Climate Fund Managers backs Sierra Leone project
The project aims to address waste management and energy access challenges in Sierra Leone.
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Climate Fund Managers (CFM), a climate-focused blended finance investment manager operating across Africa, Asia and Latin America, has announced its latest investment to co-develop a 30MW municipal waste-to-energy project in Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone.
The project, a partnership with Infinitum Energy Group, aims to address waste management and energy access challenges in Sierra Leone.
CFM has committed $3.1 million in development funding from its EU-supported Climate Investor Two Fund, a blended finance facility focused on water, waste and oceans infrastructure in emerging markets.
Sierra Leone faces severe waste management challenges driven by rapid urbanisation and inadequate infrastructure. Overwhelmed dumpsites like Kingtom and Kissy, established in the 1940s and 1980s, have led to the emergence of numerous illegal dumpsites. Together, these sites contribute to acute health risks, clogged waterways with heightened flood risks, and the release of hazardous materials into the environment. Meanwhile, only 22% of the population has access to electricity, up to 40% of which is generated from expensive and harmful fossil fuels, leaving millions without reliable power.
The new waste-to-energy facility will provide reliable baseload power, complementing the country’s existing hydropower supply and addressing energy shortages during the dry season.
Darron Johnson, regional head of Africa at CFM, said: “This waste-to-energy project exemplifies our commitment to creating scalable solutions that address climate, social, and economic challenges in Africa. By transforming Freetown’s waste into a sustainable energy source, we’re not only reducing emissions but also catalysing economic opportunities and improving community health. This partnership underscores the importance of blended finance to absorb early-stage project risks and develop innovative infrastructure solutions in emerging markets.”
Lindsay Nagle, CEO of Infinitum Energy Group, commented: “Infinitum is proud to partner with CFM on this landmark project. By leveraging proven technology and a robust public-private partnership model, we are addressing two critical issues facing Freetown: waste management and reliable energy access. Together, we are demonstrating what is possible when private sector innovation and government collaboration come together to pave the way for a cleaner, greener future for Sierra Leone.”
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