SOGREA, in partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone and the private sector, has launched its Investment Support Windows to accelerate the deployment of Green Mini-Grids (GMGs) across rural areas, aiming to expand electricity access and advance the country’s universal energy goals. The initiative, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNOPS through Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), provides €22 million in catalytic investment support to incentivize private developers and operators to finance, build, and operate mini-grids, supporting financially sustainable electrification.
The investment support is designed to cover part of the capital expenditure for new and upgraded GMGs, helping to lower electricity tariffs while bridging the gap between the cost of energy supply and what households can afford. This approach complements Sierra Leone’s recent mini-grid reforms, including state-of-the-art regulations and a robust tariff-setting mechanism, which together create a conducive environment for private sector engagement and attract both donor and private capital.
The investment follows a milestone-triggered, phased payment model, where funds are released only upon achieving specific targets such as equipment arrival, commissioning, and certification of GMGs. This system, supported by third-party verification and on-site checks, ensures transparency, accountability, and high standards in project delivery. SEforALL’s Universal Energy Facility (UEF) web-based portal is used to monitor progress, verify connections via smart meters, and maintain the integrity of the project.
SOGREA’s launch emphasizes the importance of public-private partnerships in scaling renewable energy infrastructure while strengthening governance and financing in the sector. Communities and civil society are central stakeholders, ensuring inclusivity for youth, women, and vulnerable groups. By unlocking private investment, the initiative aims to drive sustainable energy access, stimulate rural economic growth, and transform lives, positioning green mini-grids as a catalyst for national development in Sierra Leone.
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