The project is set to benefit 25,000 households and 2,800 businesses across approximately 60 communities, offering them reliable, clean, and affordable electricity for the first time
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone, June 6, 2025/APO Group/ --
In a landmark step toward sustainable development and inclusive energy access, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio is set to officially launch the Salone Off-grid Renewable Energy Acceleration Initiative (SOGREA), a €34 million (approximately 830 million New Leones) solar minigrid project that will significantly advance Sierra Leone’s green energy future. Hosted by Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), the initiative is a collaborative effort between the Government of Sierra Leone, the European Union (EU), and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).

Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio to Launch 830 Million New Leones (€34 Million) Solar Minigrid Project, Powering Sierra Leone’s Green Future (1)

Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio to Launch 830 Million New Leones (€34 Million) Solar Minigrid Project, Powering Sierra Leone’s Green Future (2)

Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio to Launch 830 Million New Leones (€34 Million) Solar Minigrid Project, Powering Sierra Leone’s Green Future (3)

Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio to Launch 830 Million New Leones (€34 Million) Solar Minigrid Project, Powering Sierra Leone’s Green Future (4)

Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio to Launch 830 Million New Leones (€34 Million) Solar Minigrid Project, Powering Sierra Leone’s Green Future (5)
SOGREA aims to increase energy access in rural communities across the country by 2027, deploying at least 5.2 megawatts peak (MWp) of solar generation capacity through the installation of minigrids. The project is set to benefit 25,000 households and 2,800 businesses across approximately 60 communities, offering them reliable, clean, and affordable electricity for the first time.
To brief the President on the status and next steps of the project, EU Ambassador Jacek Jankowski, accompanied by Dr. Kandeh Yumkella and other private sector partners, visited State House today. The high-level delegation engaged President Bio on the technical, regulatory, and financial readiness of the initiative, and reaffirmed their collective commitment to ensuring its success.
Speaking during the meeting, President Bio expressed deep appreciation to the EU for their steadfast partnership and support in fulfilling his administration’s promise of inclusive development across Sierra Leone. “Taking energy to the people is key,” the President emphasized. “This project is a significant milestone. It demonstrates mutual trust and confidence with our partners, especially at a time when development assistance is dwindling globally. This shows we still enjoy goodwill.”
He further assured the visitors of his government’s commitment to building the necessary legal and regulatory frameworks: “I am aware of the revised regulations for the Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (SLEWRC), and my government will ensure Parliament sets the required legal framework to support implementation.” The President added, “Together, we will make electricity accessible to all and no one will be left behind.”
At the heart of SOGREA’s success is its catalytic investment model, which blends public and private sector support to create a sustainable ecosystem for minigrid development. Energy Sector lead, Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, a driving force behind the initiative, explained that over the last two years, critical groundwork has been laid, including the revision of existing regulations under the EWRC Act and the design of investment incentives to attract private developers. He confirmed that implementation agreements have been signed and that President Bio will officially launch the project.
Ambassador Jacek Jankowski, Head of the EU Delegation to Sierra Leone, underscored the importance of the initiative as a major milestone in the country’s pursuit of clean energy and rural transformation. “We are proud to support a project of this magnitude,” he said. “The EU’s total investment stands at €34 million, including €22 million in direct investment support and technical assistance, while the Government of Sierra Leone is contributing 50 million Leones.”
The project was developed in partnership with UNOPS, with a focus on enabling private sector entities to develop, finance, own, and operate solar minigrids. Ambassador Jankowski noted that the investment model includes reimbursement schemes, leveraging of additional financing, and regulatory mechanisms to bridge the gap between tariffs and what rural communities can afford. He highlighted the strategic involvement of key institutions such as SLEWRC and the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Unit, which will guide implementation and ensure long-term regulatory stability.
