By: Audrey Raymonda John
Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates and Permanent Representative to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Rashid Sesay, has reiterated the country’s strong commitment to the global energy transition during the ‘IRENA Embassy Briefing’ held in Abu Dhabi.
In his remarks, Ambassador Sesay expressed gratitude to IRENA for organizing the briefing and commended its effective coordination of the Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA) a strategic initiative formed by African countries, including Sierra Leone, to coordinate and fast-track the continent’s energy transition.
He highlighted that, under the leadership of the Office of the President, Sierra Leone has fully embraced APRA as a vital platform to drive the nation’s energy transition and support green industrial development.
Ambassador Sesay also emphasized key progress made through this partnership, noting that IRENA, in its role as APRA Secretariat, played a pivotal role in mobilizing financing for Sierra Leone’s Bumbuna II Hydroelectric Project. The project secured a $45 million commitment from the OPEC Fund, following its presentation at the inaugural APRA Investment Forum held in Kenya last year.
“APRA is also supporting Sierra Leone in expanding energy access through mini-grid models, which enhance rural electrification and stimulate local economic activities,” he stated. “We look forward to hosting the second APRA Investment Forum later this year in Freetown. It will be a key opportunity to showcase emerging investment opportunities and strengthen international collaboration in support of our Heads of State commitments outlined in the Nairobi Declaration.”
IRENA Director General Francesco La Camera, in his address, underscored IRENA’s central role in advancing the global energy transition. He noted that the agency serves as the custodian of the global tripling target established under the UAE Consensus at COP28.
“Last year marked another record-breaking achievement for renewables, which accounted for more than 93% of new power capacity added in 2024,” La Camera said. He also emphasized the impact of IRENA’s regional initiatives, including the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative (LHI), APRA, and the Accelerated Partnership for Renewable Energy in Central Asia (APRECA). These programs, he noted, demonstrate IRENA’s commitment to context-specific partnerships that foster long-term, sustainable energy transformation.
IRENA, an intergovernmental organization with 170 member countries, continues to lead international coordination and policy development on renewable energy, supporting global efforts toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.