SOGREA Bidders Workshop Signals a New Era for Off-Grid Renewable Energy in Sierra Leone

The workshop, taking place on 10 and 11 June, brings together pre-qualified private sector companies, government ministries, regulators and development partners to prepare for the deployment of green solar mini-grids that will transform energy access in some of Sierra Leone's most underserved rural communities.

UNOPS

Sierra Leone currently has one of the lowest electricity access rates in the world, with only 36% of the population connected to the national grid and just 6% in rural areas. The Investment Support in the SOGREA Initiative is funded by the European Union and the Government of Denmark, implemented by UNOPS with its hosted entity SEforALL. The partial financial investment support to private companies aims to accelerate energy access for thousands of households and businesses across Sierra Leone. As well as create attractive financial, legal and regulatory frameworks to catalyse renewable energy investments.

The two-day workshop is specifically designed for private companies that have successfully completed pre-qualification under the SOGREA project and qualified to submit site specific applications. The first day (10 June) focuses on developing new green mini-grid sites in communities currently without electricity infrastructure. The second day (11 June) will address the expansion of capacity and upgrade of existing high demand mini-grid sites being operated by three private developers in Sierra Leone. 

Through structured sessions, the workshop will equip bidders with the technical and practical knowledge required to successfully construct and operate green mini-grids in Sierra Leone, while strengthening their understanding of the financial, legal and regulatory processes set by the Government of Sierra Leone.

UNOPS

QUOTES

Dr Abdul Rahim Jalloh, Deputy Minister of Energy II, Sierra Leone: “The Ministry of Energy, together with the Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission, has strengthened the regulatory framework and committed to cost-reflective tariffs for all private green mini-grid companies investing in Sierra Leone’s energy sector. Today we welcome the private sector partners who will help us increase electricity access by 2028. SOGREA is about giving Sierra Leonean communities the sustainable, reliable electricity they deserve.”

Anita Otubu, Senior Director of the Universal Energy Facility,  Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL): “The Universal Energy Facility (UEF) was built for moments like this - to bring together results-based financing, private sector dynamism and political commitment to accelerate energy access. Sierra Leone is showing what is possible when we align the right incentives with the right partners.”

Natalia García Romero, Officer in Charge and Senior Project Manager, UNOPS Sierra Leone: “The SOGREA Bidders Workshop is a vital stepping stone as we prepare for the project's implementation phase. By bringing together pre-qualified developers, regulators, and technical experts today, we are fostering the transparency and collaboration required ahead of the upcoming Grant Support Agreement signatures. This workshop ensures private-sector partners are fully equipped and ready to successfully expand clean energy access, drive local economic growth, and transform rural communities across Sierra Leone.”

H.E Ambassador Jacek Jankowski, Head of the EU Delegation in Sierra Leone: “The EUR 22 million allocated to grant-based investment support for the private sector reflects the European Union's strong commitment to Sierra Leone's green transition, universal access to energy, and ambitious climate action under the EU Global Gateway Strategy. This workshop marks the point at which SOGREA moves from planning to implementation, and the European Union stands firmly behind this important step forward.”

H.E. Jakob Linulf, Ambassador of Denmark to Ghana: “The Government of Denmark is pleased to support Sierra Leone’s energy transition, in line with our shared commitment under the Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA). With affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy through green mini-grids, Sierra Leone can unlock innovation, empower youth, attract investment, and transform its economy.”

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