Beyond powering homes and businesses, the SOGREA initiative is expected to create jobs, stimulate local economies, and empower women and youth, particularly in off-grid and underserved regions. By supporting President Bio’s “Big Five Game Changers”, especially in technology and innovation, the initiative reinforces Sierra Leone’s commitment to becoming a hub for green investment and renewable energy development in West Africa.
As the country moves steadily toward universal electricity access, the launch of SOGREA marks a defining moment in Sierra Leone’s journey toward climate resilience and inclusive growth. With strong international partnerships and a forward-looking energy policy, Sierra Leone is lighting the path to a sustainable, empowered future, one solar grid at a time.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.
Rag baa Muqdishu u yaacayaa oo sugi la’ shirka London. Maxaad beenta noogu sheektaan? Miyay daan xishoon. Qoladii abeesada isudhiibtay miyaynu noqonay. Khayaaliga iyo beenta ummadda ha lga daayo. Raga argagisada ahna dalka halaga saaro. Waanaday du waa mid ku socota midnimmada iyo gobanimada somaliland.
Punlander whats going on here http://caynabanews.com/view.php?id=24550 Maakhir is trying to play both sides ?
What are you talking about you half Bantu, Sool and sanaag residents support somaliland .
don't be a dingbat
Hi Irir
Have you ever been in Mareeray?
Stop with lies
Im from sool region and the dhulbahante people want to join somalia
we will never recognize your crazy isaaq dictatorship
We want Somalia
STOP CLAIMING SOOL SANAAG AND CAYN
STOP KILLING DHULBAHANTE IN KHAATUMO REGION
DOWN WITH SOMALILAND
WE WONT SUPPORT YOU ANYMORE
This how i' know you're not even a DHULBAHANTE because the subject i'm talking about is Maakhir a Warsangali state you failed miserably nice try tho lol ps i'm a Hawiye not Isaaq
@ Salah
Salahow nin hunguri kaa qaaday waa nin sseefi kaa qaaday. Markaa inta faro ku tiriska ah ee dhadhamada jecel ha eegin ee maatinta ay adagtay waa in la isku duubnaada. xamar inta joogtaa waa in aan meelna wax ku soo kordhi ee eegaysa danta gaarka ah.
Hello Mr Buuni, please make friends who cn double check your English.
Son of Somaliland Politician Arrested On Terrorism Charges
http://allafrica.com/stories/201302170228.html
So now you admit , that the security of Somaliland is stronger than its neighbour the Pirateland security. As it is stated here, it was the security of Somaliland who apprehend the two accused. One thing is very clear, Somaliland security is superior to Pirateland security and that is the reasons why they are desperate for Somaliland security.
Pirateland has to admit their weakness when it comes to its people wellbeing and security and should also admit they need help from stronger Somaliland security in order for them to be secured.
With the help of foreign security forces. Who do think that is?
Don't play dumb die hard. You know what you read but chose to put up redundant question, which you already have the answer too.
Do you not worry that crooks and terrorist are the most powerful in your region. Because the cracks are slowly starting to show.
You can repeat the same phrase over and over again, but it will make no difference in the eyes of the unionists and ofcourse the seperatists will love to read your imaginery State. You all write history and twist it to your advantage' but the international community and most of all the African Union spoke very clearly no divission period so i guess for now it will stay the status que till solution is found.
Mr. Buuni
You may indignantly indignantly the poor desert beast with Gambella flag as many times!. You may re-write history and slant every fact and event to the advantage of your misguided secesion project! But the fact remains that Somalia is one country and its people is one.
By the way, Somalia was defeated in the Ogaden war of 1977 with Ethiopia but only with the help of Russians, 30,000 Cubans, 15,000 Yemeni and with the help of many countries in the then Communist block. At least let us have a pride in our history.
indignantly drape .. that is
Beesha Abgaal is saying RasKamboni has killed 7 of their people sins they captured Kismayo and vow retaliation http://saadaalnews.com/2013/02/17/dhagayso-beesha…
RasKamboni denies it http://saadaalnews.com/2013/02/17/dhagayso-raaska…
IRIR 7 Business men have been assassinated in Kismanyo are Abgaal being exterminated again only this time using Kenyan bullets?
I think Beesha D&M have a strong case when they say they have the right to the land and they should be the majority in any admin or there will be war.
Ogadeen arrived in the Juba valley 1974.
Harti arrived 1960.
Marehaan arrived with Italian colonialism in 1925.
