By Josephine Sesay
In a major step toward climate resilience and green economic development, the Government of Sierra Leone has signed two landmark partnership agreements with leading environmental companies during the UN Climate Week in New York. The deals, facilitated through the Association of Carbon Conservation and Reforestation (ACCR), position Sierra Leone as a regional frontrunner in carbon finance and nature-based solutions.
The agreements were formalized with Rainforest Builder (SL) Limited and West Africa Blue, two private-sector leaders in ecosystem restoration and climate innovation. These partnerships are expected to bring significant environmental, social, and economic benefits to Sierra Leone’s rural communities, while contributing to global climate goals. Reforesting the Future: Local Impact, Global Reach
Rainforest Builder, operating in Moyamba District, is already restoring 12,000 hectares of degraded tropical forest and has created over 1,000 jobs. The company plans to double employment to 2,400 by 2031, using cutting-edge forest restoration science coupled with deep community engagement.
Meanwhile, West Africa Blue, also known as The Africa Conservation Initiative, is driving coastal regeneration efforts in the Sherbro River Estuary. The initiative focuses on blue carbon, particularly mangrove restoration, protecting marine biodiversity while empowering women and local communities with sustainable livelihood opportunities.
A Growing Climate Alliance
The deals form part of a broader strategy spearheaded by the ACCR, a national trade association representing six major private carbon developers in Sierra Leone. Supported by the UK Government’s Invest Salone program, ACCR members work closely with communities to regenerate ecosystems and unlock economic opportunities through sustainable carbon finance.
Among their combined achievements, over 4.5 million trees planted nationwide, Tens of thousands of hectares of forests and mangroves protected, 250,000 clean cookstoves delivered to households, More than 4,500 jobs created across rural Sierra Leone ACCR Chairman Ben Hampson, who also serves as Business Development Director at Rainforest Builder, described the agreements as a “defining moment” for Sierra Leone’s carbon sector.
“This marks a new era for sustainable development in Sierra Leone. These partnerships open doors to massive job creation, ecosystem renewal, and financial innovation. We thank the Government for its leadership and vision in creating a strong foundation for a national carbon market,” he said. Cross-Ministerial Support and Vision
The signing ceremony was attended by key government stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministries of Environment and Climate Change, Trade and Industry, Finance, and the Office of the President. All hailed the agreements as a turning point in Sierra Leone’s sustainable development journey.
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change identified the initiative as a flagship project for biodiversity restoration and a model for nature-based climate solutions in West Africa.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry emphasized the potential to attract ethical private investments and stimulate rural industries such as carbon markets and agroforestry.
The Ministry of Finance highlighted the long-term fiscal value, aligning with Sierra Leone’s Green Growth Strategy and efforts to leverage climate finance for national development.
Sierra Leone’s first formal carbon partnership was signed in 2024 with Del Agua, a company experienced in clean cookstove projects across Africa. Through its “Livɛ Fyn” (Live Well) initiative, over 700,000 households are expected to receive fuel-efficient stoves, supported by 1,600 youth volunteers promoting health, environmental, and economic awareness.
With growing momentum, ACCR and its partners are now advocating for the swift implementation of a national Carbon Market Framework, expected to unlock even greater investment and impact in the next 2–5 years.
This is more than just about carbon offsets, said Hampson. It’s about transforming lives, protecting nature, and building a future where people and the planet thrive together. Parliamentary ratification of the new agreements is expected in the coming weeks.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday, 3rd October 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
