ABU DHABI, UAE – Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates and Permanent Representative to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Ambassador Rashid Sesay, has reaffirmed the country’s strong commitment to the global energy transition during an IRENA Embassy Briefing held on Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Abu Dhabi.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Sesay praised IRENA’s coordination of the Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA)—a continent-wide initiative to fast-track the adoption of renewable energy. He noted that Sierra Leone, under the direction of the Office of the President, is actively embracing APRA as a strategic platform to drive both energy transition and green industrial development.
Highlighting key progress, the ambassador announced that IRENA had facilitated a $45 million commitment from the OPEC Fund for the Bumbuna 2 Hydroelectric Extension Project, following its presentation at last year’s APRA Investment Forum in Kenya.
He further stated that APRA is supporting the expansion of rural electrification in Sierra Leone through mini-grid systems, boosting energy access and local economic activity.
“We look forward to hosting the second APRA Investment Forum later this year in Freetown,” Sesay added. “It will be a critical opportunity to showcase emerging projects and deepen international collaboration in line with our Heads of State commitment under the Nairobi Declaration.”
IRENA Director General Francesco La Camera reaffirmed the agency’s leadership in global renewable energy efforts. He cited that renewables accounted for over 93% of all new power capacity globally in 2024, in line with the UAE Consensus goals established at COP28.
He also highlighted regional efforts such as APRA, the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative, and the Accelerated Partnership for Renewable Energy in Central Asia (APRECA) as examples of IRENA’s drive toward context-specific solutions and transformative partnerships.
IRENA, which includes 170 member countries, remains the central body for coordinating international policy and supporting the global shift to sustainable energy.
By Rose Kanu
