By Sahr Ibrahim Komba
The Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security (PI-CREF), Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, has commissioned a 17.1 KWP solar-powered Integrated Energy Centre (IEC) in Fogbo Village, describing access to reliable energy as a critical driver of economic growth, improved healthcare, and sustainable development.
The facility, developed through a partnership between the Energy Nexus Network (TENN), Goal Sierra Leone, Jersey Overseas Aid, and international donor partners, is expected to provide clean and reliable electricity to support businesses, education, and productive economic activities in the community.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Dr. Yumkella emphasized that energy is central to development and improving the lives of ordinary citizens.
“Light is life. Water is life. But in today’s world, energy is at the centre of development. Without electricity, hospitals cannot function effectively, businesses cannot grow, and communities cannot prosper,” he said.
Dr. Yumkella noted that renewable energy projects have become a major priority under President Julius Maada Bio’s administration, particularly in rural communities where access to electricity remains limited.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to provide electricity to hundreds of Primary Healthcare Units and hospitals across the country, stressing that reliable power is essential for quality healthcare delivery.
“Many rural health facilities now have electricity because we recognize that saving lives depends on reliable energy. Blood storage, emergency services, and medical equipment all require power,” he stated.
The former United Nations energy expert also pointed to the economic benefits of mini-grid systems, noting that affordable electricity enables small businesses, fish processors, barbers, tailors, and traders to increase their incomes.
The centre currently serves seven entrepreneurs, including four women and three men, providing access to productive-use equipment such as refrigerators, an ice cream machine, a popcorn machine, and printing and photocopying facilities.
James Riak Mathiang, Country Director of Goal Sierra Leone, said the project emerged directly from consultations with residents under the Blue Economy Programme, which has been implemented in partnership with TENN since 2023.
According to Goal Sierra Leone, assessments conducted in Fogbo identified the lack of reliable electricity as one of the community’s greatest challenges.
“Women and small businesses were struggling daily because they lacked proper storage facilities and dependable energy. Income opportunities were being lost, and economic growth was constrained,” the organization stated.
Goal Sierra Leone thanked donor partners, including Jersey Overseas Aid, and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting climate resilience, economic empowerment, and sustainable development in rural communities.
Chief Operations Officer of TENN, Dr. Paul T. Yillia, described the facility as a platform for innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital inclusion.
He said access to energy and internet connectivity can significantly reduce inequalities between rural and urban communities.
“Today, a young person in a village can access the same information available anywhere in the world, provided there is electricity and internet access,” Dr. Yillia said.
He revealed plans to use the centre as an incubation hub where young people can develop business ideas, access digital learning opportunities, and explore new technologies.
Dr. Yillia noted that access to affordable internet, computers, and training could help transform the lives of young people in rural Sierra Leone.
He encouraged students and entrepreneurs to utilize the facility to improve their educational outcomes and business prospects.
Representatives of the German development agency GIZ commended TENN and its partners for their commitment to expanding access to clean energy.
GIZ representative David praised Dr. Yumkella’s long-standing leadership in the global energy sector and expressed optimism about future collaboration in Sierra Leone.
He said the Fogbo Energy Centre aligns with broader efforts to promote productive use of energy and community-based economic development.
“We are proud to support initiatives that create opportunities for people, strengthen livelihoods, and contribute to sustainable development,” he said.
Community Management Association Chairman and local spokesperson, who represented residents of Fogbo, described the project as one of the most significant developments the community has received.
He said residents are already experiencing the benefits of reliable electricity and expect the facility to improve security, support businesses, and create new opportunities for education and income generation.
The chairman disclosed that a seven-member management committee will oversee the operation and maintenance of the centre.
Funds generated through user fees will be deposited into a dedicated bank account to ensure repairs, maintenance, and long-term sustainability.
He also highlighted community efforts to protect the environment through local by-laws aimed at reducing mangrove destruction.
One of the beneficiaries, Isatu Kamara, a physically challenged mother of four, shared an emotional testimony about how the project has transformed her life.
Isatu explained that after losing a leg following a childhood accident, she faced years of hardship trying to support her family.
She said receiving a freezer through the project has enabled her to start a small business selling ice and cold drinks to fishermen and community residents.
“This opportunity has changed my life. Before, it was very difficult to survive. Now I have a source of income and can better support my children,” she said.
She expressed gratitude to the project partners and community leaders for creating opportunities for vulnerable people to improve their livelihoods.
The commissioning of the Integrated Energy Centre marks another step in Sierra Leone’s efforts to expand renewable energy access, strengthen rural economies, and improve living conditions in underserved communities.
