The Solar Hub structure with 6kW installed solar system that provides cleaner and more reliable power source in Mendekelema, Kenema district.
Sierra Leone, rich in untapped energy resources, faces a significant energy challenge marked by a heavy reliance on biomass. Fuelwood accounts for approximately 80% of the country’s energy consumption, underscoring the vulnerability to climate change and highlighting the need for sustainable alternatives. With one of the world’s lowest electricity access rates—26% nationwide and just 6% in rural areas—the energy deficit presents a formidable challenge, especially given the distant prospect of extending the national grid to remote communities.
In response to this pressing need, private sector institutions, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and donor agencies are increasingly investing in renewable energy solutions, particularly solar power. A notable example of this initiative is the Mendekelema Solar Business Hub Project, implemented by SEND Sierra Leone in partnership with Engineers Without Borders-DK through funding from Civilsamfund i Udvikling (CISU), a Danish member based agency for organizations engaged in international development, and other private funding agencies like Ramboll Foundation, Asta & Jul P Justensens Fund, FLSmidth & Co. A/S Donation Fund, and Reinholdt w Jorck og Hustrus Fund. This pioneering project demonstrates how community-cantered solar power solutions can drive transformative change, improving livelihoods and fostering sustainable development in Sierra Leone’s rural heartlands.
Mendekelema, a small community, previously relied heavily on petrol-driven generators for energy, which were both costly and limited in availability. With only a small charging station and minimal energy infrastructure, households depended on non-rechargeable batteries for radios, music players, and torches, while few rice mills were the only fuel-using machinery available.
The establishment of the solar power hub by SEND Sierra Leone through the support of Engineers Without Boarders represents a significant shift in addressing Mendekelema’s energy needs. The 6kW solar system installed at the hub provides a cleaner and more reliable power source, meeting the community’s requirements for lighting, phone charging, and powering small enterprises.
Adult Literacy session of learners in Mendekelema
With the construction of the hub, a facility has been established featuring solar panels, batteries, and advanced technology to deliver green energy. The hub provides households with opportunity to rent solar gadgets and lights at a cost-effective price which are recharged at the hub at a reduced cost. Also, local businesses are now renting rechargeable batteries and equipment, such as cooling boxes, to improve their operations. The hub also offers charging services for various devices, addressing the community’s diverse energy needs.
Additionally, the project integrates Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) groups to provide vulnerable and marginalized populations with financial resources to invest in small-scale businesses. Training 100 entrepreneurs (50 female and 50 male) in business development has equipped them with essential skills to start and grow businesses, encouraging savings, and active participation in community decision-making.
The project also includes an Adult Education program, enabling community members to improve literacy and numeracy skills crucial for managing businesses and understanding business contracts, capacitating over 300 adult learners in Mendekelema and other catchment communities.
The Mendekelema Solar Business Hub Project has significantly impacted the community by improving access to affordable solar energy. It has enhanced living standards through reliable lighting and charging solutions and supported local businesses by providing essential equipment rental services. The project promotes gender equality through inclusive training programs, empowering both men and women in entrepreneurship and decision-making.
Looking ahead, SEND Sierra Leone and its partners plan to build on the project’s success by expanding its reach to more households and businesses. Future efforts will focus on increasing the availability of solar gadgets and services and ensuring the long-term viability of the solar hub through ongoing monitoring and support. Through such investment in and innovation around renewable energy solutions, Sierra Leone can move closer to widespread access to clean and affordable energy that will pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future.
