By: Josephine Sesay

The Government of Sierra Leone has officially endorsed a pioneering renewable energy project on Sherbro Island, marking a significant milestone in the country’s transition to clean energy, the project , Sierra Leone’s first hybrid renewable energy installation ,will combine wind turbines, solar panels, and battery storage to provide reliable electricity to over 1,500 homes in the region,

spearheaded by Akuna group, co-founded by actor and entrepreneur Idris Elba, in partnership with UK-based clean energy leader octopus energy, the project is scheduled for completion by March 2026. It represents octopus energy’s first renewable energy venture in Africa, leveraging their global experience managing more than 350 renewable energy farms worldwide

This is a transformative step for Sierra Leone, especially for underserved communities like those on Sherbro Island,” said Chief Minister David Sengeh, who has been a strong advocate of the initiative, with government support and strong private sector collaboration, we are moving toward a future where all Sierra Leoneans have access to clean, reliable power.

The collaboration began with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Akuna Group and Octopus Energy, and has since received high-level follow-up support during global events such as Global Citizen Now in the United States, the UN General Assembly in New York, and the Sierra Leone Investment Forum.

Zoisa North-Bond, CEO of Octopus Energy Generation, emphasized the broader vision behind the project, this is more than just a single development. It’s a blueprint for how renewable energy can empower communities across Africa. We’re excited to bring our expertise to Sherbro Island and help light up homes, schools, and businesses.”

Sherbro Island, located in Bonthe district in the southwest of Sierra Leone, has long struggled with limited energy access, Nationally, lessthan 10 percent of the rural population has access to electricity, the government’s rural renewable energy project (RREP), which focuses on solar-powered mini-grids, is already working to address this gap , and the Sherbro Island initiative is expected to serve as a flagship model for future developments.

With regulatory approvals secured and construction plans underway, the Sherbro Island hybrid wind and solar farm stands to significantly enhance energy security, drive local economic growth, and support Sierra Leone’s long-term climate and sustainability goals.

this project is a game-changer not just for Sherbro Island, but for the entire Bonthe district, said a spokesperson for Akuna group, we hope it will inspire similar projects across Sierra Leone and beyond.

As Sierra Leone moves to diversify its energy sources and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, this innovative public-private partnership sets a new standard for sustainable development in the region.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 22nd October 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)