of funds.

Silvia Gallo, UNOPS West Africa Multi-Country Office Director, stated: “UNOPS is committed to the transparent and efficient administration of SOGREA investments. Our phased, milestone-triggered payment system, supported by strong third-party and on-site verification, guarantees that public funds deliver the highest impact. Using SEforALL’s UEF IT portal, we are able to monitor progress, verify connections through smart meters, and ensure the integrity of the entire project.”

The initiative builds on the success of earlier projects, demonstrating the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in achieving tangible results. It focuses not only on infrastructure development but also on strengthening governance and financing mechanisms within Sierra Leone’s renewable energy sector.

Anita Otubu, Senior Director of the Universal Energy Facility at SEforALL, explained: “By integrating the Universal Energy Facility (UEF) funding windows into SOGREA, SEforALL is extending its proven model for accelerating energy access. The UEF’s streamlined procedures and digital platform ensure a transparent process for private sector partners, enabling rapid deployment of quality green mini-grid infrastructure to empower communities across Sierra Leone.”

Ultimately, the SOGREA Initiative emphasizes inclusivity and community engagement, ensuring that youth, women, and vulnerable groups benefit directly from improved energy access. The Government and its partners are calling on private sector companies to invest in Sierra Leone’s growing green mini-grid market — a vital driver for sustainable energy access, rural economic growth, and an inclusive, electrified future for the nation.