Gedo, J.hoose, J.dh, Bay, Bakool, Sh.hoose are all D&M Degaans and their Guests want to take control. The main argument is 100% of all villages in these regions belongs to the original owners only a few key cities like kismanyo has the guests who are over staying their welcome.
This issue will one day return your country back into totally war and failure unless:
1. End all Federalism.
2. Allow the government to make changes to the constitution where Guests of a region are not permitted to form a Federal-state. Kacaan stole a lot of land and it is unfair people from Jigjiga and Wajir are setting up federals while D&M are treated like foreigners in their own homes.
If the Kacaan got their way
BerBera would belong to Majareer.
Burco to Dhulos
Cerigaabo to Warsans
Hargeysa to Ogadeen
Gabiley to Bartire
I am sure they intended to divide the Hawiye land after as well as the D&M Land and we all know it.
Buuxiye who are you sir..you are overly qualified in the Somali affairs and your English
language is overly majestic???
Cheers.
Mr cheers waan kugu raacsanahay taa. just be proud of him and say maansha allah.
Let me correct you lower Jubba was a Hawiye majority the middle was mixed upper Jubba aka Gedo was Rahanweyn.
People know exactly were the indiginous OGs lived and were majority and that was Afmadow and Jilib
Irir Samaale
Horta dhulkaaga soo hagaaji oo u dood inta aad maalin walba Somaliland ku haraadayso. War wax qabso 4sano ee aad kursiga hayso doqon yahaw, walee hadii kale qoladii awalba ku xaqiri jirtay ee ku odhan jirtay waxba ma xukumi kartid ayaa dusha kaa qabsan.
People who think the Hawiye were fighting each other none stop for the last 20+ years should read this http://www.peterleeson.com/better_off_stateless.p… Don't open your gob and talk bout a subjects you've clearly haven't got clue about
Matter of facts you should read this http://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Opini…
Irir Samal, your agenda is clear, you do not care about anything but Hawiye, what a shame.
BUUXIYE, D&M would never listen to incitement and BS. It's sad to see how fast you jump to advocating violence. I bet you've never even fought anybody, yet you advocate war.
Listen i was always a pro anti tribalist from day still am but this hate and envy against the Hawiye by leaders of your tribesmen is starting to change my mind which is f@@ked up.
Why is it when the MJ elites don't get their ways they always throw the biggest tantrums i've realized that their Motto is either we rule Somalia or no one does do you know how supportive they were for the former TFG when it was lead by A/Yusuf and ever sins he left they been in their cocoon plotting against the Government.
PS what clan also have you ever seen giving their lives for another clan member whose competing against its its own tribe we did with Farmaajo i can show you the pics if you don't believe it
Bro your name tell all the stories how qablist you are and let's not forget your little propaganda speech of jubaland owned by Jareer who were exported from mozambique by Arab traders.
Which is the very reason why many peole here would like to smack hell out of you, make sure you guard identity.
The SNM were exclusively from the Issaq clans which declared independent from somalia in 1991 but the million question is there were four other clans clans that inhabited the former british somaliland aka Duulbaahaante, Warsangeli, Maakhir; Gadaabuursi who are all unionist and seek unity among all people from Somalia. warsangeli has since joined majerteen, duulbaahante are headlock with Issaq and gadaabuursi said they would bring chaos if somaliland is recognised.
Why poking your nose on something does not concern you and you talk about clan you have no room in The Republic of Somaliland as Somalilanders are the only one belong to Somaliland and not clanism and your division is not working and it will not work for ever and ever again as Somalilanders have decided to be united and move to Development, Good Governess, Law and Order and to live in peace and good Harmony
and we have decided our destiny on ourselves and no way back always forward and The almighty God is with Us Ameen.
Khatumo people decided to separate from somalilabd and we will never change our decision
We want to join somalia and we will succed
Somalia ha noolato
The international comunity will soon punish you for crimes against humanity
Somaliland created al shabab to kill and destroy somalia…actually the al shabab mist important terrorist Godane is isaaq
Isaaq killed hundreds of people protesting for freedom in Khaatumo state and in awdall
Isaaq apartheid against somalis is over
Somalia ha noolato
Your Comment has no meaning at all .In fact l did not understand what you mean are you commenting about Isaag is a tribe and Somaliland is a Country please try to differentiate between the two. In my feeling l have sense that your are a Sick Person and your disease is incurable is same like AIDS the only relief for you is to die in peace. thank you