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Dr Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, Chairman of Sierra Leone’s Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security (PI-CREF), has been appointed Patron of the West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL).
The appointment was announced in recognition of Dr Yumkella’s long-standing contributions to climate action, renewable energy, environmental sustainability and sustainable development across Africa.
WASCAL, a leading regional institution focused on climate research, capacity building and policy support, said the appointment reflects Dr Yumkella’s decades of leadership in advancing clean energy and climate resilience initiatives on the continent.
Dr Yumkella currently heads PI-CREF, where he is leading efforts to expand renewable energy, strengthen food security and promote climate adaptation in Sierra Leone. His new continental role is expected to reinforce collaboration between WASCAL and West African countries in addressing the growing impacts of climate change.
Before assuming his current position, Dr Yumkella served in several senior international roles, including Director-General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer of Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL).
The appointment is being viewed as another major milestone in Dr Yumkella’s international career and a recognition of his continued influence in shaping climate and energy policy in Africa.
Observers say WASCAL is expected to benefit from his extensive experience in global development, climate governance and sustainable energy as the institution expands its research and resilience programmes across the sub-region.
The fresh continental appointment has also been welcomed by supporters and stakeholders, who described it as a fitting acknowledgement of Dr Yumkella’s enduring commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
