National Training Program on Clean Mini_Grid Systems focusing on System Design, Instalation and Inspection is in progress in Kenema at the Eastern Technical University Sierra Leone.
> In his welcome address, the Deputy Registrar, Administration at the ETU-SL Mohamed Babay said it is great honor for ETU-SL to host this National workshop on the Clean Mini _Grid Project. Energy access remains one of the most critical bottlenecks to development in Sierra Leone, especially in our rural and peri-urban communities. Clean mini-grids offer a practical, scalable solution and they require skilled people to design, build, operate, and maintain them.
That is why ETU_SL is fully invested in this National effort. Our role as a Technical University is to produce graduates and technicians who for not just understand theory, but can deliver working systems that power homes, clinics, schools, and businesses.
Sierra Leone’s development depends on reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy. Our hospitals can not run without power. Our industries cannot grow without it. Our students cannot study after dark without it. Clean energy is therefore not an environmental luxury, it is an economic and Social necessity.
ETU-SL’s commitment to this project’s success includes Institutional ownership, Quality Training and Safety, Infrastructure and Support, Partnership and Accountability and Service to Sierra Leone.
Delivering the Clean Mini-Grids Design, Installation and Inspection
Speech on behalf of the Ag. Executive Director ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
(ECREEE).
Guei Guillaume F. Kouhie, Program Officer- Renewable Energy Technology.
Distinguished representatives of Eastern Technical University (ETU),
Distinguished trainers from ETU-SL,
Distinguished participants from Njala University and Clean Mini-Grid
Promoters and Developers,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
He express sincere appreciation to Eastern Technical University (ETU) for hosting and organizing this important training in Kenema, as well as for its continued collaboration with ECREEE, in strengthening sustainable energy capacity in the ECOWAS region.
He point out that the training contributes to the operationalization of the ECOWAS Sustainable Energy Skills Certification System and aims to strengthen the quality and reliability of clean mini-grid installations through a skilled and competent workforce, adding the initiative will builds on the Regional Training of Trainers organized in Benin in October 2025, where selected trainers from Regional certification partner centers, including trainers from Eastern Technical University Sierra Leone (ETU-SL), were equipped with the knowledge and tools required for the design, installation and inspection of clean mini-grids.
Today, these trained experts are applying a cascading approach by transferring their knowledge at national level, thereby strengthening institutional capacities and ensuring sustainability of the certification system.
Distinguished participants, this training brings together two key target groups: trainers from Njala University, who will further disseminate knowledge, and individual clean mini-grid promoters and developers selected through a competitive call for applications.
This combination is strategic, as it not only strengthens academic and training institutions but also directly supports practitioners who are actively engaged in the deployment of clean energy solutions.
He went on that the deployment of clean mini-grids is accelerating across West Africa.
However, the sustainability of these investments depends heavily on the quality of design, installation and inspection.
Ensuring that professionals meet recognized standards is therefore essential.
This is precisely the objective of the Level 2 certification targeting designers, installers and inspectors of clean mini-grids.
To further operationalize this level, ECREEE, with the support of the African Development Bank (ADB), is preparing the second phase of the Desert-to-Power West Africa Regional Energy Programme (WAREP Phase II).
This phase will extend activities to all ECOWAS Member States, support national trainings for professionals, strengthen training and examination centers, and be followed by certification examinations.
This will enhance quality assurance, improve technical standards, and promote local content and job creation in the sustainable energy sector.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your role is critical.
Trainers will ensure knowledge multiplication, while developers and promoters will translate this knowledge into practical and sustainable energy solutions on the ground.
He encourage all to actively engage, share experiences, and contribute to the continuous improvement of training programmes and practices.
He commended ECREEE and ETU for their dedication in organizing this important training, he assured all that ECREEE remains committed to strengthening human capacity and accelerating sustainable energy deployment in line with ECOWAS Vision
On behalf of the Dean of Engineering and Innovation Dr. Foday, Christian Nunie Head of Department Civil and Environmental Engineering, told participants that they are not just joining a University , but they are becoming participants of a community that cherishes the progressive integration of technology and Innovation.
Our dedication to cultivating a global perspective is reflected in our extensive National and International collaborations.
One of such collaborative partners is the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency ECREEE for which every one is present.
The main objective among many is to Create an enabling Environment for Renewable Energy and Energy efficiency investments and markets within the ECOWAS Region.
Formally launching the National Training Program on Clean Mini_Grid Systems focusing on System Design, Instalation and Inspection.
The Deputy Registrar, Administration at ETU_SL, Mohamed Babay disclosed that in partnership with ECREEE, ECREEE is proud to officially launch the National Training Program on Clean Mini_Grid Systems.
This initiative is designed to bridge the technical gap in the Renewable Energy sector, focusing on the critical pillars of System Design, Instalation, and Inspection.
The integration of ETU-SL staff into this regional Program ensures the following steps,
Curriculum Development: The insights gained will be integrated into the University’s engineering Programs, creating a sustainable pipeline of local talent.
Standards Alignment: Sierra Leone ‘s Mini _ Grid Inspections will Alignment with ECOWAS regional frame works, attracting further International investment.
Community Resilience: Improved System Designs will lead to lower tariffs and higher uptime for rural consumers.
The head of Renewable Energy Department at the Eastern Technical University Sierra Leone,
Ing. Demeh Lahai Pumagoi, said on behalf of ETU_SL extends it deepest gratitude to ECREEE, Africa Development Bank (ADB) for their unwavering support in selecting Eastern Technical University of Sierra as the Regional Training Center and examination Center.
Adding one of such collaborative partners is the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency ECREEE for which every one is present.
The main objective among many is to Create an enabling Environment for Renewable Energy and Energy efficiency investments and markets within the ECOWAS Region.\
