Freetown, Sierra Leone’s capital, continues to face severe challenges in providing safe and reliable water to its rapidly growing population. Years of post-conflict urban expansion, an overburdened public utility system and increasing climate pressures have left many residents—particularly women and young people—struggling daily to access clean water.
Water access remains critically low across the city and country. A 2015 African Development Bank report shows that only a small share of Sierra Leoneans have water available on their premises, while a majority still rely on unsafe sources. To address these gaps, the Blue Peace Financing Initiative is investing in solar-powered water kiosks and public toilets throughout Freetown. These facilities not only improve water access but also cut carbon emissions by reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Early assessments indicate promising results, including improvements in water quality and measurable gains in household water security.
Against this backdrop, the Freetown Blue Peace Financing Initiative has emerged as a transformative model. Developed through a partnership between the UN Capital Development Fund and the Freetown City Council, and funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation with additional backing from the UN Peacebuilding Fund, the initiative is reshaping how the city finances and manages essential water infrastructure.
The program blends concessional financing linked to sustainability outcomes with community-based service delivery. Its solar-powered water kiosks represent a shift toward greener urban infrastructure, while ensuring that more residents have access to clean and affordable water. This sustainability-first approach is embedded in the project’s financial design, where environmental performance influences capital deployment. Revenue generated from reasonably priced water services strengthens the long-term investment case for the city, demonstrating how early-stage UNCDF financing can de-risk essential public infrastructure and enable socially inclusive, financially viable urban water solutions.
