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

The SOGREA Bidders Workshop brings together Private Sector, Government and International Partners to prepare for the deployment of Green Mini-Grids across Rural Sierra Leone under a EUR 24 Million EU-Funded Programme co-financed by Denmark.

Freetown, 10 June 2026 — UNOPS, with its hosted entity Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) and in partnership with the Ministry of Energy, are engaging private sector companies through a two-day Bidders’ Workshop in Freetown, marking a defining milestone in the Salone Off-Grid Renewable Energy Acceleration (SOGREA) initiative. 

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.

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.

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.”

 

Note to Editors

About the SOGREA initiative
The Salone Off-Grid Renewable Energy Acceleration (SOGREA) initiative supports Sierra Leone’s transition to clean, affordable, and reliable energy by strengthening governance, scaling investments in mini-grids, and piloting innovative renewable energy solutions. SOGREA deploys a milestone-triggered partial reimbursement model in which private companies finance, own, build and operate the mini-grids. Reimbursements are distributed only upon independent third-party verification of delivery milestones, ranging from mini-grid, equipment arrival and commissioning to 30 consecutive days of verified stable power supply to the communities. 

By 2027, an estimated 800 connections will provide clean energy access to approximately 4,800 people. Through Denmark’s contribution, at least 8 high-demand existing mini-grid sites will be expanded by adding 1.1 megawatts of generation capacity. Additionally, through EU contribution, 11 sites will also be expanded in high-demand existing mini-grid sites. By 2028, over 31000 new electricity connections in at least 60 communities across rural Sierra Leone will have access to electricity through the European Union’s  funding. This investment will increase the solar power generation capacity by approximately 5.2 Mega Watts, expanding access to clean and renewable energy.

About the Ministry of Energy, Government of Sierra Leone
The Ministry’s guiding mission is to develop, regulate, and promote a sustainable, reliable, and affordable energy sector that supports national development, drives economic growth, and improves the quality of life for all Sierra Leoneans through transparent governance, effective service delivery, and strategic partnerships.

About the Delegation of the European Union to Sierra Leone
The European Union and its Member States are committed to supporting Sierra Leone’s transition to a sustainable energy future. Through the Development Partnership and the Multiannual Indicative Programme for 2021-2027, the EU focuses on providing access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services. This initiative aims to drive inclusive economic growth, create decent jobs, and promote the adoption of sustainable energy sources, fostering a green economy across Sierra Leone.

About the Government of Denmark
The Government of Denmark supports Sierra Leone’s transition to a sustainable energy future through its development cooperation and in close partnership with the European Union. In line with Denmark’s Africa Strategy, Denmark promotes access to affordable, reliable, and renewable energy, particularly through decentralized solutions such as green mini-grids to drive inclusive economic growth, strengthen livelihoods, and support climate mitigation in line with national priorities and the Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA).

About UNOPS
UNOPS offers practical solutions across peace and security, humanitarian and development operations. We help the United Nations, governments, and other partners, such as the European Union and its Member States, manage projects and deliver sustainable infrastructure and procurement globally. Read more: www.unops.org.

About the Universal Energy Facility (UEF)
The Universal Energy Facility (UEF), a multi-donor fund managed by Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), was established in 2020 to accelerate and scale up energy access across Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond, in line with SDG7 and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. The UEF provides incentive payments to clean energy companies deploying energy solutions and providing verified end-user electricity connections (via mini-grids and stand-alone solar systems) and clean cooking solutions based on pre-determined service standards. Read more:  https://www.universalenergyfacility.org.

About SEforALL
Sustainable Energy for All has a global mandate to accelerate progress on the energy transition in emerging and developing countries. Hosted by UNOPS, we work at the intersection of energy, climate and development, partnering with governments and organisations worldwide to end energy poverty, double energy efficiency, significantly expand renewable energy and combat climate change. Read more: https://www.seforall.org/

Media Contacts: 
The Ministry of Energy, Government of Sierra Leone
Austine Luseni, Communications Specialist,  Ministry of Energy 
austineluseni@gmail.com | +232 34 157 390

Delegation of the European Union to Sierra Leone
N’fa Alie Koroma, Political Press & Information Officer 
N'Fa-Alie.Koroma@eeas.europa.eu | +232 88 136 002

UNOPS
Souhaila Merzougui - Communications Specialist
UNOPS West Africa Multi Country Office | souhailam@unops.org 

Sustainable Energy for All and the Universal Energy Facility
Sherry Kennedy, Director of Communications: 
Sherry.Kennedy@SEforALL.org | +43 676 486 2425