The Salone Off-Grid Renewable Energy Acceleration (SOGREA) Initiative has officially launched its Investment Support Windows, a crucial mechanism set to catalyse private sector investment in Green Mini-Grids (GMGs).
Funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), with its hosted entity Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), in partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone (GOSL), the initiative features an
indicative total of €22 million in catalytic investment support incentivizing private developers/operators to develop, finance, build, own, and operate mini-grids across rural Sierra Leone. This funding is aimed directly at supporting the Government of Sierra Leone’s drive towards financially sustainable electrification of the country’s rural areas by attracting new private investments into the GMG sector.
The SOGREA Milestone-triggered Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) Investment Support provides partial financial support to private entities to cover a portion of the Capital CAPEX for developing new GMGs and upgrading existing ones. This investment is designed not only to expand connections but also to help reduce electricity tariffs. Thanks to the Government of Sierra Leone’s reforms of the mini-grid sector by introducing state-of-the-art mini-grid regulations and a robust mechanism for tariff setting, SOGREA investment support will simultaneously help to bridge the gap between the tariffs that would be needed to cover the cost of supplying mini-grid energy and the tariffs that households can afford.
The GOSL views this investment as central to creating a conducive, sustainable environment for private sector engagement, emphasising that clear, simple and reliably enforced regulations are critical to attracting both donor and private capital for accelerated electrification.
Dr Kandeh Yumkella, Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security (PI-CREF), and Chairman Energy Governance Coordination Group (EGCG): “This €22 million investment support marks a pivotal moment in our drive toward universal energy access. It provides the necessary leverage to unlock significant private sector capital. By lowering the investment risk and ultimately 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-focused partnership.”
Ambassador Jacek Jankowski, Head of the EU Delegation in Sierra Leone, said: “The European Union is proud to support the SOGREA Initiative, which aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainable development, universal energy access, and climate action. The SOGREA Investment Support directly addresses the critical financing gap for green mini- grids, which are crucial for providing energy access in remote and underserved communities. This targeted grant support is a wise investment that will help Sierra Leone develop a resilient, decentralised, and clean energy future for its citizens.”
Crucially, the investment operates under a rigorous reimbursement mechanism. Payments are strictly tied to the achievement of specific, predetermined milestones such as “Equipment arrives on site,” “GMG commissioned,” and “GMG certified to operate”, ensuring high standards and accountability. This phased payment approach is supported by verification from reputable third-party service providers and on-site checks, confirming progress before any funds are released.
Silvia Gallo, UNOPS West Africa Multi-Country Office Director, stated: “UNOPS is committed to the transparent and efficient administration of the SOGREA investments. Our system of phased, milestone-triggered payments, alongside robust third-party and on-site verification, promotes accountability and ensures that public funds deliver maximum impact. We are utilising systems, including SEforALL’s UEF web-based IT portal, to monitor progress, verify connections via smart meters, and uphold the integrity and credibility of the entire project.”
The initiative builds on the success of prior projects, highlighting the power of robust public-private partnerships in delivering tangible results, and focuses on both infrastructure development and strengthening the governance and financing of the renewable energy sector.
Anita Otubu, Senior Director of the Universal Energy Facility, Sustainable Energy for All: “Through the integration of the Universal Energy Facility (UEF) funding windows into SOGREA, SEforALL is extending its proven model for accelerating energy access. The UEF’s operating procedures and secure IT portal will ensure a streamlined and transparent process for private sector partners. This collaboration is designed to scale up the deployment of quality green mini-grids infrastructure quickly, bringing power to grassroots communities and transforming lives in Sierra Leone.”
Communities and civil society are the critical beneficiaries and stakeholders who ensure inclusivity for youth, women, and vulnerable groups. But the lights won’t stay on without capital. Private Sector companies are encouraged to invest now in Sierra Leone’s green mini-grids to drive sustainable energy access, unlock rural economic growth, and secure an inclusive, electrified future. Green mini-grid investment is the spark that powers national development.
