By Millicent Mannah
Access to electricity in Sierra Leone remains a challenge especially for the rural population where only 6.4% has access to electricity. The time, cost and reliability of getting electricity for businesses remain big challenges to the growth of the private sector and the country’s struggling economy.
It was against that backdrop that CARE, an International Non-Governmental Organization, launched the Solar Harnessed Entrepreneurs Project on the 27th January 2022. The launch, which was held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Aberdeen in Freetown is geared towards developing profitable and sustainable renewable energy-enabled businesses for women.
Yaikah Jeng-Joof , the Country Director of CARE explained that the key goal of the project is to develop profitable and sustainable renewable energy-enabled businesses for women through financing, capacity building, and enhanced market access.
She continued that the businesses range from agro-enterprises focusing on key value chains – rice, palm oil, cassava/coffee, fish and other feminine owned businesses.
Madam Yaikah further revealed how the project is targeting up to 7000 women entrepreneurs in 20 communities which include; Women Cooperative Groups, women already engaged in (Agri-) business and many more.
The Keynote speaker, who was the Deputy Minister of Energy, Dr Eldred Taylor, commended CARE operating in the country since 1961 and for the various good works they have so far implemented in the country.
He pointed out that, as a Ministry, they want to assure the organization that they will continue to provide all the necessary incentives that will make their activities impactful.
“The Government will collaborate with CARE to improve the lives and livelihoods of women living in the rural communities in the country,” the Deputy Minister assured.
The Deputy Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Buakai Bindi Hindowa, stated that as a Ministry they are delighted over the launching of such a Project, which according to him, will see women in the country benefit from renewable energy-enabled businesses.
“Today is a hip-hop making event; it is all about empowering women in rural communities. I am sure that providing electricity or renewable energy in our local communities will improve the livelihoods of families,” he noted
The event was climaxed with an interactive question and answer session by the participants and organizers.
