By Alhaji Haruna Sani
Kate Thompson, Ecobank Sierra Leone’s Head of Consumer Banking and Hussein Sharaffdeen, CEO of MultiTech officially signing their partnership
In a landmark collaboration aimed at expanding access to renewable energy in Sierra Leone, Ecobank Sierra Leone has partnered with MultiTech Sierra Leone to provide solar-powered solutions through accessible asset financing.
The partnership, launched on December 13 at the El-Greco Complex in Aberdeen, attracted key government officials, corporate leaders, and media representatives.
Kate Thompson, Ecobank Sierra Leone’s Head of Consumer Banking, underscored the partnership’s significance, highlighting the urgent need for renewable energy across Africa. “Only 68% of Africa’s population has access to electricity, leaving approximately 600 million people (43%) without power,” she said. “Our vision at Ecobank is that no child should grow up without electricity, and no small business should fail due to lack of energy.”
Through the partnership, Ecobank will offer solar asset financing to customers purchasing MultiTech’s solar products. Packages start from less than Le 1,500 per unit, with complete solar solutions — including a solar panel, standing fan, three lamps, and a battery — available for under Le 19,000, payable over 36 months. “Once customers meet the qualifying criteria, Ecobank will cover the product’s cost, allowing immediate delivery with repayment spread over time,” Thompson explained.
Hussein Sharaffdeen, CEO of MultiTech, hailed the partnership as a transformative step toward sustainable energy in Sierra Leone. “This collaboration makes solar power accessible and affordable, reducing the financial burden on households,” he noted. “We are launching not just a business initiative but a movement toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.”
He emphasized that Sierra Leone’s estimated 2,180 hours of sunshine annually is a resource that should be harnessed. “The high upfront cost of solar systems often deters adoption, but Ecobank’s accessible loans eliminate that barrier,” Sharaffdeen added.
The partnership aligns with the government’s energy strategy, according to Dr. Eldred Taylor, Deputy Minister of Energy, who praised Ecobank and MultiTech’s initiative. “Access to capital has been a major bottleneck in private-sector energy development. Ecobank’s intervention bridges this critical gap,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkellah, Chairman of the Energy Governance Group, Taylor noted that creating financial mechanisms to support renewable energy is essential for national development.
Deputy Minister of Energy 2, Edmond Nonie, echoed those sentiments, emphasizing teamwork as central to providing affordable energy solutions. He commended both Ecobank and MultiTech for their forward-thinking approach.
Victor Williams, Ecobank Sierra Leone’s Commercial Banking Manager, outlined the bank’s ongoing commitment to financial inclusion and sustainability. “Our partnership with MultiTech reflects our dedication to promoting clean energy and supporting government efforts toward electrification,” he said.
He added that Ecobank has supported the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) and selected MultiTech for its proven ability to deliver affordable solar energy solutions to all income levels.
The Ecobank-MultiTech partnership is poised to reshape Sierra Leone’s energy landscape, making renewable energy more accessible while fostering environmental sustainability. With this initiative, the dream of a solar-powered Sierra Leone is becoming a reality — one solar panel at a time.
