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Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Rashid Sesay, reiterated Sierra Leone’s dedication to the global energy transition during the ‘IRENA Embassy Briefing’ held in Abu Dhabi.
The event was organized by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), which reportedly plays a critical role in supporting countries’ efforts toward sustainable energy solutions.
Ambassador Sesay expressed gratitude to IRENA for its coordination of the Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA).
The initiative, established by several African nations including Sierra Leone, aims to enhance energy transition across the continent. Ambassador Sesay confirmed that under the coordination of the Office of the President, Sierra Leone has fully embraced APRA as a strategic platform to accelerate its energy transition and green industrial development.
Notably, Ambassador Sesay admitted the successful collaboration with IRENA in financing the Bumbuna 2 extension project. The project received a significant boost with a $45 million commitment from the OPEC Fund, facilitated by IRENA during the first APRA Investment Forum held in Kenya last year. This funding is expected to advance Sierra Leone’s infrastructure in renewable energy.
Sesay further noted that APRA is assisting Sierra Leone in expanding energy access through mini-grid models aimed at rural electrification and fostering local economic activities. “We look forward to hosting the second APRA Investment Forum later this year in Freetown, which will be a key moment to present emerging opportunities and deepen international collaboration in our APRA countries,” he added, referencing the commitments outlined in the Nairobi Declaration.
IRENA’s Director General, Francesco La Camera, acknowledged the agency’s pivotal role in the global energy transition, particularly as the custodian of the tripling target established by the UAE Consensus at COP28. He reported that last year marked a record for renewables, accounting for more than 93% of new power capacity globally in 2024.
“Our regional initiatives such as the IRENA SIDS Lighthouses Initiative, the Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa, and the recently launched Accelerated Partnership for Renewable Energy in Central Asia demonstrate our commitment to context-driven partnerships and solutions,” La Camera stated, reinforcing the importance of regional cooperation for sustainable transformation.
IRENA, with a global membership of 170 countries, notably serves as a central hub for international coordination and policy development in the energy sector, supporting nations like Sierra Leone in their endeavors toward a sustainable energy future.
