By: Usman Fambuleh
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), in partnership with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the European Union (EU) and the Government of Sierra Leone, has launched the Sustainable Rural Development through Renewable Energy with Special Focus on Women-Led Enterprises in Sierra Leone (SURE) Project.
The launch ceremony was held on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at the Lead Hotel in Aberdeen, Freetown, bringing together government officials, development partners, private-sector representatives and other stakeholders in the energy sector.
Delivering the welcome address, GIZ Country Director, Rephael Frerking, emphasised that access to electricity must translate into productive economic activities to drive sustainable development.
He explained that reliable electricity could enable farmers to process and preserve agricultural produce, help small businesses expand and create jobs, while providing women entrepreneurs with opportunities to grow their businesses and increase their incomes.
Mr Frerking noted that the SURE Project builds on nine years of collaboration with national and international partners through the Energising Development (EnDev) Programme and the TEUSL-1 initiative, which have focused on expanding renewable energy access and promoting its productive use.
He stressed that sustainable rural development requires more than access to electricity, highlighting the need for strong institutions, skilled professionals, improved access to finance and viable business models. He also called for barriers limiting women’s access to finance, business skills and economic opportunities to be addressed, while encouraging their participation and leadership in Sierra Leone’s energy transition.
Reaffirming GIZ’s commitment to the initiative, he said the organisation would continue working with the Government of Sierra Leone, the EU, BMZ, private-sector players, financial institutions and local communities to ensure the project’s sustainability. He added that its success would depend on national ownership, strong partnerships and capable local businesses, with lasting improvements in people’s lives serving as the ultimate measure of its impact.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Energy, Cyril Grant, highlighted the importance of renewable energy in promoting sustainable development and improving access to reliable energy services, particularly in rural communities.
He explained that the SURE Project is designed to provide affordable, reliable and climate-friendly energy services to rural households, social institutions and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), with particular attention to businesses owned and managed by women.
Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security, Hon. Dr Kandeh Yumkella, welcomed the initiative and commended the German Government for its continued support to Sierra Leone.
He emphasised that access to energy must translate into increased productivity and tangible economic benefits for ordinary people. Drawing on developments in India and other parts of the world, Dr Yumkella expressed optimism that the project would deliver meaningful results in the coming years.
Speaking on behalf of the European Union, Philippe Rousseau underscored the importance of connecting renewable energy access with productive economic activities.
He said the EU’s support for the SURE Project reflects its commitment to sustainable development, stronger rural businesses and expanded economic opportunities, particularly for women-led enterprises. He further highlighted the importance of cooperation among government institutions, development partners and the private sector in achieving lasting results.
Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Hon. Dr Haja Ramatulai Wurie, described the SURE Project as an important initiative for strengthening knowledge, skills, creativity and enterprise.
She welcomed the programme, noting that her ministry’s mandate extends beyond producing graduates to developing individuals capable of innovating, creating jobs and contributing meaningfully to their communities.
Dr Wurie said the project supports the Government’s human capital development agenda, particularly in agriculture, digitalisation, infrastructure and renewable energy. She noted that it would create opportunities for academic researchers and technologists to contribute to innovation in the energy sector while strengthening institutional capacity and curriculum development.
She further highlighted the programme’s focus on workplace learning, apprenticeships and internships, encouraging businesses to participate directly in skills development. According to her, the project’s success should not be measured solely by the number of participants but also by how many secure employment, establish viable businesses and contribute to the renewable energy sector.
GIZ Sierra Leone Head of Programme, David Otieno, said the initiative would focus on promoting the productive use of renewable energy, strengthening institutional capacity, advancing technical and vocational education and training, and improving the enabling environment for sustainable energy markets.
He explained that the project is being implemented by GIZ in close collaboration with the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education and other public- and private-sector partners, with co-financing from the European Union.
The ceremony concluded with the official launch of the SURE Project, marking another milestone in development cooperation between Sierra Leone and its international partners to expand sustainable energy access, strengthen rural livelihoods and promote inclusive economic growth.
Commissioned by BMZ, co-funded by the European Union and implemented by GIZ, the project is led by the Ministry of Energy in collaboration with other government institutions. It is scheduled to run from January 2026 to December 2029.
The programme will promote renewable energy technologies, digitalisation and the productive use of energy to improve rural value chains, support MSMEs, create employment and increase women’s participation in economic activities. It will also strengthen public institutions, improve access to finance and provide technical training for stakeholders in the renewable energy sector.
Other planned interventions include establishing a Centre of Excellence for renewable energy training, introducing digital tools to improve sector planning, and expanding solar home systems, mini-grids, microgrids and agricultural solar technologies.
The project will also seek to strengthen financial services for renewable energy investments and support Village Savings and Loan Associations to improve access to sustainable financing, particularly in underserved communities.
By 2029, the SURE Project aims to improve the value chains of 680 MSMEs, with 55 per cent being women-led; provide 250 stakeholders with scholarships related to the productive use of energy; support more than 80,000 people in hard-to-reach communities with renewable energy solutions; and establish a fully equipped Centre of Excellence.
The programme is expected to build on previous renewable energy interventions in Sierra Leone by expanding economic opportunities for rural communities and women-led enterprises.
