A €24 million European Union–backed programme has opened a new chapter in Sierra Leone’s long-running struggle to extend reliable electricity beyond its major towns, with a fresh call inviting private developers to build and upgrade renewable mini-grids in rural and off-grid communities across the country.

SOGREA is partnering with the Government of Sierra Leone and the private sector to unlock new investments that will expand electricity access through green mini-grids, accelerating progress toward the country’s universal energy access goals.

Assembled from recycled scrap metal and powered by batteries, the pink four-wheeled vehicle now roams the streets of the capital. Although the project is still in its infancy, Samba aims to offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fuel-run models.

With EUR 20 million support from the European Union (EU), the Government is launching a Results Based Financing (RBF) mechanism for the rollout of the next wave of solar mini-grids expected to electrify 35,000 households.

HealthGrid provides solar power and internet connection to 26 health facilities in remote communities across Sierra Leone, eight of which also benefit from improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities provided by World Vision.

The Millennium Challenge Corporation, a US state development fund, has extended a $480-million five-year grant to Sierra Leone to provide reliable and affordable electricity to 4.6 million people, the fund said.