By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara
Professor Kelleh Gbawuru Mansaray, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Fourah Bay College, has led Sierra Leone’s participation in the Circular Economy Powered Renewable Energy Centre (CEPREC) kick-off meeting in the United Kingdom. Held from March 24-28, 2025, the event convened experts from the UK and six African nations—Sierra Leone, South Africa, Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda, and Nigeria—to accelerate Africa’s transition to sustainable energy through research and development.
CEPREC, a UK-funded multi-million-dollar initiative, unites leading institutions such as De Montfort University, the University of Warwick, and Chatham House (UK) with African universities and industry partners. Its core objective is to integrate circular economy principles into renewable microgrid technologies, fostering innovative and sustainable energy solutions for the continent. Professor Muyiwa Oyinlola, Professor of Innovation for Sustainable Development at De Montfort University, emphasized, “CEPREC is set to transform the way we think about waste—turning it into opportunity.”
During the weeklong meeting, discussions focused on implementing circular microgrids, addressing energy storage challenges, and strengthening collaborations with governments and private sector stakeholders. The delegation also visited Chatham House for high-level talks with African High Commissioners on developing policy frameworks to advance sustainable energy initiatives.
Energy access remains a pressing global development issue, particularly in developing nations. Despite its significant renewable energy potential—including solar, hydro, and biomass—Sierra Leone continues to face energy sector challenges, particularly in rural communities.
Recognizing this, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio has made energy sector reforms a national priority. His administration appointed Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, former Director-General of UNIDO, as Chair of the Energy Governance Coordination Group (EGCG) and launched the Energy Transition and Green Growth Plan, aimed at achieving 100% electrification by 2040. Additionally, the government has secured a $480 million Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) grant to expand affordable energy access and integrated Sierra Leone’s national electricity system into the West African Power Pool (WAPP), linking the country with three neighboring nations to enhance regional energy cooperation.
Professor Kelleh Gbawuru Mansaray highlighted CEPREC’s role in training local energy professionals, fostering clean energy innovation, and developing policies to fast-track Sierra Leone’s energy transition. “By integrating circular economy principles, we are paving the way for sustainable and inclusive energy access that supports economic transformation and community resilience,” he stated.
With increasing investments in renewable energy, capacity-building programs, and high-impact international collaborations, Sierra Leone is strategically positioning itself at the forefront of Africa’s clean energy revolution.
Professor Mansaray, who leads Sierra Leone’s engagement at CEPREC, is a distinguished scholar with a PhD in Energy Engineering, specializing in Bioenergy Systems. He has an impressive academic record with numerous scholarly publications and prestigious international scientific awards. As part of this initiative, he will also supervise at least three Sierra Leonean PhD students conducting research in Circular Economy Microgrid Technologies.
Sierra Leone’s active involvement in this collaborative multi-sectoral research, capacity-building, and policy-driven initiative reaffirms its commitment to leveraging circular economy principles to support Africa’s energy transition.
President Bio’s vision of pursuing durable solutions to enduring national challenges is reflected in Sierra Leone’s engagement in clean energy technologies. This initiative aims to set a new benchmark for sustainable energy solutions, ultimately expanding affordable energy access across Africa, including in Sierra Leone.