By Sahr Ibrahim Komba
FREETOWN, OCT. 7th (SALONE TIMES) –
Ecobank Sierra Leone and Salone Solar, with support from The Energy Nexus Network (TENN), have launched an Asset and Finance Partnership aimed at making renewable energy more affordable and accessible to Sierra Leoneans through flexible financing.
The partnership, launched on 14 July 2026, enables customers to access solar energy systems through Ecobank financing, helping bridge the financial gap that has limited the adoption of clean energy solutions.
In his statement, the Managing Director of Ecobank Sierra Leone, Sebastian Ashong-Katai, said Ecobank supports businesses beyond banking by providing financing that helps customers, suppliers and the wider business ecosystem grow.
He described energy as a key driver of Sierra Leone’s development and said the bank is committed to investing in sustainable energy solutions.
Ashong-Katai highlighted the Ecobank Group’s recently launched US$450 million sustainability bond to finance environmentally friendly projects and noted that Ecobank Sierra Leone operates the country’s first fully solar-powered bank branch at Clyde Town.
He praised Salone Solar’s efforts to build local capacity and expressed confidence in a long-term partnership that will make solar energy more accessible to Sierra Leoneans through affordable financing.
Speaking at the launch, TENN’s Operational Manager and Chief of Operations, Dr. Paul T. Yillia, said the initiative marks a major milestone in strengthening Sierra Leone’s renewable energy ecosystem.
He noted that TENN is committed to promoting renewable energy solutions and supporting small businesses operating in the sector.
Dr. Yillia identified access to finance as the biggest challenge facing the renewable energy industry, stressing that affordable financing for end users is essential to increasing clean energy adoption.
He explained that the partnership allows customers to acquire solar systems and repay over time, while Salone Solar receives payment upfront through Ecobank.
He also disclosed that tariffs on renewable energy products have been reduced and revealed that Salone Solar, with TENN’s support, has helped solarize nearly 20 hospitals and several small businesses across the country.
Despite these gains, Dr. Yillia noted that electricity access remains a major challenge, with national access standing at about 36 percent, compared to just 6 percent in rural communities.
He called for stronger collaboration among government, financial institutions and development partners to expand energy access, particularly in underserved rural areas.
The company’s Head of Marketing for Salone Solar, said the partnership aims to address financial barriers preventing customers from investing in solar energy.
He explained that Salone Solar provides services including energy assessment, system design, installation, and maintenance for homes, industries, and businesses.
Chief Engineer Mohamed Ndodjaro said the company has supported various sectors, including agriculture and fuel stations, by providing solar solutions to reduce reliance on expensive diesel and improve productivity.
He added that Salone Solar offers systems ranging from small backup solutions to large-scale installations, with warranties, maintenance support, and customer training to ensure sustainability.
The partnership is expected to increase access to renewable energy and support Sierra Leone’s transition toward cleaner and more reliable power solutions.
